NJ Society for Information Management

Members In Transition (M.I.T.) Videoconference
2026-09-14 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-31 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-17 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-20 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-06 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-08 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) and 6 more dates | Webinar
Are you in transition? Are you thinking of changing positions? Is your company hiring? Then register for our meeting! This meeting is open and complimentary to all members, whether you are looking for a new position or want to help your colleagues.
Let us know if you are currently in transition so that we may keep you apprised of potential opportunities as we hear about them. Email Mark Beatty or Giacomo Mascillaro, the hosts of the meeting.

More information is available on the MIT message site and our information page. Also, check out SIM National’s database of I.T. executive jobs, at careers.simnet.org.
Meetings will be held every other Monday. Schedule permitting, we will be joined at most meetings by Dan Counts, Certified Career Coach and co-leader of the West Coast SIM MIT chapter.

To register, select your complimentary ticket below.

Sep 2026 Monthly Meeting
2026-09-10 17:30 - 20:30 | Madison Hotel, 1 Convent Road, Morristown, NJ, United States

SIM Membership Orientation Webinar
2026-06-15 16:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-20 16:00 - 16:30 | Webinar
Hello, New Members!
First and foremost, thank you for being an essential part of the SIM Family!

We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Member Orientation webinar, where you can unlock the full potential of your membership. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the networking and professional development programs available at both the Chapter and National levels.

It will be an open mic program, where we will explore one SIM program in detail, but more importantly, we will answer your questions about any of the programs SIM offers.

Join your host, Bill Waas – Director of Enterprise Memberships, to learn how you can make the most of your SIM experience. We can’t wait to see you there!

REGISTER NOW!

2026 NJ SIM Foundation’s Technology Exchange & Charity Golf Outing
2026-06-15 08:00 - 17:00 | New Jersey National Golf Club, 579 Allen Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920, United States
We are pleased to announce the date of the 2026 NJ SIM Foundation’s Technology Exchange & Charity Golf Outing is Monday, June 15, 2026. We are inviting you and your company to join us at a special event that promises to be both enjoyable and impactful. Based on the overwhelming response last year, we are pleased to announce that we will return to the New Jersey National Golf Course in Basking Ridge, NJ, for this golf outing. New Jersey National is a premier private golf club nestled in the lush meadows of the Watchung Mountains.
We appreciate your generous support for this charity event. Remember to support the sponsors of our event. Click here for Sponsorship information. Registration will be available soon!
NJ SIM Foundation Golf Committee

Members In Transition (M.I.T.) In-Person Meeting - 2026-05-14
2026-05-14 20:00 - 21:00 | Madison Hotel, 1 Convent Road, Morristown, NJ, United States
Are you in transition? Are you thinking of changing positions? Is your company hiring? Then register for our meeting! This meeting is open and complimentary to all members, whether you are looking for a new position or want to help your colleagues.
Let us know if you are currently in transition so that we may keep you apprised of potential opportunities as we hear about them. Email Mark Beatty or Giacomo Mascillaro, the hosts of the meeting.

More information is available on the MIT message site and our information page. Also, check out SIM National’s database of I.T. executive jobs, at careers.simnet.org.

To register, select your complimentary ticket below.

May 2026 Monthly Meeting
2026-05-14 17:30 - 20:30 | Madison Hotel, 1 Convent Road, Morristown, NJ, United States
SIM NJ is thrilled to welcome Ashley Davis, TV personality, business leader, and strategist fresh off the release of her debut book, The Power Pivot.
In a world where change is constant and uncertainty is inevitable, adaptability sets you apart. Cultivating emotional intelligence, grit, grace, and courage can turn these pivotal moments into opportunities for extraordinary growth.
Whether you’re a leader seeking to inspire transformation or an individual striving for that next breakthrough, you’ll need to know the difference between staying stuck and stepping into your full potential. Ashley’s proven framework—Intentional Planning, Intentional Purpose, and Intentional Change—offers tangible tools to help you embrace intelligent risk, unlock enthusiasm, and chart a course to sustainable success.
Note: SIM members in attendance will receive a complimentary copy of Ashley’s new book, The Power Pivot. BIO
Ashley E. Davis is a partner at S-3 Group, a leading government relations and public affairs consultancy. Prior to this, Ashley was a lead principal at West Front Strategies, a multi-million dollar lobbying firm she co-founded in 2015. In this capacity, she oversees advocacy efforts for the interests of her Fortune 500 clients before the legislative and executive branches of the U.S. government.

