Cybersecurity Advisory Council

Tracy Holtz

Director of Security Solutions, Tech Data

Tracy Holtz serves as director, Security Solutions for Tech Data. She is responsible for providing the strategic vendor strategies, direction and accelerating security sales performance across our entire security solutions vendor portfolio. Leveraging vendor sales, training and enablement, Tech Data’s custom solutions and delivery services through the Tech Data partner and sales ecosystem.

Tracy joined Tech Data in 1997 beginning her career in finance prior to joining the vendor management organization in 2000. With 22+ years of experience at Tech Data, she has held multiple roles of progressive responsibility including vendor management, business development, and program management.

Prior to her service at Tech Data, Tracy began her career in the IT industry when she joined Trans World Electronics in 1993 and held positions in finance, sales and purchasing.

Tracy has received numerous awards and recognitions for her business and channel achievements and is passionate about educating children about cybersecurity education and career opportunities. Tracy is based in Clearwater, Florida.

Kevin McDonald

COO & CISO, Alvaka Networks

Kevin B. McDonald is COO and CISO at Alvaka Networks, a leading enterprise technology service management and cyber security provider in Irvine CA. He is Chair of the Orange County Sheriff/Coroner’s Technology Advisory Council (TAC), Chair of the Anaheim Police Chief’s Technology Advisory Group (CTAG), and a member of FBI Infragard and OC Shield. Kevin is a civilian member of the US Secret Service’s Los Angeles Electronic Crimes Task Force, The Department of Homeland Security’s Los Angeles Area unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) Working Group and The High Technology Crime Investigators Association (HTCIA). Kevin is a highly trusted security and public policy advisor. He consults with both for profit and not-for-profit organizations’ providing advice and guidance to executives, legislators, law enforcement, high net worth individuals and other business leaders. Kevin advises on personal, physical and cyber defense and incident response, regulatory compliance and enterprise technology. He is a sought after consultant, trainer and public speaker who has written for and/or been interviewed by dozens of technology industry and mainstream media, national publications, television, radio and digital outlets. In his spare time, Kevin is a published young adult fiction author, screenwriter, Master Goldsmith and antique restoration specialist.

Kevin Nikkhoo

CEO, XeneX

With more than 32 years of experience in information technology, and an extensive and successful serial entrepreneurial background, Kevin Nikkhoo is the founder of the pioneering security-as-a-service startup XeneX. Kevin’s strong analytical skills, leadership and technology savvy have driven several companies to success in their respective markets.

Prior to founding XeneX, Kevin headed up the successful technology firm Vertex Systems and was the managing director of the team (Sino-Century Ventures) which guided and launched a public offering in NASDAQ. Kevin’s considerable experience also includes a successful appointment as the head of a key IT delegation tasked with representing clients to several international interests.

Kevin is well regarded in the high-tech industry for his visionary innovation. He has been twice named a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, named Partner of the Year multiple times by both Microsoft and Oracle and is the co-author several book on operating systems and systems management. Nikkhoo holds a BS in Computer Engineering from McGill University, MS in Computer Engineering from CSU Los Angeles, and an MBA from the University of Southern California with emphasis in entrepreneurial studies.

Pierson Clair

Kroll, Managing Director

Pierson Clair is a managing director in Kroll’s Cyber Risk practice, based in the Los Angeles office where he leads one of Kroll’s Global Cyber Incident Response Teams. Pierson brings an uncommon perspective to cyber risk challenges from his years as a leading digital forensic examiner, technical security consultant, researcher, and educator. He has conducted extensive academic research at the forefront of cyber risk, most currently on changes of investigative significance in Mac and mobile device hardware and software. Prior to this emphasis, he focused on the dynamics within the complex framework of protecting critical national infrastructure as well as intelligence, espionage, and terrorism. In addition to working on analytical projects with members of the Intelligence Community and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Pierson has provided sophisticated digital forensic services for a wide range of private sector clients and law enforcement agencies.

Sean Cordero

Head of Cloud Strategy, Netskope

Sean Cordero brings over 19 years of information security and leadership experience to his role of Head of Cloud Strategy at Netskope. In this role, Cordero works alongside Netskope's clients and industry thought leaders to develop the security strategies needed to support today's business transformation challenges. As an experienced CSO andand adviser to the Global 100, Cordero continues been a key figure in driving industry wide change through his contributions to information risk management, cloud security, and leadership. For his contributions to cloud security and assurance Cordero was honored in 2016 as an Inaugural inductee CSA Research Fellow in 2016.

Ron Culler

Senior Director, Technology and Solutions, ADT Cybersecurity

Ron Joined ADT Cybersecurity upon ADT’s acquisition of Secure Designs, Inc. (SDI) As Senior Director Technology and Solutions Ron is responsible for the design and architecture of the systems employed by ADT Cybersecurity.

Ron was the founder of SDI, and served as the CTO, technology architect, MSS visionary and security evangelist for the company. Ron has over 30 years of experience in the technology, channel and security fields, starting in the US Navy as part of the Naval Security Group which he served for 10 years. After the Navy he owned a successful nationally recognized solutions provider business until they formed their MSSP in 2000.

