• Ryan Bennett - Digital Forensic Investigator, Georgia Bureau of Investigation
• Megan England - Digital Forensic Investigator, Georgia Bureau of Investigation
• Alex Berta - Leader Cybersecurity Analyst, Vanderbilt Cyber
• The Honorable Judge Jason E. Ashford - State Court Judge of Houston County, Georgia
• Justin Brooks - Director of Information Technology, Southern Trust Insurance Company
• Luke Balding - CTO and Partner - GoPivot Solutions
• Alex Rushin - Engineering Manager - Google
• Pierce Christie - Senior IT Security Analyst, Houston Healthcare
• Siggy Tetteh - Chief Information Officer, Houston Healthcare
• Jennifer Altman - Security Analyst III, Houston Healthcare
• Alex Young - Web Application Developer, Silvervine Software
• Stephen Horvath - Senior Vice President - Telos Corporation

Ryan Bennett

Digital Forensic Investigator, Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Ryan Bennett has been a Digital Forensic Investigator with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit since December 2018. Ryan's responsibilities include collecting, preserving, and analyzing digitally stored evidence. He has worked child pornography, child abuse/molestation, fraud, sexual assault, narcotics, and homicide cases. Through these cases, he has forensically examined laptop and desktop computers (Windows and Mac), mobile devices (iOS and Android), assorted storage devices, and gaming consoles. He also forensically previews devices during the execution of search warrants, prepares official reports, testifies in court when required, and has assisted in multiple undercover Operations.

Prior to joining the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Ryan worked as a Network Technician for the Houston County Board of Education in Perry, Georgia for nearly two years. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from Middle Georgia State University.

Ryan also has over 500 hours of training related to Digital Forensics and has earned several certifications in the Digital Forensic field, including Certified Computer Forensic Examiner (CFCE) and Certified Mobile Device Examiner (CMDE) from the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS), Magnet Certified Forensic Examiner (MCFE-AXIOM) from Magnet Forensics, and Cellebrite Certified Operator (CCO) and Cellebrite Certified Physical Analyst (CCPA) from Cellebrite.

Megan England

Digital Forensic Investigator, Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Megan England has been a Digital Forensic Investigator (DFI) with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit since May 2022. Previously, Megan was the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Coordinator for GBI CEACC since August 2020. In her current role, Megan performs forensic analysis of digital evidence submitted by CEACC Special Agents, federal and local law enforcement. Megan is responsible for assisting investigators and agents in the execution of search warrants, previewing digital evidence on scene, preparing reports and documentation, and providing technical assistance.

Megan has received over 150 hours of training and has earned certifications from Griffeye, Amped FIVE, and IACIS, including Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE). Megan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with minors in Cyber Security and Psychology from the University of North Georgia.

Alex Berta

Lead Cybersecurity Analyst, Vanderbilt Cyber

Alexander Berta has spent his early years deeply studying the methodologies of hacking collectives worldwide, gaining unique insight into their operations. His expertise has earned him recognition in books such as The Art of Intrusion by Kevin Mitnick, 2600: The Hacker Quarterly by Emmanuel Goldstein, and Security Today by Dr. Carter Smith. Dedicated to cybersecurity, Alexander has devoted his career to thwarting network intrusions and exposing the tactics of digital adversaries.

In addition to his cybersecurity work, Alexander serves in an intelligence unit focused on combating child exploitation and human trafficking in Tennessee. He is also the author of the Autism Spectrum Online Protection Act (2024), further demonstrating his commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals from online threats.

The Honorable Judge Jason E. Ashford

State Court Judge of Houston County Georgia

Jason E. Ashford is the State Court Judge for Houston County, Georgia, first elected in November 2010 and re-elected without opposition in 2014 and 2019. As State Court Judge, he presides over civil and criminal jury trials, and advocates for the integration of court technology, mediation, and docket efficiency. His extensive experience in cyberlaw and technology has made him a prominent voice for modernizing judicial processes. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Ashford served as the District Attorney of Houston County and as Comptroller and Support Flight Commander for the 5th Combat Communications Group at Robins AFB, along with being Squadron Commander of the 116th Security Forces with the Georgia Air National Guard.

Judge Ashford's expertise in cyberlaw is highlighted by his 17-year tenure as an adjunct professor at Middle Georgia State University, where he specialized in Computer Law and Ethics. He also taught graduate-level Government Contracting courses at Georgia College and State University and currently teaches at Mercer University. A prolific writer and speaker, he has written many articles in academic and practitioner publications and is frequently invited to speak on topics like effective litigation, judicial ethics, and the role of technology in the courtroom.

His contributions to the field extend to his involvement with prestigious organizations, including the American Law Institute and the American Institute for Justice. Since 2014, Judge Ashford has been on the faculty of The National Judicial College, where he serves as a Judicial Ambassador.

Justin T. Brooks

Maintenance Officer, Air National Guard

Justin Brooks is both a specialist and leader, focused on growing business with technological capabilities, securing it with cyber security practices, and maintaining it with a skilled team filled with bright individuals. Justin prefers the Leader-Leader approach when it comes to directing his team. Unlocking the full potential of the organization by empowering his team to make decisions and encouraging personal and team initiative. Recently appointed as Maintenance Officer in the Air National Guard as Second Lieutenant, Justin leads the Air National Guard's direction, and coordination of technical structures within the organization. Previously, Justin worked as a Director of Information Technology for Southern Trust where he redesigned the organization’s network security, training, and recovery processes, effectively preventing several major cyberattacks that were attempted on the company.

