Cyber threats targeting schools are accelerating — while AI is reshaping both how attacks happen and how they’re stopped.
Join fellow K-12 technology and security leaders for a candid, solutions-focused conversation on how to prioritize risk, strengthen resilience, and keep learning running — no matter what.
Why this matters now: Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue — it’s a learning continuity issue.
- K-12 institutions are among the most targeted sectors for cyberattacks
- Ransomware incidents are disrupting classrooms for days at a time
- AI-powered threats are evolving faster than most districts can adapt
- Shadow AI tools are creating new blind spots in data security
At the same time, leaders are being asked to do more with less — limited budgets, lean teams, and increasing complexity. This event is designed to help you navigate that reality.
Practical frameworks for prioritizing security investments with limited resources
Real-world strategies for managing AI-driven threats and shadow AI risks
Lessons learned from leaders who’ve navigated active incidents and recovery
Clear approaches to balancing security with uninterrupted learning
Connections with peers facing the same challenges
With over 20 years of experience in IT, QA automation, and DevOps, I’ve built my career around solving complex technical problems and delivering scalable solutions. From leading crisis-response IT operations in the U.S. Air Force to architecting enterprise-level automation frameworks in the private sector, my focus has always been on driving reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Today, I serve as Director of IT Consulting Services, where I design and implement test automation infrastructures, performance testing strategies, and CI/CD pipelines for large-scale clients. My background spans SDET, DevOps, and IT leadership roles, giving me a unique perspective on how development, operations, and QA can work together to accelerate delivery without sacrificing quality.
I’m hands-on with tools like Selenium, Rest Assured, JMeter, Jenkins, and Kubernetes, but also deeply experienced with cloud platforms, infrastructure as code, and observability solutions. Beyond the tech, I thrive on mentoring engineers, strengthening teams, and bridging the gap between business goals and technical execution.
I’m passionate about continuous learning and side projects that push the boundaries of automation and efficiency, like developing Swagger Builder, a Python-based CLI tool for multithreaded API discovery and real-time OpenAPI documentation.
Dmitry Shapiro is an accomplished American entrepreneur renowned for his pioneering ventures in technology. As the founder and CEO of MindStudio, Dmitry spearheads a groundbreaking platform that empowers users to effortlessly launch AI applications without any coding knowledge required, revolutionizing the landscape of technology accessibility. Prior to his leadership at MindStudio, Dmitry founded and served as CEO of Koji, an innovative App Store of social mini-apps seamlessly integrated into various Links In Bios. Koji’s visionary approach caught the attention of industry leaders, culminating in its acquisition by Linktree in 2023. Dmitry’s entrepreneurial journey traces back to the inception of the video sharing site Veoh in 2005, where he demonstrated his knack for anticipating and shaping digital trends. His illustrious career also includes notable roles as the CTO at MySpace and Group Product Manager at Google, where he played a pivotal role in driving product innovation and technological advancement. Originally hailing from Russia, Dmitry’s journey to the United States at the age of nine instilled in him a passion for coding and technology, setting the stage for his remarkable contributions to the industry.
As a seasoned Technology Industry Leader and Enterprise Product and Solutions Leader, Amit Tank leads efforts at the intersection of Strategy, Innovation, Product Engineering, AI/ML, and Digital Transformation, AI & Data Governance for Fortune 500 clients. Currently, He is helping drive strategic projects for Top US Telco companies as Enterprise & AI-ML Practice Leader.
He has led high-impact Product and Architecture teams, while building and launching platforms and products that have scaled to more than 3 million active users and subscribers. He also contributes as a keynote speaker, editorial board advisor, and collaborator for open source foundations and other cross-industry initiatives.
Having started his career as a full-stack product engineer and architect and grown into Enterprise Solutions Practice Leader, Amit enjoys building new business opportunities and turnkey solutions for customers by leveraging AI/ML, Agentic AI, and other advanced technologies. He is equally passionate about mentoring and developing product teams and empowering individuals to pursue growth and elevate their impact.
As an Executive Software Delivery and Sales Enablement Leader, I have 20+ years of experience driving enterprise growth. I am also well versed in process optimization, digital transformation strategies, and global team leadership. It is my passion to integrate go-to-market strategy with technical execution, and scale global teams across SaaS, government, and emerging tech sectors. As a Certified Agentic AI developer I am applying my years of experience to assist businesses with their adoption of AI at the worker level through the use of AI Agents in some cases 3x-10x productivity improvement on key knowledge worker tasks.
