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The Committee

Who We Are

Wayne Johnson

Sponsor Coordinator

As a Senior Sales Leader in enterprise product, service, and software solutions within the corporate Fortune 500 domain, Wayne is an expert in information security/cybersecurity, network security, malware, data security, managed services, information technology (IT), business intelligence (BI), and other product and service offerings.

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Kevin Novak

Head of Judging

A visionary and highly accomplished senior information security and information technology risk executive with vast expertise in financial services, technology security, information security, operational risk management, and fraud and forensics. Comprehensive experience in risk assessment and management, compliance (SOX, HIPAA), financial reporting and analysis, and strategic planning. Utilizes transformational leadership and communications skills to conduct presentations and articulate risks and benefits to achieve buy-in across an organization. A forward-thinking and perceptive top-performer who drives the ownership of business results and consistently exceeds goals.

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Sally Martin

Events Coordinator

Sally is a serial Entrepreneur and leader. Focused on growing organizations organically and through acquisition. Currently the co-founder of Talentfish.com. Talentfish.com is pioneering a new realm in talent acquisition, recruiting, and staffing.

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Walter Lefmann

Judging Committee

Walter Lefmann is recently retired from Director of Security at CTC Trading Group LLC, a capital markets trading firm. Walter in retirement is focused on giving back to the community via professional and public/private outreach organizations, including FBI InfraGard (currently serving as a Chicago Chapter Board Chair), Chicago FIRST (Board Officer), US Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force, FS-ISAC, the National Technology Security Coalition, and ASIS, and is one of the founders of the ChiBrrCon security conference and recently volunteering with Docent.org and the CornCon conference.

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Robert Wagner

Community Outreach

As a passionate cyber security strategist and thought leader, Robert uses his years of experience to help organizations succeed by defining strategies and processes to overcome obstacles and issues. 

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Co-founder of Hack for Kids, a NFP dedicated to teaching kids about internet safety, security, and ethics. Serving on the board of ISSA-Chicago for 10+ years.

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Sebastiaan Gybels

Social Media / Communication

Business and people savvy technical CISO with 20+ years’ experience in technology and cyber security; 15+ years as a leader, managing global teams of more than 50. Demonstrated track record of delivering business-enabling security programs for organizations of all sizes (SaaS startups, Fortune 500, Financial Regulators) with a focus on the Financial Industry (10+ years).

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Ben Ten Pas

Sponsor Coordinator / Communication

Co-founder of ESG. ESG operationalizes, economizes, and secures enterprise organizations by truly understanding their business outcomes and connecting them with proven, venture-backed startups recommended by trusted industry peers

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