Ashley built her public policy expertise over a career in the public and private sectors, including serving in a leadership role at the White House from 2001 to 2003.

Following the September 11 attacks, as the Special Assistant to the National Director (and later Secretary) of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, Ashley directed daily operations and 120 staff at the newly created Office of Homeland Security within the Executive Office of the President. She was also a member of the eight-person task force that created the Department of Homeland Security, the first new U.S. federal agency in 60 years. During that time, Ashley was involved in creating several government programs that still exist, including USA Freedom Corp. and several classified programs.

Following her tenure at the White House, Ashley served as a managing principal on the executive committee of Blank Rome and managed the law firm’s strategic alliances with over 20 international public affairs firms. At that time, she was the youngest practice group leader in the firm’s history.

Today, Ashley’s CEO-level clients seek her expertise in areas including homeland security, healthcare (she has been involved in all recently passed federal healthcare laws), energy, technology, education, and international trade.

Ashley holds a Masters of International Business from McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University; a Masters of International Business from the ESADE Business School (Spain); and a Corporate International Masters Business-A Degree from the FGV EBAPE School (Brazil). She holds an undergraduate degree from Westminster College.

She is a member of the BigSpeak Speakers Bureau and Gotham Artists, is a highly sought after contributor on major news networks, podcasts and panels and serves as an expert speaker for the Office of U.S. Speaker Program at the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. She sits on several non-profit and corporate Boards such as Turning Point Brands Inc., Brooklyn Dumplings, The USA Gymnastics Foundation, Vital Voices Global Partnership, the Women’s Democracy Network at the International Republican Institute, Kennedy Center National Symphony Orchestra, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and is a member of Women Corporate Directors. She is a member of the Economic Club of Washington DC.
She is also the Co-CEO of the Belizean Grove, a preeminent global network of influential women committed to building collaborative, trusted partnerships. As Co-CEO, Ashley is responsible for curating unique and purposeful meetings and experiences aimed at bringing members together to foster a better understanding of the complex issues of our time, share expertise, and look for solutions. Special Thanks to Our Sponsor
We extend our sincere appreciation to Dale Workforce Solutions for generously sponsoring this meeting and supporting SIM New Jersey’s mission to foster learning, leadership, and community among technology executives. Agenda
5:30 Registration and Networking
6:15 Dinner
6:45 Business Meeting
7:00 Presentation and Q&A
8:00 Networking
We look forward to an insightful session!

SIM Leadership SIG Leadership in Uncertain Times
2026-04-21 12:30 - 13:30 | NJ
When:
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
12:30 – 1:30 PM ET
Where:
Virtual
United States
Contact:
Michelle Gibson
mgibson@simnet.org

About the Session:

Uncertainty is now the operating environment, not the exception. In this Leadership SIG panel, technology and business leaders will share practical ways to lead when priorities shift, information is incomplete, and pressure is high. We will explore how to create clarity, build trust, and keep teams moving without burnout.

ATTENDEE SUPPORT:
If you have trouble registering or need to renew your SIM membership, please email sim@simnet.org.
If you require special assistance of any kind, please call us at 800.387.9746 or email us at sim@simnet.org.

REGISTER HERE

ReThinkers Discussion Session UBI, UHI & The Race Between Utopia and Dystopia
2026-04-17 11:00 - 13:00 | NJ
About the Session
The Question We’re Avoiding
For decades, automation threatened specific jobs. This time may be different.
Artificial intelligence, humanoid robotics, agentic systems, and autonomous infrastructure are converging faster than any technological transition in modern history. For the first time, technology may be capable of replacing large portions of human labor across all sectors simultaneously.
If labor is no longer the primary mechanism for distributing income, an uncomfortable question emerges: How does society distribute purchasing power in a post-labor economy?
Three ideas are beginning to surface in policy circles:

Universal Basic Income
Universal Human Income
A range of hybrid economic models

Some see these ideas as the path to a post-scarcity society. Others see them as the first step toward economic dependency and loss of human agency. Some believe the entire premise is flawed.
Several economists and technologists argue that the window to address these questions may be far shorter than we expect—perhaps as little as three years before automation accelerates beyond our ability to adapt.
This Session Is Not a Lecture
This is a ReThinkers dialogue. We will not assume the answers. Instead, we will pressure-test the underlying assumptions.
Together we will explore:

Is large-scale technological unemployment realistic—or exaggerated?