Richard Taubin joins Kelly SETT / MCG as Director of IT Consulting Sales, bringing 30+ years in technology leadership, AI strategy, and business development. He's the founder of MPRESSED, an 11-year digital agency with 100+ active clients including Harvard Law School and NYSE-listed energy companies, and co-founder of Silicon Bayou Ventures, an AI-native venture studio in Louisiana. Before entrepreneurship, Richard held IT leadership roles at USAA and in enterprise environments across Texas. He's a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm, and holds a BBA in Information Systems from UT San Antonio. Richard lives in Covington, Louisiana with his wife Patricia — and firmly believes the best innovation can come from the Bayou, not just the Valley.
20+ years in security, cloud architecture, and modern workplace transformation. I’ve led large‑scale security and compliance initiatives at Microsoft, built SOAR‑based phishing defense capabilities, and helped education organizations modernize identity, threat protection, and SecOps using Microsoft Entra, Sentinel, Defender, Purview, and AI‑driven security tools.
Co‑founder of the Minnesota Microsoft 365 User Group and recognized through multiple Microsoft awards and Security/Compliance honors, I focus on simplifying complex technology, strengthening organizational resilience, and empowering teams to achieve more through secure innovation.
Dr. Calvin Nobles, a native of Mount Vernon, Georgia, is the Portfolio Vice President and Dean of the School of Cybersecurity and Information Technology at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). With more than three decades of distinguished leadership spanning cybersecurity, the financial sector, academia, and military service, Dr. Nobles is widely regarded as a visionary leader dedicated to advancing STEM education through experiential learning. A retired U.S. Navy Commander, he has served as a Cybersecurity Policy Fellow at Harvard University and a Cybersecurity Fellow at the New America Think Tank in Washington, D.C., and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading researchers in human factors engineering for cybersecurity.
Before joining UMGC, Dr. Nobles served as Department Chair for Information Technology and Management at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he led transformative initiatives that elevated the department’s national profile. His leadership earned him the 2023 Dean’s Award for Distinguished Service and Leadership, and during his tenure, Illinois Tech’s Online Master’s in Cybersecurity Program achieved a national ranking of No. 18 in Fortune magazine. He forged partnerships with industry leaders, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, opening pathways for students to secure competitive career opportunities.
A prolific scholar and sought-after speaker, Dr. Nobles’ work on human factors engineering in cybersecurity emphasizes the vital role of human behavior and performance in complex cybersecurity and digital ecosystems. His personal story is featured in Black Men Changing the Narrative Through Education, and his influence is further reflected in his recognition as a 2024 Doctors of Excellence Honoree by Black Leaders Worldwide. In 2025, he was honored with the Temple University Fox School of Business Executive DBA Alumni Leadership Award, and in 2026, he received the Malcolm Baldrige Foundation Award for Leadership Excellence in Cybersecurity. Beyond academia, he serves as a board member and chairs the Education Committee for the National Cryptologic Foundation. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Cybersecurity Association, Inc., and on the board for Maryland Cyber Trust. He serves on the Maryland State Cybersecurity Council, working with state legislators and government officials to protect the state’s critical cybersecurity and digital infrastructure, and chairs the Subcommittee for the Cybersecurity and AI Workforce Development.
Dr. Nobles’ academic credentials are as diverse as they are impressive. He holds four doctoral degrees: Ph.D. in Management and Engineering Technology, Ph.D. in Human Factors, Ph.D. in Offensive Cyber Engineering, and Doctor of Business Administration, along with graduate degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Aeronautical Science, Business Administration, Information Systems Security, and Military Strategy and Operational Art, as well as an undergraduate degree in Business Management. These achievements reflect his multidisciplinary expertise, intellectual rigor, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Dr. Joe Phillips is an accomplished educational leader with extensive experience in both the military and education sectors. As Chief Strategy and Technology Officer for Fulton County Schools, he leads IT operations, cybersecurity, and digital transformation for over 90,000 students, driving innovation and operational efficiency to enhance educational outcomes. A former U.S. Army officer, Dr. Phillips held leadership roles including Commander, Chief of Staff, and Chief Information Officer, managing operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Africa. His military service shaped his expertise in strategic planning, resource management, and crisis response, skills he now applies to education leadership. In his education career, Dr. Phillips has successfully led large districts such as Kansas City, Volusia County, and Broward County. Notably, he helped Kansas City Public Schools regain state accreditation after more than a decade and implemented transformative technology initiatives that improved student outcomes. Dr. Phillips holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master’s in Business and Organizational Security Management, and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. Recognized as a Top 100 EdTech Leader, he is dedicated to fostering student success through strategic innovation and data-driven solutions.
