Gerard Au has more than 19 years of progressively responsible IT experience, including leadership roles in two of California's public higher education systems (California State University and University of California). Prior his 7-year tenure at CSUSB, Au spent nearly 14 years in various roles at UCLA, as well as two years in the private industry. He is an active participant of EDUCAUSE, serving on the EDUCAUSE Top 10 IT Issues panel from 2015-2017 and as institute faculty for the association’s inaugural Senior Directors Program. He is also a graduate from the EDUCAUSE Leadership Institute. Au has demonstrated results in direction setting, managing complex projects, and improving operational efficiency, as well as implementing and managing administrative systems and instructional and distance learning technologies. His areas of expertise include higher education governance, healthcare IT, strategic IT planning, leadership, project management, cloud strategy and implementation, system design and implementation, instructional technologies, distance learning, and server migration.

Pierre Bourgeix has spent 30+ years as a global security consultant and innovator, with a wide range of experience serving The Rand Corporation, The US State Department, ADT/Tyco Security, HySecurity, Wallace International, SecureState and BoonEdam. From a strong foundation in the physical security, barrier, gate control industry, Bourgeix’s path has grown to include electronic security, managed services security and finally, the IT and cybersecurity arena as well. He is a highly regarded thought leader in the convergence of IT, OT, and physical security and is a renowned expert in the integration of converged technology platforms, from large manufacturers to utility companies such as First Energy. He is also a subject-matter expert in the development and implementation of governance and privacy programs in IT, OT, and PS. Bourgeix holds master’s degrees in both Behavioral Education and International Business Management, with a bachelor’s in History and Political Science. He is a member of the US Naval Institute and is fluent in English, French, and Arabic.

Anthony Briscoe is a primary education technology leader with over 25 years of IT experience and seven years in operational leadership, managing, and leading IT operations through service delivery, policy engagement, and leadership development. He is a data-informed decision-maker, focusing on diversity mentoring, QoS, IT compliance, budget administration, and overseeing projects, infrastructure, procurement, vendor, and team management. He has worked in primary education for 13 years, with prior experience as a Field Technician, Help Desk Administrator, and CRM Consultant. He is a veteran of the U.S. Naval Reserve and earned a degree in Applied Management Instructional Technology, Training, and Evaluation from Northern Illinois University. He mentors aspiring IT professionals and is a performing artist in his spare time.

Brian Fodrey is a higher education administrator with over 15 years of experience managing and leading organizations through policy development, strategic change, and innovative solutions. He is a proven collaborator and proactive and student-focused professional with a record of campus leadership, data-driven decision making, and adapting and pursuing forward-thinking initiatives in dynamic and complex environments. Prior to his current position he served as CIO and Vice Provost for Educational Technology at Stevenson University. He earned a M.S. in Adult Learning & Organizational Performance from Drake University and M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from Kent State University.

Dr. Thomas Hoover is Louisiana Tech University’s highest ranking technology executive, responsible for creating and implementing the technology vision at Louisiana Tech, and reports directly to the President. Thomas has worked in Information Technology in higher education since 1999. Prior to his current position, he served as Chief Information Officer and Dean of the Library at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and Director of Instructional Technology Support at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. Dr. Hoover was born in Southern California and has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from the University of California at Davis, a Master's in Public Policy from Pepperdine University's School of Public Policy, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education/Higher Education Administration from Louisiana Tech University.

Dr. Patricia Kahn has more than 25 years’ experience in technology services in both higher education and the private sector. She has provided the leadership and vision for technology in both academic and administrative areas across two- and four-year institutions. Prior to coming to the College of Staten Island, she held the position of Executive Director of Information Technology Services at Brookdale Community College and held key administrative leadership positions at Montclair State University. Her career resulted in the implementation of major technological advancements, directed activities relevant to budget planning and policy development, and led the successful implementation of distance learning initiatives. Dr. Kahn received her BS and MBA from Manhattan College, and her Ph.D. in Education from Capella University, with a concentration in Instructional Design and Online Learning.

James Mix has over a decade of experience in the IT Security field, specifically the creation of IT Security teams and processes from the ground up. He has started programs of security and risk management, incident response, and security operations at a local MSP, the SANS Institute, and now Stafford County Public Schools. Prior to his current position he has worked as a Cybersecurity Analyst and then a Security Operations Engineer at the SANS Institute. He has taken seven classes from SANS, as well as obtaining a Security+ and CISSP certification.

Neal Richardson is the Director of Technology and CISO for the Hillsboro-Deering School District in Southwest New Hampshire and a SANS Cybersecurity Difference Maker recipient. He has over 20 years of experience in Information Technology supporting high-technology industries, manufacturing, and K-12 public education. Richardson is currently a co-chair of the MS-ISAC K12 working group, a member of the K12-Six essential protections working group, the CoSN cybersecurity advisory committee, the State of New Hampshire cybersecurity planning committee, and the New Hampshire chapter of InfraGard. He has a BA from Southern New Hampshire University and holds the following cybersecurity certifications: CISSP, CISM, CDPSE, GCCC, GMOB, GCIH, GCIA, and GSEC.

Don Ringelestein began his career as an adjunct instructor teaching Philosophy and as a multi-unit manager in retail stores. Realizing that he wanted to combine his passion for technology with his passion for education, he moved into educational technology. Most recently serving as the Chief Technology Officer at Maine Township High School District 207, he has worked in educational technology for over 15 years, including positions at Community Unit School District 308 in Oswego, and West Aurora School District 129. Ringelestein holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Philosophy and has completed Ph.D. coursework in Philosophy at Loyola University in Chicago. He holds the CISSP, CISM, ITIL v.4, and CAPM certifications. Ringelestein currently serves on CoSN’s Board of Directors. In addition, he is the past president of Illinois’ chapter of CoSN, the Illinois Educational Technology Leaders organization, the premier association of educational technology leaders in Illinois.