If realistic, what is a realistic timeline?

Could UBI or UHI stabilize capitalism—or destabilize it?
What happens to purpose, identity, and innovation if income becomes detached from labor?
Could abundance create a renaissance of human creativity—or a crisis of meaning?
What responsibility should technology leaders have in shaping these outcomes?

Expect Provocative Questions
During this conversation we will challenge several assumptions:

What if the real issue is not unemployment but the collapse of wage growth?
What if automation compresses income long before it eliminates jobs?
What if the biggest risk is political instability rather than economic collapse?
What if UBI is not a solution—but a temporary bridge?

Why This Matters for Technology Leaders
Technology leaders are not just observers in this transition. We are building the systems driving it.
Understanding the potential societal consequences is not just policy theory—it is part of responsible leadership in the age of intelligent systems.
Facilitated By
Bill Waas
Co-Chair, SIM ReThink Everything! SIG
Join the Conversation
ReThinkers sessions are designed for open, respectful exploration of difficult ideas.
Expect thoughtful disagreement. Expect new perspectives. Expect to leave with more questions than answers.
Because the future will not be shaped by those who assume certainty. It will be shaped by those willing to think differently.
SPACE IS LIMITED: This session caps at 25 participants to ensure quality discussion. Register early to secure your spot.
Since seats are limited, please do not sign up and not show up.
About SIM ReThinkers
SIM ReThinkers brings together forward-thinking IT leaders to explore emerging technologies, strategic challenges, and leadership practices. Sessions foster peer learning, strategic dialogue, and actionable insights for navigating digital transformation.
Cost to Attend

Free for SIM Members.
Employees of SIM Members are welcome to attend for free.

Attendee Support
If you have trouble registering or need to renew your SIM membership, email sim@simnet.org.
If you require special assistance, call 800.387.9746 or email rethink@simnet.org.
REGISTER HERE

SIM Work 4.0 SIG Smarter Hiring or Higher Hurdles. The Double Edge of AI in Job Applications
2026-04-14 12:00 - 13:00 | NJ
About the Session
AI is fundamentally changing employment applications by automating the creation of resumes and cover letters, while AI auto-apply bots and AI-driven screening tools are reshaping the hiring process.

Impact on job applicants and the hiring process.
Best practices in the age of AI and hiring.

About the Speakers

Barbie Barta
CEO
Business Centric Technology
LinkedIn

Cathy Brovelli
Senior Recruiting Manager
BT Law
LinkedIn
About the Moderator

Nikhil Shah
Director of User Technology/IT
BT Law
LinkedIn

REGISTER HERE

April 2026 Monthly Meeting: "Moving Up the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Without Blowing Your Budget"
2026-04-09 17:30 - 20:30 | Madison Hotel, 1 Convent Road, Morristown, NJ, United States
Please join us at our next Chapter meeting on Thursday, April 9th at The Madison Hotel, where we will host a powerhouse panel of cybersecurity leaders from diverse industries and maturity levels for an in-depth discussion on a topic that impacts every organization today: Moving Up the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Without Blowing Your Budget
This session will explore:

Why measurable maturity matters more than buying more tools
Barriers organizations face: resource gaps, complexity, compliance pressures
Securing executive buy-in with business-value-aligned strategies
Practical crawl/walk/run roadmaps
Leveraging fractional expertise, managed services, funding strategies
Real-world frameworks: NIST CSF, CIS Controls, ISO 27001