Justin holds an M.S. IT and a B.S. IT from Middle Georgia State University, as well as an A.S. in Avionics Science from the Community College of the Air Force. He currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the Middle Georgia State University Department of Information Technology, providing the university insight into the technical needs of IT organizations. He also devotes volunteer hours at his church where he serves as a Sound Engineer, IT professional, and peer leader. Driven to better his community with core values that were instilled in him; Integrity, Service before Self, and Excellence.

Luke Balding

Chief Technology Officer and Partner, GoPivot Solutions

With over 30 years of experience in the IT industry, Luke Balding is currently serving at GoPivot Solutions, LLC as CTO and partner. He has a diverse skill set across multiple sectors, including insurance, telecommunications, healthcare and corporate psychology with expertise in IT areas such as security, networking, database and software engineering.

Alex J. Rushin

Engineering Manager, Google

Alex J. Rushin is an engineering manager at Google, leading a team focused on the company’s ability to identify, measure, mitigate, and account for risk and sitting at the crossroads of security, privacy, compliance, and legal. Alex has been a user privacy and cyber security engineer for 16+ years, working in industries ranging from telecommunications, finance, retail, and major technology companies including Amazon and Google. Alex holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, a Master's degree in Information Systems, and a PhD in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity. When not focused on cybersecurity and user privacy, Alex enjoys participating in Toastmasters and Habitat for Humanity.

Pierce Christie

Senior IT Security Analyst, Houston Healthcare

Pierce has over 15 years in Information Technology and 11 years in Healthcare IT. He joined Houston Healthcare in 2013 as a Computer Technician before moving into IT Security and eventually becoming the Senior Analyst. Pierce has a diverse past and education including a Bachelor of the Arts in Music from Valdosta State University where he specialized in the bassoon and then later obtaining a Masters of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University. Pierce has spoken at several schools and universities around Georgia as well as presented at SkyTalks 2018 at DefCon 26 in Las Vegas.

Pierce enjoys listening to and performing music, spending time with his family, and leading a Dungeons and Dragons adventure at his church. He has obtained the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certificates as well as multiple certifications from CompTIA.

Siggy Tetteh

Vice President, Chief Information Officer, & HIPPA Security Officer, Houston Healthcare

Sigismund (Siggy) Tetteh has over 28 years in the Information Technology (IT) field, 22 years in HealthCare IT. In March of 2021, he joined Houston Healthcare’s executive leadership team as the Vice President and Chief and Information Officer. He is responsible for the oversight and management of the health system’s (IT) areas in planning corporate growth and coordinating the strategic plan with the development of IT systems. This includes:

• Developing state of the art comprehensive information strategy.
• Collaborating with the medical, nursing, and administrative leadership to develop and implement systems/programs that support operations, and improve cost effectiveness, service quality, and business development.
• Overseeing telemedicine, the telecommunications and network services, and all clinical and financial IT systems.
• Meeting all regulatory guidelines for information management and proactive identification of strategies to meet future needs of the health system.
• Serves as the HIPAA Security Officer over all Cybersecurity.
• He also serves on several boards including three college IT advisory boards and the Boys Scouts of America’s Explorer board.

Siggy enjoys road cycling, playing ping pong and tennis, listening to audiobooks, volunteering, and traveling with his family in his spare time. He has a BBS in Information Technology from Middle Georgia State University and an MBA from Georgia College & State University’s J. Bunting College of Business. He is a member of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) - Certified Healthcare CIO and Certified Digital Health Executive (CDH-E). He is also a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt for Healthcare.

Jennifer Altman

Security Analyst III, Houston Healthcare

Jenn has over 21 years of experience in Information Technology, 13 years as a military contractor with the Air Force and Navy/Marine Corps and 8 years in Healthcare IT. She joined Houston Healthcare as a Security Analyst in 2017. Jenn works diligently to educate the Houston Healthcare organization and the community on Cyber Safety and best practices through facilitating Cybersecurity Community Outreach Forums, working closely with the Houston College & Career Academy, teaming up with the HoCo Sheriff’s Department – Juvenile Division, as well as residing on many other committees. She currently serves on the IT Advisory Committee for Central Georgia Technical College, the Boy Scouts of America Explorer Board, and volunteers at numerous other organizations in Houston and surrounding counties.

Jenn received her BSc in Information Technology Management from Western Governors University in 2022 and currently holds Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker certifications. She enjoys quilting, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends in her free time.

Alex Young

Application Developer, Office of Personnel Management

Alex is a seasoned Web Application Developer with over 16 years of experience, specializing in Adobe Coldfusion. He has a proven track record of success, having developed web-based insurance software at Silvervine since 2008. With expertise in Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle DB, HTML, JavaScript (including AngularJS and jQuery), and CSS, Alex excels in crafting robust and innovative solutions. As a proud father of four, his commitment to excellence extends beyond his professional achievements, making him a dynamic force in the field of web development.

Stephen Horvath

Senior Vice President, Telos Corporation

Joining Telos in 2006, Steve Horvath established a new model for providing professional services in support of the company’s Xacta risk management platform. He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Cloud with a focus on long-term strategic partnerships and solutions spanning the company’s breadth of offerings. With over 20 years practical experience in the information security domain, Steve is considered an expert in risk and compliance for information technology. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, and maintains the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.