DCSA Presenters

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DAVID M. CATTLER 
DIRECTOR


David Cattler is the Director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), the United States Government’s premier provider of integrated security services, effective March 24, 2024.  DCSA is a strategic asset to the Nation and its allies—ensuring a trusted federal and industrial workforce and enabling industry's delivery of uncompromised capabilities. DCSA uniquely blends industrial security, counterintelligence support, personnel vetting, and security training to advance and preserve America's strategic edge.  He leads the agency’s strategic transformation and maturation, and a workforce of approximately 12,000 federal and contract support personnel worldwide.

Before joining DCSA, Mr. Cattler served as Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence and Security at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and informed and protected NATO decision-making. He helped form and coordinate national policy as Deputy Assistant to the President for Regional Affairs within the National Security Council.  He was a senior advisor to the Director of National Intelligence in multiple roles, including Chairman of the National Intelligence Management Council, National Intelligence Manager for the Near East, and Principal Deputy National Intelligence Officer for Military Issues.  He supported combat operations while directing the Defense Intelligence Agency’s counterterrorism efforts and serving as the Joint Staff’s Deputy Director for Intelligence.


He began his career as a naval surface warfare officer and served in two Aegis cruisers, USS ANTIETAM and USS CHANCELLORSVILLE, and ashore in military and civilian roles with the Office of Naval Intelligence and Director of Naval Intelligence.

He has earned academic degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy and Georgetown University.  He also is a graduate of the National Intelligence University, the U.S. Naval War College, and was a senior fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Seminar XXI.

He is the recipient of numerous national and foreign awards including: the Order of Terra Marianaof Estonia (Third Class); the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Poland; the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise of Ukraine (Fifth Degree); the Order of Merit of the Ministry of Defence of Estonia (Second Class); Medal of Noble Partner of the Ministry of Defence of Georgia;  Medal of Honorary Recognition of the Ministry of Defence of Latvia; Medal of the Defense Intelligence Service of Lithuania; Medal of  Partnership of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine; the DNI Distinguished Service Award; the DIA Director’s Award; 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award of the Amphitheater School District (Tucson, Ariz.); Navy Commendation Medal (with one gold star); Joint Service Achievement Medal; Navy Achievement Medal (with one gold star); and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal. 

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ANDREW J. LOCHLI 
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - COUNTERINTELLIGENCE AND INSIDER THREAT DIRECTORATE 


Andrew J. Lochli is the Assistant Director for Counterintelligence and Insider Threat Directorate, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency’s (DCSA). In this capacity, Mr. Lochli directs the agency’s efforts to identify, assess, disrupt, and mitigate threats to cleared industry, the trusted workforce, the Department of Defense and DCSA through the application of counterintelligence (CI), cyber, and enterprise insider threat management activities.

Mr. Lochli also served in this capacity while a Special Agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).  He previously served as an Executive Assistant Director with NCIS, serving as Director of the Office of Commercial and Economic Analysis – Navy (OCEA-N), Naval Intelligence Activity.  At OCEA-N, he enabled the defense of Department of the Navy equities by identifying and characterizing economic threats through analysis and information sharing, while developing actionable mitigation plans in support of the National Defense Strategy. 

Prior to leading OCEA-N, Mr. Lochli served as the Assistant Director, NCIS Cyber Directorate where he provided direction, oversight, and coordination of criminal and CI investigations and operations in the cyber domain. 

His former senior leadership positions include serving as the Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) for Criminal Investigations and Operations; Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director; DAD for CI Investigations; and Division Chief for Criminal Operations and Transnational Crimes.

Mr. Lochli’s prior supervisory positions include serving as Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge for General Crimes, NCIS Northwest Field Office; and ASAC for Counterintelligence, NCIS Hawaii Field Office. He served previously as the Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) of the NCIS Resident Agency, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; SSA Office of Special Projects, Washington, DC; and SSA, NCISHQ Counterintelligence Directorate.

