Leadership Committee
Members of the Thought Leadership Committee designed this year’s Cybersecurity, Stronger Together Conference to be in sync with industry trends and workforce needs, drawing from their own professional experiences.
CPS relies heavily on relationships with industry to create cutting-edge programming like this conference. The committee members, representing leaders from industry, The Cyber Guild, and members of our cybersecurity, homeland security and IT faculty, pooled their collective voices and collaborated with each other to create an innovative and interactive conference experience.
CO-CHAIRS OF THE THOUGHT LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
Dr. Liesl Riddle
Dean, College of Professional Studies
The George Washington University
- Read Dr. Liesl Riddle's Bio
Liesl Riddle, Ph.D., is the dean of George Washington University's College of Professional Studies (CPS) and an associate professor of international business and international affairs. She oversees innovative programs designed to empower students in key industries and leads schools and centers such as the Graduate School of Political Management and the GW CyberForge. Previously, she served as vice dean for strategy at GW’s School of Business, where she launched top-ranked online programs and spearheaded significant enrollment growth. A renowned scholar, Dr. Riddle’s research focuses on diasporas' roles in economic development and international entrepreneurship, with numerous publications and consulting engagements worldwide.
Debbie Sallis
Founding Executive Director,
The Cyber Guild Foundation
- Read Debbie Sallis's Bio
Debbie Sallis founded The Cyber Guild, a nonprofit advancing diversity, inclusion, and leadership in cybersecurity through education, mentorship, and industry collaboration. She previously established Coaching Conversations, empowering leaders through inclusive, values-driven approaches.
With 30+ years of global leadership experience, including senior HR roles at BAE Systems and consulting at Telos Partners, Debbie is a recognized thought leader. She serves on boards including The Washington Center and the Technology Advancement Center.
Her leadership has been honored by Marquis Who’s Who and peer-reviewed awards, highlighting her impact on industry transformation.
MEMBERS OF THE THOUGHT LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
David Beabout
Chief Information Security Officer, NTT Security Holdings & NTT Inc. Security & Trust Office
- Read David Beabout's Bio
David Beabout oversees cybersecurity strategy, risk management, and trust frameworks at NTT Security Holdings and NTT Inc. With over 17 years in the field, he is recognized for bridging technical and business perspectives as a “cyber translator.”
Fluent in Arabic, David holds a Master’s in Information Systems from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s in Labor Economics from the University of Akron. He completed executive leadership training at IMD Business School in Switzerland.
Tatyana Bolton
Principal & Head of Cybersecurity Practice, Monument Advocacy
- Read Tatyana Bolton's Bio
Tatyana is a principal at Monument Advocacy and an accomplished cybersecurity and policy professional with extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. She leads the firm’s cybersecurity practice.
Throughout her career, Tatyana has been a leading voice in shaping cybersecurity policy at the intersection of technology, government, and national security, with a focus on creating secure, resilient systems for both the public and private sectors. She previously held the role of Senior Security Policy Manager at Google’s Security Center of Excellence in Washington, DC, where she proposed, managed, and helped launch a $60M Cyber Clinics investment. Before joining Google, Tatyana served as the Director of the Cybersecurity & Emerging Threats program at the R Street Institute, where she was instrumental in driving fundraising efforts, exceeding the program’s fundraising target by 20 percent.
Tatyana holds a Master of Foreign Service degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University, where she graduated cum laude. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Political Science from The Ohio State University, graduating magna cum laude.
Jeff Delinski
Director of Homeland Security Degree Programs, GW College of Professional Studies
- Read Jeff Delinski's Bio
Jeff Delinski is Director of Homeland Security Programs in the College of Professional Studies at George Washington University. Mr. Delinski began teaching as an adjunct faculty member in 2004 and has since continued to develop course curricula and instruct at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Mr. Delinski retired from the Metro Transit Police Department in 2014 after 25 years of distinguished service, concluding his career as the Deputy Chief of Patrol Operations. In that role, he oversaw more than 300 police officers and officials and was deeply engaged with the broader Washington, D.C. law enforcement community, working extensively with local, state and federal leaders.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Delinski held a wide range of key assignments, including Training Division Commander, District Commander, Deputy Chief of the Homeland Security, Intelligence, and Investigation Bureau and Public Information Officer. He also managed Homeland Security grant administration and served as co-chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Police Chiefs Committee.
Alison King
Vice President, Government Affairs, Forescout Technologies
- Read Alison King's Bio
Alison King leads legislative functions and federal policy initiatives at Forescout Technologies, driving the company’s engagement with Congress and the Executive Branch. She has 15+ years of experience in national security and cybersecurity policy.
Her career includes roles as Technical Project Manager for the U.S. Navy’s STANDARD Missile Program, Strategic Communications Advisor at the Pentagon, and Legislative Fellow on Capitol Hill. She also served as Legislative Affairs Director for the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, where her work helped enact major cybersecurity legislation including the establishment of the National Cyber Director.