Goal: Every attendee will walk away with a realistic roadmap to improve cyber maturity regardless of industry, size, or risk profile. Special Thanks to Our Sponsor
We extend our sincere appreciation to Blue Mantis and Netwolves for generously sponsoring this meeting and supporting SIM New Jersey’s mission to foster learning, leadership, and community among technology executives.
Meet the Panelists Adrian Tilston – Cyber Program Lead, Resourcive
As Cyber Program Lead, Adrian serves as a conduit to bridge the gap between Finance, IT, and Procurement departments when it comes to assessing and executing on cybersecurity initiatives. His team helps clients build programs in line with their business goals and risks while ensuring security vendors are utilized to drive maximum value from those services.
Prior to joining Resourcive, Adrian served in the US Army Special Forces as a Green Beret, followed by developing security solutions as a government contractor before founding Proteus Advisors.
Adrian holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and his first introduction to cybersecurity was booting from a Backtrack live CD in 2006. Adrian is an avid sailor, and his drive is best illustrated by completing an Ironman distance triathlon (his first and last) 18 months after getting spinal fusion surgery. John Erickson – Director of IT Infrastructure & Cybersecurity, Berjé Inc.
John Erickson is the Director of IT Infrastructure & Cybersecurity at Berjé, Inc., a family‑owned supplier of flavors, fragrances, and essential oils headquartered in Carteret, New Jersey. He brings more than 30 years of broad IT experience spanning financial services, retail, consumer packaged goods (CPG), healthcare, and manufacturing.
In his current role, John leads both the infrastructure and cybersecurity functions, with a focus on technology platforms, security policies, procedures, operational controls, and continuous awareness programs designed to protect the organization and its data.
John is a Past President of the Society for Information Management, New Jersey Chapter (SIM NJ) and has served on its Executive Committee since 2017. Ken Fishkin, CISSP, CIPP/US, CIPM, CIPT – Associate Director of Information Security, Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Ken Fishkin serves as Associate Director of Information Security at Lowenstein Sandler, where he leads the firm’s cybersecurity strategy and operations. Since joining the firm in 2019, he has overseen its cybersecurity program to not only protect the organization but also advance its broader business mission.
Previously, Ken served as Director for the Cybersecurity practice at a national accounting firm, advising organizations on strengthening security programs, maturing incident response capabilities, and aligning risk management strategies with evolving regulatory and industry standards.
Ken is widely recognized for his leadership within the cybersecurity community. As President of the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter, he guides the chapter’s strategic growth, expands regional engagement, and champions high-quality professional education for practitioners at all career stages. He strengthened partnerships across industry, academia, and the public sector and advanced mentorship initiatives. His contributions helped reinforce the chapter’s role as a trusted hub for professional development and community advancement.
He serves on the Executive, Threat Intelligence, and PHISH Committees of the Legal Services ISAO and sits on several advisory boards, including InfraGard NJ, HMG Strategy, and the New Jersey Gartner CISO community. In addition, he mentors students at Saint Peter’s University and regularly delivers guest lectures at conferences and university events. Through his leadership, mentorship, and service, Ken demonstrates a sustained commitment to advancing both organizational resilience and the broader cybersecurity profession. George Griesler – Senior Director of Cybersecurity, National Football League (NFL)
George Griesler is a senior cybersecurity executive with over two decades of experience leading enterprise-scale security, network infrastructure, and cyber defense programs across global organizations and high-profile sporting environments. He leads advanced cyber defense capabilities spanning security operations, threat detection and response, vulnerability management, and strategic integration of managed providers. His work focuses on ensuring resilience across complex, high-visibility environments where cybersecurity, physical operations, and fan experience intersect.
Currently, as the Senior Director of Cybersecurity Operations & Defense at the National Football League (NFL), George is responsible for protecting critical league infrastructure, NFL clubs, NFL stadium operations, and marquee global events—including the Super Bowl, NFL Draft, and International Series Games.
Prior to the NFL, George held senior leadership roles, including Director of Global Networking & Security at International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), where he led global network transformation and cybersecurity strategy, and Director of IT & Security at the United States Golf Association (USGA), where he supported the National Championship operations for over 155 years.
A collaborative and forward-thinking leader, George is passionate about developing high-performing teams, aligning cybersecurity with business outcomes, and advancing innovative defense strategies to address an evolving threat landscape. Current focus areas include driving large-scale initiatives in zero trust, firewall modernizations, cyber threat intelligence, and AI-enabled security operations.
Samantha Vandeven – Vice President, Cyber Intelligence, JPMorgan Chase
Agenda
5:30 Registration and Networking
6:15 Dinner
6:45 Business Meeting
7:00 Presentation and Q&A
8:00 Networking
We look forward to an engaging, practical, and insight-rich session that will help all of us elevate our security programs in meaningful, sustainable ways.