Mr. Lochli joined NCIS in 1999 with initial assignments in Bremerton, Washington and Marianas, Guam. In these assignments, he worked across NCIS general crimes and counterintelligence mission areas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Drew University, where he majored in Political Science and minored in Sociology, and earned a Master of Arts degree from George Washington University, where he majored in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Security Management. He is a credentialed Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). 

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JAMES SHAPPELL
DEPUTY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - COUNTERINTELLIGENCE AND INSIDER THREAT DIRECTORATE 
DIRECTOR, DITMAC

James Shappell serves as the Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) for Insider Threat within the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency’s (DCSA’s) Counterintelligence and Insider Threat Directorate, filling the role as the Director of the DoD Insider Threat Management and Analysis Center (DITMAC). In this position, he oversees all DoD-level operations, program management, and business/support of the DITMAC. He also served as DITMAC’s Deputy Director and the Chief of Analysis and Mitigation.

Previously, Mr. Shappell served as the Chief of Staff of the National Intelligence Council (NIC) at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). He also served in multiple positions at the US Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), including the Acting Assistant Chief of Staff (ACoS), G-2; creating, establishing, and leading the INSCOM Security Operations Center (ISOC) as its first Director; the Deputy ACoS, G-2; and the Command Security Manager and Special Security Officer. He also served as a security specialist at US Army Yuma Proving Ground.

Prior to his civilian career, Mr. Shappell served four years on active duty as an intelligence analyst, primarily supporting operations in the Republic of Korea.

Throughout his career Mr. Shappell earned a number of awards including the Army Commendation Medal and two Army Achievement medals for his service on active duty. He received the ODNI Exceptional Service Award, the Army Commander’s Award for Civilian Service, and two Army Achievement Medals for Civilian Service.

In addition to his professional experience, Mr. Shappell has a dual Master’s of Arts degree in Leadership and Management and Security Management and Administration from Webster University, a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Communications from Mansfield University, and an Associates of Applied Science in Intelligence Operations from Cochise College. He completed the Wharton School’s Certificate in Leadership and Management and the Federal Executive Institute’s Leadership for Democratic Society, and received the Carnegie Melon’s Software Engineering Institute’s Insider Threat Program Manager Certificate. He holds certification as a DoD Certified Counter-Insider Threat Professional – Fundamental.

James lives in Burke, VA, with his wife, Antoinette; his son, Ethan; and his daughter, Alessandra, as well as the family’s two dogs, Mario and Luigi. He remains actively engaged in community activities outside of work.

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REBECCA A. MORGAN
SENIOR ADVISOR FOR SECURITY TRAINING - CDSE 


Ms. Rebecca Morgan currently serves as a Senior Advisor for Security Training, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). The Security Training Directorate provides security products and services to ensure workforce readiness in credibility assessment, industrial security, information security, insider threat, personnel security, physical security and special access program missions through training, education, quality assurance, and research.

Ms. Morgan has over three decades of experience in counterintelligence, security, and insider threat including investigations, operations, and analysis. She has recently served as a Senior Advisor to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security; Assistant Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, Office of the Director of National Intelligence; Director of the National Insider Threat Task Force; and, Director of the National Operations Security Program. Ms. Morgan has also served as a Senior Advisor to the Executive Office of the President and as the Division Chief, Insider Threat and Counterintelligence Training, at the DCSA, Center for Development of Security Excellence.

Ms. Morgan began her federal career as a Special Agent and Counterintelligence Specialist with the Defense Security Service. She later served as an Intelligence Operations Specialist with the DoD Counterintelligence Field Activity; as the Senior Intelligence Advisor to the DoD Foreign Supplier Assessment Center; and as an instructor at the Joint Counterintelligence Training Academy. Prior to government service, Ms. Morgan was a licensed private investigator and paralegal. She has also conducted counterintelligence, security, and cybersecurity assessments for private industry.

