SANS | GIAC Workforce Leadership Summit 2025

Solving the Cybersecurity Talent Crisis Thursday, May 1, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM PDT RSAC 2025 Conference | Moscone South 306-308

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
10 Minutes

Opening Remarks/Announcement of Study

Co-Chair: Sharifa Bernard, Amazon
Co-Chair: Rob T. Lee, SANS Institute
Co-Chair: Karen Evans, CISA

8:40 AM – 8:55 AM 
15 Minutes 

Fireside Chat 1
Guest: Sharifa Bernard, Amazon Interviewer: Rob T. Lee, SANS Institute

8:55 AM – 9:10 AM
15 Minutes

Fireside Chat 2
Guest: Sean Mason, United Airlines
Interviewer: Heather Barnhart, SANS Institute

9:10 AM – 9:30 AM 
20 Minutes 

Presentation 1 | Critical Skills for Effective Cybersecurity Teams  

Rosa Bolger, IBM 
Sripriya (Priya) Srinivasan

View Abstract

9:30 AM – 9:55 AM
25 Minutes 

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

View Abstract

9:55 AM – 10:10 AM
15 Minutes  

Fireside Chat 3
Guest: Anthony Switzer, EY
Interviewer: Ed Skoudis, SANS Institute

10:10 AM – 10:40 AM
30 Minutes 

Networking Break

10:40 AM – 11:00 AM
20 Minutes  

Presentation 2 | Cybersecurity Workforce Lessons Learned: Approaches that Work for Everyone from Interns to Board Directors
Jon Brickey, Mastercard

View Abstract 

11:00 AM – 11:20 AM
20 Minutes  

Presentation 3 | Insights to Impact: Skills-based Strategies for the Future Cyber Workforce  
Lynn Dohm, WiCyS 
Jeff Welgan, SkillRex 

View Abstract

11:20 AM – 11:35 AM
15 Minutes

Fireside Chat 4
Guest: Helen Patton, Cisco
Interviewer: Deidre Diamond, CyberSN

11:35 AM – 11:50 AM
15 Minutes  

Fireside Chat 5
Guest: Matt Swenson, CIS
Interviewer: Sharifa Bernard, Amazon 

11:50 AM – 12:20 PM
30 Minutes 

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 

View Abstract

12:20 PM – 12:30 PM
10 Minutes

Conclusion 

Co-Chair: Sharifa Bernard, Amazon 
Co-Chair: Rob T. Lee, SANS 
Co-Chair: Karen Evans, CISA

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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.