SLI Leadership Series - Antonio Taylor
2026-04-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar
Our April Guest is Antonio Taylor, Author, Stop Trying to Be a Leader

Antonio Taylor is a seasoned technology executive, author, public speaker, and board member with more than 26 years of experience spanning healthcare, enterprise IT, infrastructure, security, and executive leadership. He has built his career at the intersection of technology strategy, risk management, and organizational accountability—helping leaders make clearer, more confident decisions in moments that matter most.
Antonio’s work today centers on a modern reality: most organizations don’t have a technology problem—they have an ownership problem. When accountability is unclear, transformation stalls, investments misalign, and risk quietly compounds. His approach helps executives move from “performing leadership” to owning leadership—with clarity, discipline, and integrity.
Antonio partners with individuals, business leaders, and organizations to strengthen leadership alignment and build practical capability in AI. He teaches the principles that make AI useful—not theoretical—helping teams implement AI responsibly, improve decision-making, increase execution speed, and create real operational leverage without compromising trust or integrity.
He is the author of Stop Trying to Be a Leader, a book that challenges conventional leadership narratives and reframes leadership not as a role to perform, but as an identity to claim. The book draws from Antonio’s journey—from hands-on technical roles to executive and board-level leadership—and reflects his emphasis on self-leadership, decision ownership, and leading without masks.
Beyond his client work, Antonio remains deeply engaged in the leadership community through board service, public speaking, and involvement with the Society for Information Management (SIM). Known for his calm presence, thoughtful perspective, and practical wisdom, he brings a grounded voice to conversations about leadership, technology, and what it means to lead well in today’s high-pressure environment.

Learn More & Register: https://members.simnet.org/event/SLIApril2026

SIM Enterprise Architecture SIG - From Ad Hoc to Purpose-Built
2026-03-31 12:00 - 13:00 | NJ
About the Session
From Ad Hoc to Purpose-Built: Building an Enterprise & Solution Architecture Practice That Actually Works
Many organizations find themselves in the same situation: architecture exists, but architects are not fully driving business outcomes when it matters most.
Whether you’re launching an architecture practice for the first time or starting over with one that never fully took hold, this session is for you.
In this candid conversation, we’ll share the real journey of building an enterprise and solution architecture practice from the ground up inside a large retail organization—starting with a small team of architects and gradually introducing practical processes, governance guardrails, and stronger alignment with product and engineering teams to drive innovation and business results.
We’ll discuss what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re a first-timer or hitting the reset button, you’ll walk away with practical ideas for establishing credibility, building momentum, and evolving architecture from an ad hoc function into a trusted partner in delivering real business impact.
Participants Will Learn

Where to start when standing up a new enterprise or solution architecture practice.
How to build credibility and strong partnerships with product and engineering teams.
Practical ways to introduce governance and architectural guardrails without slowing delivery.

About the Speakers
Andrew Costa
Andrew is Director of Enterprise & Solution Architecture at RaceTrac, one of the largest privately held companies in the United States, where he built the architecture practice from the ground up. Over a 25-year career spanning banking, retail, and consumer goods, he has created and scaled architecture, data, and digital delivery functions for major brands, including Truist, Carter’s, and Citizens Bank. He is a Wharton CTO Program graduate and a SIM Atlanta chapter member.
Dan Hughes
Dan is the founder of Wittij Consulting. Before launching the firm, he spent a decade in software development before transitioning into IT architecture, where he created an Open Group recognized architecture method and led the delivery of all architecture services for a company specializing in enterprise and solution architecture for over 15 years. Dan brings broad and deep knowledge of enterprise architecture techniques and technologies across manufacturing, financial services, banking, healthcare, insurance, and regulatory compliance.
Cost to Attend

Free for SIM Members.
Employees of SIM Members are welcome to attend for free—email easig@simnet.org for a promo code to register.