Alison concluded her government service at CISA, leading legislative efforts for key cybersecurity laws like the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act.
She holds an M.S. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University and an MBA from Georgetown University. Alison is a Senior Fellow at Auburn University’s McCrary Institute and serves on advisory boards including the Technology Advancement Center.
Elaine Lammert
Director of Homeland Security Continuing Education Programs, GW College of Professional Studies
- Read Elaine Lammert's Bio
Elaine Lammert is currently the Director of the Homeland Security Continuing Education Programs. From 2017 to the present, she has served as the program director for the Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security.
Ms. Lammert entered on duty as a Special Agent with the FBI in April 1986. She worked on organized crime, drug and terrorism investigations. She served as the Newark Division’s Chief Division Counsel, as well as Special Assistant United States Attorney.
Ms. Lammert retired as the Principal Deputy General Counsel, FBI Office of the General Counsel. She oversaw legal advice in the areas of criminal law, national security, intelligence capabilities, cyber, science and technology, critical incidents, and international operations.
She also managed office operations, including budget formulation, presentation, and execution. She is the recipient of the FBI’s Director’s Award for the FBI’s Integrity and Compliance Program and the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Executive in the Senior Executive Service.
Lucian Niemeyer
CEO,
Building Cyber Security
- Read Lucian Niemeyer's Bio
Lucian serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Building Cyber Security, a private sector, non-profit organization enhancing global safety through the development of cyber security protections for intelligent technologies, buildings and communities.
Over three decades, Lucian has served in the White House, the Pentagon, and in Congress providing budget, policy, and management leadership for U.S. national security programs.
The Honorable Niemeyer served as an Assistant Secretary of Defense managing the world’s largest real property portfolio valued at a trillion dollars. Lucian also served in the Office of Management and Budget at the White House overseeing national security, nuclear, and intelligence programs.
Tierney Pitzer
Program Director, Information Technology BPS, GW College of Professional Studies
- Read Tierney Pitzer's Bio
Tierney Pitzer leads the Information Technology Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program at GW’s College of Professional Studies. With over 20 years of software programming and IT project management experience, she brings deep industry knowledge and teaching expertise.
She taught for five years as an adjunct at GW’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus and spent a decade as a full-time faculty member at Northern Virginia Community College.
Tierney holds a Master’s in Software Engineering from George Mason University and a Bachelor’s in Computer Programming from Shepherd University. She is a graduate of the GW Academic Leadership Academy and specializes in software engineering, IT project management, and programming languages including Python, Java, and C++.
In her free time, Tierney enjoys podcasts like Car Talk and Hidden Brain and is working to reclaim her marathon running form.
Connie Peterson Uthoff
Program Director, Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management, GW College of Professional Studies
- Read Connie Uthoff's Bio
Connie Uthoff leads the Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management (CSIM) Master’s Program at GW’s College of Professional Studies. After serving as Associate Program Director since 2012, she was appointed Program Director in 2022, overseeing significant growth and curriculum innovation.
With over 20 years of professional experience, Connie is a seasoned expert in national security, international relations, and cyber operations. She has coordinated cyber training and led tabletop exercises in the U.S. and Europe, engaging public and private sector leaders, military professionals and international partners.
In 2022, she published Cyber Intelligence: Actors, Policies, and Practices, a comprehensive yet accessible book covering cyber intelligence policy, process, and case studies from global perspectives including the U.S., China, Iran, and Russia.
A regular contributor to United States Cybersecurity Magazine, Connie writes on topics like robotics in cybersecurity and emerging threats. Recognized by GW Media Relations as an expert on election security and cyber threats, she provides critical insights on foreign interference and democratic safeguards.
Beyond academia, Connie actively shapes cyber education, discussing on platforms like the “Professionals Podcast” how GW integrates real-world events and industry insights to prepare students for cutting-edge cybersecurity challenges.
Dr. Scott J. White
Program Director, Cybersecurity BPS Program, GW College of Professional Studies
- Read Dr. Scott J. White's Bio
Dr. Scott J. White directs the Cybersecurity Bachelor of Professional Studies completion program at GW’s College of Professional Studies. His career spans military intelligence, federal security, and private-sector consulting, bringing rich practical experience into the classroom.
He served as an officer in the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). Since 2010, he has consulted on cybersecurity for law enforcement across the U.S., U.K., and Canada.
Dr. White holds a B.A. from York University, two M.A.s from the University of Guelph and GW, and a Ph.D. from the University of Bristol. His expertise covers cybersecurity, cybercrime, counter-terrorism, and infrastructure protection.
An active academic leader, he was selected for GW’s Academic Leadership Academy (2023) and recently spoke at the Potomac Officers Club Cyber Summit and a regional Cyber Professionals event, sharing insights on cybercrime and big data analytics.