Join us at the SANS | GIAC Workforce Leadership Summit at RSAC 2025 Conference, a solution-driven event where cybersecurity and HR executives discuss the latest challenges and innovative approaches to building high-performing security teams. This exclusive event also marks the release of the 2025 Cybersecurity Workforce Research Report by SANS | GIAC, the first international research report providing unparalleled insights into global cybersecurity talent trends, hiring strategies, and workforce development approaches.
Featuring thought-provoking presentations, executive panels, and exclusive research findings distilled into a power-packed four-hour session, this summit is the must-attend event for those leading cybersecurity workforce development.
Summit Agenda
8:30 AM – 8:40 AM | Opening Remarks/Announcement of Study Co-Chair: Sharifa Bernard, Amazon |
8:40 AM – 8:55 AM | Fireside Chat 1 |
8:55 AM – 9:10 AM | Fireside Chat 2 |
9:10 AM – 9:30 AM | Presentation 1 | Critical Skills for Effective Cybersecurity Teams Rosa Bolger, IBM |
9:30 AM – 9:55 AM | Panel Discussion 1 | Optimizing Cybersecurity Teams: Strategies for Hiring and Strengthening Organizational Culture | Microsoft Jay Bhalodia, Federal Managing Director Customer Success Blossom Baker, Director, Cloud Solution Architect Paul Navarro, Chief Architect Elisha Angeles, Capability Lead, Assessments & Exercises |
9:55 AM – 10:10 AM | Fireside Chat 3 |
10:10 AM – 10:40 AM | Networking Break |
10:40 AM – 11:00 AM | Presentation 2 | Cybersecurity Workforce Lessons Learned: Approaches that Work for Everyone from Interns to Board Directors |
11:00 AM – 11:20 AM | Presentation 3 | Insights to Impact: Skills-based Strategies for the Future Cyber Workforce |
11:20 AM – 11:35 AM | Fireside Chat 4 |
11:35 AM – 11:50 AM | Fireside Chat 5 |
11:50 AM – 12:20 PM | Panel 2 | How Frameworks and Directives are Changing the Cyber Workforce Landscape Interviewer: Karen Evans, CISA Morgan Adamski, US Cyber Command (Talent Manager) *Subject to Change Hans De Vries, ENISA Matt Isnor, US Department of Defense Karen Wetzel, NICE |
12:20 PM – 12:30 PM | Conclusion Co-Chair: Sharifa Bernard, Amazon |
Summit Speakers
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SANS | GIAC Workforce Fireside Chats
Join us for an engaging series of fireside chats with top Cyber Talent Leaders as they share firsthand insights into some of the most pressing challenges in the cybersecurity workforce. These candid interviews will explore key topics such as:
- Best Practices for Hiring & Retention – What works in a competitive talent market?
- Technical Skills vs. Culture Fit – Striking the right balance for long-term success.
- Career Progression Paths – How to develop and retain top talent.
- Hiring to the Job Req – Avoiding mismatches and optimizing recruitment strategies.
- Keeping Skills Current – Ensuring teams stay ahead in an evolving threat landscape.
These exclusive conversations will be led by top SANS faculty from our RSAC 2025 Conference Panel Keynote, along with our summit co-chairs/partners, interviewing Cyber Talent Leaders whose case studies were featured in the 2024 or 2025 SANS | GIAC Workforce Study.