Please sign in to receive member pricing for you and your staff.
Attendee Support
If you have trouble registering or need to renew your SIM membership, email sim@simnet.org.
If you require special assistance of any kind, call 800.387.9746 or email easig@simnet.org. REGISTER HERE

SIM Women Webinar March 2026
2026-03-25 15:00 - 16:00 | NJ
SIM Women Webinar
SIM Women is a network inside the SIM national association that promotes mentorship, communication, and career development among the female members of SIM.
We are excited to host our next webinar on Wednesday, March 25th at 3:00 PM ET.
Session Topic
Executive Presence on Your Own Terms: Leading with Clarity, Confidence, and Authenticity
This session reframes executive presence as values-aligned leadership rather than performance or conformity. Participants will clarify their personal leadership values, craft a concise leadership mission statement, and explore practical ways to demonstrate executive presence in meetings, ERGs, community leadership, and everyday decision-making regardless of title.
Through real-world examples and guided reflection, attendees will learn how to communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity without pressure to fit a narrow mold.
Attendees Will Learn How To

Clarify core leadership values and define a personal leadership mission.
Demonstrate executive presence in meetings, projects, and ERG leadership regardless of title.
Communicate ideas with clarity and confidence without pressure to conform to narrow leadership norms.

Speaker
Angela V. Harris is a Washington, DC native, executive leadership coach, and Founder/CEO of 2638 Management Group, an award-winning leadership development and wellness firm that helps professionals lead with clarity, confidence, and sustainability.
With 24 years in the technology industry, Angela understands firsthand the realities many women face as they navigate leadership, visibility, and career growth. Her work is shaped by lived experience, including her journey as a breast cancer survivor, which reshaped how she approaches leadership, boundaries, and well-being.
Angela has mentored countless professionals and founded the Angela V. Harris Scholarship at Drexel University, which has awarded more than $120,000 to students pursuing technology degrees.
Registration
Register above. Once you register, you will receive webinar access information directly from Zoom. REGISTER HERE

18th Annual HMG New Jersey C-Level Technology Leadership Summit, Cosponsored By SIM NJ
2026-03-24 08:30 - 16:00 | Madison Hotel, 1 Convent Road, Morristown, NJ, United States
In an era defined by exponential innovation, AI disruption, and rising stakeholder scrutiny, the role of the technology executive is undergoing a profound transformation. The expectations placed on CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, and digital leaders have never been higher—or more multidimensional.
This is your invitation to step into the next evolution of leadership at an HMG Strategy C-Level Technology Leadership Summit, cosponsored by SIM NJ.
What You’ll Gain

Iconic Leadership Clarity: Lead with the vision, confidence, and enterprise‑wide influence expected of a CEO of Technology.
Resilience for High‑Stakes Decisions: Strengthen your capacity to stay clear, steady, and high‑performing amid constant disruption.
Authentic Executive Presence: Inspire teams, elevate culture, and advance your Board‑ready leadership brand.
A Network of Peers: Engage with top CIOs, CISOs, CTOs, and CEOs shaping strategy and setting the pace for the industry.
Whole‑Leader Alignment: Build mind–body–spirit integration to enhance clarity, intuition, and executive presence.
Insight Into Trends & What’s Next: Gain forward‑looking intelligence on emerging technologies, risks, and innovators redefining the enterprise.
Cybersecurity: Elevate security as a strategic enabler with AI-driven intelligence, identity-first design, and resilient architectures that accelerate innovation.
Future-State Enterprise: Modernize legacy environments with pragmatic architecture shifts and smart hyperscaler leverage to unlock agility and next‑gen digital capability.

SIM DigiRisk SIG - Cloud Security: What is Changing and Strategies to Enable
2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:00 | NJ
About the Session:
Cloud transformation, regulatory expansion, and the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence are redefining enterprise risk. IT leaders must navigate increasing complexity while enabling business innovation. This session provides a concise assessment of the current cloud security landscape and offers focused strategic and tactical guidance to reduce risk while supporting organizational growth.