Ms. Morgan holds an MA in Forensic Corporate Espionage Investigation from The George Washington University and a BA in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Northeastern Illinois University. Ms. Morgan is certified as faculty at the University of Maryland Baltimore County Technology Center and holds instructor certifications with both NSA and DIA. She also holds SAPPC, SFPC, CCITP-F, CCITP-A, and DoD Forensic Media Examiner certifications.

Her dedication to duty and ability to innovate have resulted in numerous performance awards and accolades including: National Counterintelligence and Security Awards (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2023); DIA CI and HUMINT Awards (2014, 2015, 2018); DSS Employee of the Year (2016); DCSA Employee of the Year (2019); and DoD “Unsung Hero” by Secretary of Defense William Cohen (2000). She was recognized by Security Magazine as one of "The Most Influential People in Security 2020."

Ms. Morgan is a member of the IC Womens Intelligence Network. She also serves as a volunteer with GirlSecurity.org supporting young women entering the national security field and with Operation Safe Escape providing security resources to domestic violence shelters. Away from the office, Ms. Morgan coaches youth soccer and collects vintage criminal mug shots.

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JOEL R. WEST
DEPUTY DIVISION CHIEF - CI & INSIDER THREAT DIRECTORATE / ANALYSIS DIVISION

Mr. Joel West is the Chief, Analysis Division (AD) within the Counterintelligence Directorate at the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).

In this capacity, Mr. West exercises leadership by managing, directing, and coordinating day-to-day operations for the division’s research, analysis, and production of finished intelligence assessments of foreign intelligence threats to inform DCSA leadership, USG customers, policymakers, and National Industrial Security partners. Additionally, AD identifies foreign intelligence entity (FIE) methods of contact and operation targeting cleared industry; provides critical intelligence on FIE emerging and future patterns, trends, and threats; helps ensure U.S. critical technologies are delivered uncompromised; and, creates opportunities for interagency partners to neutralize and exploit FIE targeting cleared industry.

Mr. West has served as a career Intelligence Analyst, supporting both Counterintelligence and Counter-proliferation efforts in uniform and as a civilian within the Department of Defense. He joined the Defense Security Service (DSS) in 2010 and has supervised Intelligence Analysts evaluating foreign threats to U.S. technology and information resident in cleared industry and oversaw the development of operational and strategic-level finished intelligence products educating and informing U.S. government decision makers, as well as cleared industry on threats to their equities.

Prior to joining DSS, Mr. West served as Senior Intelligence Analyst at the Defense Intelligence Agency specializing in scientific and technical intelligence, monitoring global technology proliferation trends. He began his career as an Intelligence Analyst in 3rd Special Forces Group, where he was forward deployed to Iraq, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Afghanistan, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Mr. West holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in International Relations and Conflict Resolution.

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PETER LAPP
SENIOR THREAT MANAGER- DoD Insider Threat Management Analysis Center in the Behavioral Threat Analysis Center

Mr. Peter Lapp is currently on contract as a senior threat manager at DCSA’s DoD Insider Threat Management Analysis Center in the Behavioral Threat Analysis Center. Previously, he spent 22-years as an FBI special agent conducting counterintelligence investigations against Cuba, China, and Russia while at the Washington Field Office and Baltimore Division. Later, Pete held the positions of supervisory special agent and unit chief of the economic espionage and PRC espionage units at FBI HQ’s Counterintelligence Division. After retiring from the FBI, he was the insider threat proam manager at General Dynamics Information Technology, and then later started an insider risk consulting firm.

Finally, Pete is a published author, accomplished public speaker, and adjunct professor at Marymount University in its Forensic Legal and Psychology graduate program. 

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PHILLP ATKINSON 
SENIOR BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE ADVISOR - DITMAC


Dr. Phillip Atkinson is an Operational Psychologist currently serving as a Senior Behavioral Science Advisor at the DoD Insider Threat Management and Analysis Center (DITMAC). In this role, Dr. Atkinson provides subject matter expertise to senior leaders on initiatives related to the psychological aspects of insider threats and he provides consultation on the management of active insider threat cases.