Ron is an out-of-the-box thinker actively engaged in expanding the understanding of security and technology for businesses of all sizes. Ron's expertise as a security consultant, technology innovator and industry thought leader is in high demand with companies, business councils and technology associations. A regular speaker and writer on channel issues, technology legislation, cloud and internet security, he is particularly known for his thought leadership.

As an active member of multiple industry advisory councils and boards he has served as the Chair of CompTIA’s IT Security Community, CAPC, and Community Executive Boards.

Mark Essayian

President, KME Systems

Mark Essayian is CEO of KME Systems Inc, a provider of IT services for over 20 years. Along with great co-workers, he has been successfully running KME by combining business strategy, innovation and leadership. Essayian has repeatedly helped his clients get the most from their technology investments and improve their own businesses.
Essayian is constantly searching for innovative, beneficial technology, such as being among first implementers of VoIP for a client’s business in 1998. He also serves on several technology advisory boards and belongs to industry leading organizations to continue to both personally and professionally improve and learn.

Essayian is graduate of the University of California Irvine in Physics, giving him solid insight into the IT challenges companies face at many levels. Mark also gives back to the community by actively participating in organizations such as OC Crime Stoppers and the Orange County Sheriff’s technical advisory council.

Essayian believes solid communication is critical to everyone’s success and personally writes almost every blog on his firms website www.kmesystems.com/blog where you’ll find the constant theme of having fun, learning all while being ethical, candid and respectful.
Essayian lives in Southern California with his wife Kym..

Rebecca Herold

CEO & Co-Founder, The Privacy Professor Consultancy | Privacy Security Brainiacs

Rebecca is founder (2004) and CEO of The Privacy Professor consultancy and CEO of the Privacy Security Brainiacs SaaS services business she founded in 2020 with her son Noah, with over 30 years of systems engineering, information security, privacy & compliance experience. Rebecca has authored 22 books, just finishing the 23rd published by CRC Press titled, “Security & Privacy when Working from Home & Travelling.” She has also written dozens of book chapters and hundreds of articles and has received numerous awards, including recognition by Top Cyber News Magazine as a Who’s Who in Cybersecurity 2021, Onalytica Named Rebecca among the 2021 "Who's Who in Risk Management" in two categories, she was named a top 3 Cybersecurity & Privacy Woman Law Professional of 2020, and was named a top female fighting cybercrime in 2019. Rebecca has her own radio/podcast show, Data Security and Privacy with the Privacy Professor on Voice America. Rebecca also serves as an expert witness and has keynoted on 5 continents. Rebecca is a subject matter expert (SME) in the NIST Cybersecurity for IoT Program, Presidential Executive Order on Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity (14028) for Consumer IoT Labeling team, and part of the NIST Internet of Things Advisory Board (IoTAB) that was established in accordance with the requirements of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.  Prior to that Rebecca was a SME member of the NIST Privacy Framework team, and led the NIST Smart Grid privacy team for 8 years. Rebecca was Adjunct Professor for the Norwich University MSISA program for 9 years. Rebecca has Masters and Bachelors degrees in Computer Science, Mathematics and Education, and lives in Des Moines, Iowa, USA. [email protected]. www.privacysecuritybrainiacs.com www.privacyguidance.com

Taylor Hersom

Founder/CEO, Eden Data

I build world-class cybersecurity programs for startups and emerging technology companies who not only want to embrace security, but want to realize the benefits of putting data privacy first, from brand recognition to customer loyalty, while realizing substantial ROI.

I have a keen understanding of cybersecurity & compliance as it relates to the next generation of companies, who are predominantly de-centralized and cloud-centric. I serve as the Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) and security thought leader for multiple organizations globally and also act as a Strategic Advisor for various startups. Additionally, I am the VP of Business Development for CyberCompass, a SaaS company focused on helping organizations better identify and manage their security risk.

Finally, I manage my personal and professional brand through my company Eden Data. From speaking engagements to blog content, I leverage my obsession of cybersecurity and leadership to stay informed about the current state of cybersecurity and share with my colleagues across various social media channels.

Erik Holmes

CEO, Cyber Guards

Erik is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction, growth, and culture for the Cyber Guards. Erik has 15 years of experience in IT system security, penetration testing, cyber risk and compliance assessments, and vulnerability management. Erik also leads Cyber Guards’ technology partnerships and business development which empowers the organization to utilize the best technology in the market as a force multiplier for Cyber Guards’ clients. Before founding Cyber Guards Erik led Red Team engagements for Deloitte. Prior to Deloitte, Erik spent 10 years in the US Navy assigned to Naval Special Warfare Development Group (SEAL Team 6) where he led technical operations in combat and covert environments.

Joshua Liberman

President, Net Sciences, Inc.