What is the current Cloud Security landscape
Given the revolution of Cloud and AI, what are the most important trends in Cloud Security
Where do IT Leaders focus strategically and what approaches can organizations utilize in today’s dynamic environment

About the Speaker:

Valene Skerpac
Valene is a cyber security executive with extensive experience and success in leading security in fast-pace, dynamic environments to ensure organizational priorities and mandates are met and assets protected. She is currently founder and CEO atSecurity Cthink, providing guidance to organizations enabling innovation andbusiness by leveraging modern technologies, such as AI and Cloud. As a senior security executive at Accenture, Valene led and advised global institutions on leading edge projects for over a decade. Earlier in her career, she was both a CIO and CISO at a smaller insurance company and she founded a biometrics firm where she patented a voice-based biometric authentication solution employing AI providing her with a deep appreciation for embedding security to benefit society.
COST TO ATTEND:
Free for SIM Members.
Employees of SIM Members are welcome to attend for free – please email easig@simnet.org for a promo code to register.
Please sign in to receive member pricing for you and your staff.

ATTENDEE SUPPORT:
If you have trouble registering or need to renew your SIM membership, please email sim@simnet.org.
If you require special assistance of any kind, please call us at 800.387.9746 or email us at easig@simnet.org.

SIM Work, Version 4 SIG: "Future-Ready AI: Your Guide to Thriving - Working Smarter Together: The Human-AI Edge"
2026-03-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar
Future-Ready AI: Your Guide to Thriving in Work 4.0 (2025-26)
The Future-Ready AI series takes you on a dynamic journey into the evolving world of artificial intelligence—demystifying the hype, revealing practical possibilities, and empowering you with hands-on skills. Across five interactive sessions, you’ll explore AI myths, uncover breakthrough applications, experiment with cutting-edge tools, and discover strategies to amplify human potential through AI. Whether you’re an AI skeptic, enthusiast, or strategist, this series equips you to navigate the future of work with clarity, confidence, and a competitive edge.

October 14, 2025 – AI Unmasked: Separating Truth from Hype
Cut through the noise and separate AI fact from fiction. This session busts the most common AI myths so you can make informed decisions for your work and strategy.
November 11, 2025 – From Tools to Transformation: The True Power of AI (90 mins)
Go beyond the buzzwords with an immersive dive into AI’s real-world applications. Discover possibilities that extend the latest tools into transformative business outcomes.
January 13, 2026 – Coding with AI: From English to Applications
Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on AI coding experience. Learn how to harness AI’s creative and technical potential in real time using plain English, no matter your skill level.
February 10, 2026 – Autonomous AI Agents: Transforming How We Work
Meet the AI agents that are reshaping how work gets done. Explore how these autonomous systems are driving innovation, efficiency, and new opportunities.
March 10, 2026 – Working Smarter Together: The Human-AI Edge
Unlock the full potential of human-AI collaboration. This session reveals strategies for balancing creativity, ethics, and productivity in the age of AI.

About The Speakers:

Elizabeth Decker, the visionary Founder and CEO of Braided Strategy, brings
over two decades of experience in steering complex technology and business
projects to success. Her career is marked by a series of transformative
achievements in environments characterized by mergers, acquisitions, and
challenging project landscapes. Elizabeth's unique approach combines
technical acumen with a profound understanding of human dynamics, enabling
her to craft solutions that are precisely designed to meet business objectives.

Mike Kritzman is the founder and CEO of SkillNet, a leading platform for
managing workforce skills, certifications, and personalized training.
With extensive experience in IT workforce development, Mike helps
organizations optimize talent strategies by solving skill gaps with
personalized learning that drives performance improvements.
Mike regularly advises IT leaders on building agile, future-ready teams
through intelligent skills data. SkillNet is leveraging AI-driven insights.

Stuart Kerr is a veteran technology executive and AI strategist with over 30
years of experience in enterprise software and SaaS. He has led two
software firms through successful IPOs and has served on the boards of five
others, bringing deep expertise in scaling innovation-driven businesses. His
current work with SkillNet focuses on applying cutting-edge AI to accelerate
human learning and skills development at scale, empowering individuals and
organizations to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Sean Masterman, Ed.D has been a technology leader delivering value
for over 25 years to organizations like Target, Wells Fargo, Rollerblade,
and UCare, and a higher educator for over 15 years at Concordia
University- Saint Paul, the University of Minnesota, and the University of
Sioux Falls. He is passionate about helping prepare youth to thrive in the
future workforce alongside AI and robotics.
Register here
