October 19-20, 2025
CISO/Executive Leadership Forum
Choctaw Casino & Resort
4216 US-69
Durant, OK 74701
At Choctaw, the possibilities are endless. Explore 7,400 slot machines, over 100 table games, and a state-of-the-art poker room. Enjoy dining at 20 restaurants and entertainment at the Grand Theater and Gilley’s. Play at The District with bowling, an arcade, and six movie theaters. Relax at The Spa or Aqua at Sky Tower with private cabanas. Recharge in one of our 1,700 hotel rooms at the AAA Four Diamond hotel. Choctaw Casino & Resort–Durant is raising the bar for world-class resorts.
Meet Our Guest Speakers
The Role of AI in Leadership Decision-Making
Harvey Castro, MD, MBA.
Chief AI Officer
Phantom Space
From Risk to Reward: Empowering Executive AI Oversight for Competitive Advantage with Dr. KJ Haywood and Artecia Wilson
State of the Union: Dynamics in the Market
Jamey Cummings
Partner
JM Search
Threatcasting: Forecasting Cyber Threats and Building Resilience
Jon Brickey, Ph.D.
SVP & Cybersecurity Evangelist
Mastercard
Thanks to Our Partners
Thanks to Our Affiliate Partners
Agenda
Sunday, October 19, 2025
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Stop by the Welcome Table and say “Hello” and pick up your Goody Bag!
2:00pm - 2:05pm
Welcome and Opening Remarks; Gina Gianikos, Mindfluence
2:00pm - 2:45pm
Pine
Invited Guest Speaker
Harvey Castro, Chief AI Officer, Phantom Space
The Role of AI in Leadership Decision-Making
- How AI tools can help leaders make better, data-driven decisions.
- The balance between human intuition and AI-driven insights.
2:45pm - 3:30pm
Pine
Fireside Chat
How are CISO's thinking about their legal responsibilities. CISOs in the Hot Seat!
As the cybersecurity landscape becomes increasingly complex, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are finding themselves in the crosshairs of both organizational and legal scrutiny. This panel discussion will explore how CISOs are navigating their growing legal responsibilities in an era of heightened data privacy regulations, compliance requirements, and potential liabilities stemming from cyber incidents. Panelists, consisting of legal experts and experienced CISOs, will discuss the evolving role of the CISO in relation to legal frameworks such as GDPR, CCPA, and breach notification laws. They will examine key legal challenges CISOs face, including how to manage risk, ensure compliance, and prepare for potential legal consequences in the event of a breach. The discussion will also address the intersection of cybersecurity strategy and legal obligations, focusing on how CISOs can better align their security practices with legal expectations to mitigate risks. Attendees will gain practical insights on the balance between security innovation and legal safeguards, and the critical importance of staying ahead of legal trends in order to protect their organizations from both technical and legal vulnerabilities.
Facilitator:
Mike Anderson, Infrastructure and Security Manager, Mathis Home
Guests:
Patrick Benoit, CISO, Vast Bank
Cindy Heiner, CISO, Aiden Technologies
3:30pm - 3:55pm
Oak
Peer-to-Peer Meeting #1
4:00pm - 4:25pm
Oak
Peer-to-Peer Meeting #2
If you do not have a scheduled Peer to Peer at this time, you have free time!
6:00pm - 7:00pm
The Grand Summit
Social Hour
7:00pm - 8:30pm
The Grand Summit
Gala Dinner
Monday, October 20, 2025
7:00am - 7:50am
Veranda
Networking Breakfast
Kickstart your day with premium java, tea, and AM favorites.
7:50am - 8:00am
Redbud
Opening Remarks; Gina Gianikos, Mindfluence
8:00am - 8:45am
Redbud
PANEL #1
Beyond the Hype: Building a Responsible and Resilient AI Roadmap
A reality check on generative AI and AGI, with an emphasis on data quality, governance, and ethical AI practices as cornerstones of sustainable innovation.
Moderator:
Amy Chaney, SVP Technology, COO, Citi
Panelists:
Sumi Gorla, Director Systems Engineering, Illumio
Naveen Kolli, VP Data Technology Manager, Bank of America
Shawn Tuma, Co-Chair, Cyber Data Privacy AI & Emerging Tech, Spencer Fane
8:45am - 9:30am
Redbud
Invited Guest Speakers:
From Risk to Reward: Empowering Executive AI Oversight for Competitive Advantage
Today’s most valuable companies aren’t just using AI, they’re governing it strategically. This executive session reframes AI governance as a business accelerator, not a barrier. Designed for forward-thinking leaders, this presentation delivers a clear, actionable path to transforming AI oversight into a powerful lever for growth, trust, and resilience. Explore how C-suite ownership of AI strategy:
- Drives innovation without compromising ethics or compliance.
- Enhances enterprise agility by reducing governance friction.
- Mitigates reputational risk before regulators or headlines do.
KJ Haywood, Principal CEO, Nomad Cyber Concepts
Artecia Wilson, Director Technology, AT&T
9:30am - 9:55am
Oak
Peer-to-Peer Meeting #3
10:00am - 10:25am
Oak
Peer-to-Peer Meeting #4
10:30am - 11:15am
Redbud
PANEL #2
Lessons Learned From an Incident: What did I learn so other's can be prepared.