Prior to joining the DITMAC in 2021, Dr. Atkinson had over 15 years of experience supporting various intelligence community and special operations organizations by conducting risk assessments, providing leadership development, and consulting on human intelligence and counterintelligence missions. Dr. Atkinson previously served on active duty in the US Army and continues to serve in the Army Reserves.

Industry Presenters

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DELICE BERNHARD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - JPMorgan Chase's Threat Detection and Analysis Office in Global Security 



Delice Bernhard serves as an Executive Director within JPMorgan Chase's Threat Detection and Analysis Office in Global Security. Delice established and oversees the firm's Strategic Threats team which aims to identify and assess nation state-related threats with the potential to compromise the firm’s data, workforce or supply chain and develop mitigation strategies to protect the firm's workforce, clients, assets and reputation. To accomplish this, Delice leads several firm wide programs that address both strategic nation state threats and related insider risk issues impacting the firm. Delice joined the firm in August 2021 after serving nearly 20 years in a variety of roles in the U.S. Department of Defense.

Delice began her federal career in 2001 with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) as a counterintelligence analyst. She served in a variety of counterintelligence and counterterrorism positions throughout her tenure at DIA, culminating in her role from 2004-2006 as the Senior Intelligence Analyst for the Joint Intelligence Task Force-Combating Terrorism Pentagon Division responsible for managing a 24/7 team and developing the daily counterterrorism briefing for the J-2 Intelligence Director and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In 2007, she served on the J-5 as the senior intelligence functional area expert in the field of detainee affairs. From 2007-2009, she served as the Special Assistant to the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Human Intelligence, Counterintelligence, and Security. From 2009-2015, she served in a variety of roles for the Air Force, Intelligence Systems Support Office to include Acting Director, Mission Support and the Deputy Director for Innovation and Collaboration where she oversaw the development of unique capabilities, advanced technology applications, and research and development support activities.

She joined the Defense Security Service (now Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency) in October 2015 where she served as the Assistant Director for Analysis, Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Department of Defense Insider Threat Management and Analysis Center (DITMAC). In September 2019, she became a Defense Intelligence Senior Level member and served from September 2019-October 2020 as DCSA’s first Director of Security, Insider Threat and Mission Assurance. From October 2020 to August 2021, Delice served as the Director, DITMAC where she was responsible for leading DoD’s enterprise-level capability to develop a holistic picture of risk posed by insiders, coordinate mitigation, and oversee resolution across DoD and Federal partners. She also oversaw the activities of the DoD Unauthorized Disclosure Program Management Office and Insider Threat Enterprise Program Management Office.

She received a Master of Arts in National Security Studies in 2001 from Georgetown University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Relations from Tulane University in 1998. She is the recipient of the OSD Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service, the DSS and DCSA Exceptional Service Award and DCSA Distinguished Service Award.

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DEANNA D. CAPUTO
CHIEF SCIENTIST FOR INSIDER THREAT CAPABILITIES AND SENIOR PRINCIPAL BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGIST - MITRE Corporation 

Dr. Deanna D. Caputo is the Chief Scientist for Insider Threat Capabilities and a Senior Principal Behavioral Psychologist at the MITRE Corporation, applying her deep expertise in the behavioral sciences to insider threat efforts across a very broad work program. Deanna is an internationally recognized expert in insider threat, and at the intersection of cybersecurity and behavioral science. She has 25 years of experience designing, conducting, and analyzing research with human participants using experimental, quantitative, and qualitative analyses. During her 17-year career at MITRE, she has built and led MITRE’s Human Behavior and Cybersecurity capability area and dedicated team focused on operational research and consultation on human behavior and cybersecurity, particularly usable security & technology adoption, cyber risk perceptions &awareness, and cybersecurity teams & exercise assessment.

