Issue link: https://resources.twc.edu/i/1518937
The Washington Center • Cybersecurity Accelerator Program | Program Schedule Mr. Echols' leadership has resulted in value creation and models for Government and Industry partnerships across the Communications, IT, and other critical sectors. He has aligned risk management strategies between operations, policy, and tactical to support the evolving hazards to the nation. Michael Garcia Senior Policy Advisor, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Michael Garcia is a senior policy advisor for the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) where he develops and supports interagency cybersecurity policies. Before joining CISA, Michael was a professional staff member for the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee where he helped the Senate pass several cybersecurity bills. Michael has held several other cyber policy positions, including working at Third Way as a senior policy advisor for their Cyber Enforcement Initiative, serving as director for external engagement and outreach for the U.S. Cyberspace Solarium Commission, and advising governors' offices on cybersecurity policy issues at the National Governors Association. Michael was also a 2023 ShareTheMicInCyber Fellow at New America, a 2021 Next Gen National Security Fellow for the Center for New American Security, and a 2020 fellow for New America and the Global Public Policy Institute's Transatlantic Digital Debate. Michael Veneri Director for Special Programs, Red Hat Michael C. Veneri, Ph.D., currently works at Red Hat where oversees Strategy, Business Development and Program Capture for National Security programs. Previously, he worked at Dell EMC as Director of Advanced and Special Programs where he was responsible for growing Dell EMC's business in the Advanced Program space. Mike's work focuses on intelligence community customers to help them meet federal IT mandates, to optimize their IT resources and to help enable mission success. Prior to Dell EMC, Mike was a career Air Force intelligence officer achieving the rank of Colonel with multiple tactical, operational and strategic assignments. He served twice on the faculty at the United States Air Force Academy where he was awarded the Dorn Award multiple times as his department's top research faculty member. In between his assignments to the Air Force Academy, he served on the Joint Staff first as intelligence planner in J2 then as a strategist in the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff's Action Group where he worked special projects for the Chairman. Mike flew in all major combat operations over the former Republic of Yugoslavia with a total of 46 combat missions; served as a mentor at the National Military Academy of Afghanistan; and served as the Deputy,