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Due to a lapse in annual appropriations for the Department of Commerce, NIST conferences have been paused. As a result, the NCCoE Cybersecurity Connections – Strengthening the Cybersecurity Workforce on October 14, 2025, has been cancelled. Once NIST reopens, conference registrants will be notified of any conference updates. We thank you for your patience and cooperation and apologize for the inconvenience.
The NIST National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) is proud to host a quarterly Cybersecurity Connections event and networking lunch in partnership with the Maryland Department of Commerce and Montgomery County, MD. This quarter, we’re celebrating National Cybersecurity Awareness Month with a special event on October 14, 2025.
Join us for a panel discussion featuring local and regional experts as they share their insights on key resources and strategies for building a strong cybersecurity workforce. This will be followed by a networking lunch, generously provided by the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation on behalf of Montgomery County.
This event is a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts, connect with cybersecurity professionals, and explore the exciting career opportunities in the cybersecurity field. By attending, you’ll gain valuable insights into the latest approaches to strengthening the cybersecurity workforce and network with like-minded professionals.
Secure Your Spot!
With a limited capacity of 150 participants, don’t miss your chance to attend - register today! We look forward to connecting with you and continuing our quarterly tradition of fostering collaboration and innovation in the cybersecurity community.
*Registration closes on October 7, 2025.
*This registration is for in-person attendance only.
Agenda
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. - Arrival/Event Check-In
11:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. - Welcome and Opening Remarks
Speaker: Cherilyn Pascoe, Director, NCCoE (NIST)
Speaker: Honorable Marc Elrich, County Executive, Montgomery County, Maryland
Speaker: Kimberly Mentzell, Director of Cybersecurity and Aerospace, Maryland Department of Commerce
11:20 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. - Keynote Presentation: Scouting and Leading the National Cyber Team - Developing a World-Class Cybersecurity Workforce
Speaker: Jessica Gullick, CEO and Founder of Katzcy Play Cyber and Commissioner of the US Cyber Team
11:50 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. - Panel Discussion: Educating the Cybersecurity Workforce of the Future
Moderator: Miheer Khona, Director of Governance, Risk and Compliance, State of Maryland
Panelists:
- Joyce Hunter, Executive Director of Collaboration and Education, Mission Critical
- Sidd Kaza, Associate Provost for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies, Towson University
- Markus Rauschacker, Executive Director of Center for Health and Homeland Security, University of Maryland Baltimore
- Jeff Richmond, Director of Apprenticeship and Workforce Innovation, Howard Community College
12:20 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. - Cybersecurity Safety Online/Mobile Driver’s License Identity Verification Demo
Speaker: Chris Brown, Principal Cybersecurity Engineer, NCCoE (MITRE)
12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. - Networking lunch, provided by Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) on behalf of Montgomery County, Maryland
Speaker: Laurie Boyer Babb, CEcD, Director of Economic Development, Business Retention & Expansion, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC)
1:30 p.m. – Adjourn