Joshua Liberman is President and founder of Net Sciences, Inc. Founded in 1995, NSI has secured hundreds of networks in New Mexico and beyond, NSI is a 2020 MSP 501 and 2021 NextGen 101 winner, and the most security focused MSP in New Mexico. Joshua is a former mountaineer, martial artist, rally driver, and a lifelong photographer, has traveled most of the world and speaks several languages well. Joshua is a frequently published industry writer and public speaker as well and raises Siberian Huskies. Joshua’s wife and 25-year partner, Heidi Olsen, calls him the Most Interesting Geek in the World.

Christopher Morales

CISO, Netenrich

Christopher Morales is Head of Security Analytics at Vectra, where he advises and designs incident response and threat management programs for Fortune 500 enterprise clients. He has two decades of information security experience in an array of cybersecurity consulting, sales, and research roles. Christopher is a widely respected expert on cybersecurity issues and technologies and has researched, written and presented numerous information security architecture programs and processes.

Keith J. Nelson, Ph.D.

CTO, Vistem Solutions Inc

Keith Nelson’s mission is to bring his technology knowledge and passion for service to Vistem Solutions, Inc. Keith has a history of technical leadership with companies such as Technical Support Services, Software Technologies, Sun Microsystems, Oracle, and iBASEt. Since 1999 he has been a principal with Vistem Solutions, Inc. His long history of providing technical guidance and solutions as a consultant with a focus on Business Solution Design including high-profile projects such as the LA Unified School District Food Services System, Boeing C-17 Final Assembly, DHA for the Ports of LA/LB, and directing legacy integration development for Oracle.

Keith Nelson has a Doctrine in Computer Science and completed his American Electronics Association (AeA) now The Stanford Executive Institute) at Stanford University. He also studied at the Hoover Institute at Stanford University focusing on Public Policy. He remains active with the CalTech/MIT Enterprise Forum as well as many industry focused groups. Keith was President of the Riverside Poly High School Special Education Boosters while his eldest son attended high school and that spring- boarded his passion for community service.

Keith’s passion is athletic and social programs for those with special needs, and has coached for many years with Arlington Little League – Challenger Baseball. He started Junior All American (AYSO) VIP Soccer and later began coaching with Special Olympics, where he took a team to South Korea as part of Team USA for the Winter World Games – 2013. His teams won 6 consecutive Nike 3 on 3 championships and 16 straight state titles and were featured on many sports shows and were featured as public speakers.

Keith has served as Chairman of the Commission on Disabilities for the City of Riverside, Board Member for Ability Counts, Advisor ARC of Riverside County, and Regional Council for Special Olympics, Chair Board of Ethics, Chair Ontrario-Montclair SELPA and Chair of the Inland Regional Center.

Eric Pinto

Senior Director | Channel, SOCSoter, Inc.

A veteran of the managed services space, Eric Pinto has leveraged the past decade of experience to foster a deepened understanding of the needs of the small business community. Born and raised in Dallas, Eric serves as the Vice President of Channel for SOCSoter, Inc., a leading VoIP provider built from the ground up for managed services. Unique to SOCSoter is a core focus on partner enablement by providing MSPs with the services and resources required to support business customers.
Eric Pinto serves on CompTIA's Executive Council for IT Security and continually is asked to provide thought leadership and guidance to the SMB community.

Joseph Steinberg

CEO, CyberSecurity Expert Witness and Advisory Services

Joseph Steinberg is a renowned expert on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, and the impact of technological developments on human society.

Steinberg has led businesses and divisions within the technology industry for over two decades, has been calculated to be one of the top 3 cybersecurity influencers worldwide, and has written books ranging from "Cybersecurity for Dummies" to the official study guide from which many Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) study for their certification exams. He is also one of only 28 people worldwide to hold the suite of advanced information security certifications, CISSP, ISSAP, ISSMP, and CSSLP, indicating that he possesses a rare, robust knowledge of information security that is both broad and deep; his security and AI-related inventions are cited in over 440 US patent filings. He serves as an expert witness and consultant on related matters.

Steinberg’s independent column is one of the most read in the fields of information security and artificial intelligence; he is known for offering keen insights and unique perspectives on related matters and on their potential impacts. Steinberg amassed millions of readers as a regular columnist for Forbes and Inc. magazines; today, his column receives over 2,500,000 monthly views.

J.J. Thompson

Learning in Process, Stealth

J.J. Thompson has a 20-year track record of success anticipating future trends in the cybersecurity industry and designing, implementing, and managing security capabilities to meet those needs by fusing technology with high performance teams. J.J. is currently focused on forming a startup where principles from the cybersecurity, insurance and blockchain domains will drive collaboration and efficacy. After spending most of his career working as a strategic advisor and thought leader for some of the world’s largest high growth organizations and security companies, Thompson joined Sophos to lead strategy for service offerings following the acquisition of his company, Rook Security, in 2019. At Ernst & Young, he served Global 100 accounts through strategic incident and crisis response. Thompson also served as President of the Silicon Valley chapter of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) and (ISC)² Indianapolis.