In the world of cybersecurity, incidents are inevitable, but the lessons learned from these events can be invaluable in shaping stronger, more resilient systems and processes. This panel discussion will delve into the real-world experiences of professionals who have navigated cybersecurity incidents and emerged with critical insights. Panelists will share key lessons learned during and after an incident, highlighting what went well, what could have been improved, and how these experiences can serve as a blueprint for others in the field. The conversation will explore topics such as incident response best practices, effective communication during a crisis, post-incident analysis, and the importance of preparation and training. Attendees will gain practical advice on how to better prepare for potential threats, create a culture of continuous improvement, and apply these lessons to strengthen their own organizations' defenses. Through this open exchange of knowledge, participants will leave better equipped to handle their own cybersecurity challenges with greater foresight and confidence
Moderator:
Matt Walker, Managing Director - IT Security & Compliance, Goosehead Insurance
Panelists:
Jennifer Szkatulski, Lead Cyber Resilience Advisor, Immersive
Brian Tate, Sr. Director, Deputy CISO, Taxwell
Rameshwar Balanagu, Chief Enterprise Architect, UNFI
11:15am - 12:00pm
Redbud
Invited Guest Speaker
Jamey Cummings, Partner, JM Search
State of the Union: Dynamics in the Market
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Veranda
Lunch
1:00pm - 1:25pm
Oak
Peer-to-Peer Meeting #5
1:30pm - 1:55pm
Oak
Peer-to-Peer Meeting #6
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Redbud
Workshop
Threatcasting: Forecasting Cyber Threats and Building Resilience
- Forecast cyber threat 10 years into the future
- Identify milestones that adversaries may cross and defensive actions
- Learn how to increase your organizational resilience through Threatcasting
Jon Brickey, Ph.D., SVP & Cybersecurity Evangelist, Mastercard
Dr. Jon Brickey is Senior Vice President, Cybersecurity Evangelist, for Mastercard Technology. In this role, he leads the development of cybersecurity strategy, research, innovation, outreach, education & awareness, and technology scouting. Jon supports Corporate Security’s mission of delivering safety and security at the speed of business. He also serves as a Board Member for the Internet Security Alliance. Before joining Mastercard, Dr. Brickey served in the Army on active duty for over 26 years and retired as a Colonel, holding a variety of leadership and technical roles in information systems management and cyberspace operations.
More about Jon Brickey, Ph.D.
In his last position, he served as the Army Cyber Institute Partner Relations Director for the National Capital Region. Previously, Jon held leadership positions in Cyber-related programs at the National Security Agency, U.S. Cyber Command, Army Cyber Command, U.S. Northern Command, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Dr. Brickey earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point, a master’s degree in Science in Information Technology Management from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Information Systems from the University of Colorado Denver. He also holds several industry certifications, including the CISSP, and is a graduate of the Washington University in St. Louis Executive Cybersecurity Leadership Program.
3:00pm
Closing Remarks
Kick off your heels and loosen your ties! (Actually, ties not required) Thank you!
Dress Attire:
Business Casual
Questions:
Gina Gianikos
847-800-4433
gina@mind-fluence.com
Think Boldly!
What People Are Saying
Alex Quinonez
Illumio
Great Event!
Artecia Wilson
Director Technology
Great experience meeting so many likeminded professionals!!
Atira Nitto
VP of Goldman Sachs
Great speakers and sessions and very meaningful networking opportunities
Christopher Freeze
Assistant Professor of the University of Oklahoma
Mindfluence brought together some of the leading executives in cybersecurity leadership positions. The discussions were forward-thinking, the presenters were outstanding, and the networking opportunities will have a lasting impact on my professional growth.
Cindy Heiner
CISO at Aiden Technologies
Excellent content and fun attendees! This is a relaxed and educational conference that drives quality conversation and learning opportunities.
Dr. Tammie Hollis
Director / Professor of Cybersecurity of Rose State College
This style of event was a refreshing change from larger conferences. Gina is exceptional at curating and delivering a valuable experience for all parties!
Joe Paul
Director of Cybersecurity Compliance / Deputy CISO
Mindfluence is a small, intimate conference that delivers the content, networking opportunities, and educational value of much larger conferences without having to deal with large volumes of attendees. Definitely worth attending future events.
Jon Brickey
SVP & Cybersecurity Evangelist of Mastercard
I loved the intimate setting--far from the office--where we can connect and share lessons and best practices.
Mike Anderson
Infrastructure and Security Manager
The smaller, intimate atmosphere led to a more meaningful experience.
Shannon Johnson
Sr Manager, Cyber Threat Intelligence
I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend the Mindfluence Conference. It was an inspiring experience filled with insightful sessions, innovative discussions, and meaningful connections. The size of the event allowed for deeper collaboration and networking, engaging conversations and genuine exchanges of ideas that truly enhanced the learning experience and left us with actionable insights to bring back to our teams.
Shawn Tuma
Co-Chair, Cyber Data Privacy AI & Emerging Tech
Mindfluence was one of those wonderful experiences that managed to be deeply informative while still being a lot of fun. I came away inspired, better informed, and grateful for the opportunity to connect with such an engaging community.