Dr. Caputo has also built and leads MITRE’s Insider Threat Research and Solutions capability and multi-disciplinary team. She created and pioneered the development of Insider Risk/Threat solutions as repeatable offerings for government and critical infrastructure industry sponsors with 18 IP disclosures, and stood up an air-gapped, secure MITRE Insider Threat Lab. Dr. Caputo uses behavioral methodologies and analytics to reduce insider threats by analyzing how human behavior manifests in cyber and non-cyber sensors, and developing solutions to identify and change employee attitudes, intentions, and/or behaviors. Deanna holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Santa Clara University and a Ph.D. in Social and Personality Psychology with a specialization in Judgment and Decision-Making and Psychology and Law from Cornell University.

Dr. Caputo has multiple research articles published in peer-reviewed journals, authored three book chapters including coming in 2025 Insider Risk Management within Research Security Programs in Handbook of Research and Knowledge Security, Edited by Brendan Walker-Munro; and Insider Threats: Leveraging the Benefits of Behavioral Science Research in the International Handbook of Threat Assessments, Oxford Press (2021). Other highlighted publications include: Spear Phishing in a Barrel, Journal of Organizational Computing and Electronic Commerce, 2018; Barriers to Usable Security? Three Organizational Case Studies, IEEE Security and Privacy, 2016; Going Spear Phishing: Exploring Embedded Training and Awareness, IEEE Security and Privacy, 2014; Leveraging Behavioral Science to Mitigate Cyber Security Risk, Computers and Security, 2012; and Detecting the Theft of Trade Secrets by Insiders: A Summary of MITRE Insider Threat Research, IEEE Security & Privacy, 2009.

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RUSSELL PALAREA
FOUNDER AND CEO - Operational Psychology Services 

Dr. Russell Palarea is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Operational Psychology Services (OPS). He is an internationally recognized expert on threat assessment, insider threat, protective intelligence, and counterterrorism, providing consultation in these areas to Fortune 500 corporations, global security firms, law enforcement, government agencies, and universities. Dr. Palarea serves as the contract Operational Psychologist for the U.S.  Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). He was brought to DSS in 2012 to spearhead the creation of the State Department’s Threat Management Program, and currently provides threat assessment consultation to protect its leadership, facilities, and personnel through the Office of Protective Intelligence Investigations and Insider Threat Program. Additionally, he serves as an instructor or the DSS Training Academy and a presenter for the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). Dr. Palarea also consults with law enforcement agencies across the state of Florida on their threat assessment cases.

Prior to joining the private sector, Dr. Palarea served  for 10 years  as a Staff Operational Psychologist with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), providing his expertise to the NCIS Threat Management Unit, Counterterrorism Department, and Insider Threat Program. Dr. Palarea also consulted on investigations for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTF), and he trained personnel at numerous U.S. Federal Law Enforcement and Intelligence agencies, JTTFs, and state and local entities. His international experience includes training national law enforcement, security services, military services, and corporate security in Canada, South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Dr. Palarea has conducted research on stalking, workplace violence, and assessment of communicated threats with the Los Angeles Police Department Threat Management Unit, U.S. Capitol Police Threat Assessment Section, Nebraska State Patrol, and Lincoln Police Department. His journal publications have appeared in Behavioral Sciences & the Law, Violence & Victims, Journal of Forensic Sciences, and the Journal of Threat Assessment. Dr. Palarea has co-authored book chapters on psychiatric diagnoses and the offender-victim typology of stalking in Meloy’s The Psychology of Stalking, crisis and hostage negotiation in Kennedy & Zillmer’s Military Psychology, ethics in crisis negotiation in Kennedy & Williams’ Ethical Practice in Operational Psychology, the role of sexual fantasies in sex offenses in Robertz’ Violent Fantasies, and protective intelligence in Meloy & Hoffman’s second edition of the International Handbook of Threat Assessment.

Since 1996, Dr. Palarea has been an active participant with the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP), serving as ATAP’s President from 2017-2021. ATAP awarded him with its Meritorious Service Award in 2012 for his proposal to establish the International Relations Committee, serving as the Committee’s Chair, and facilitating relationships with the Canadian, European, and Asia Pacific partner associations. In 2021, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) recognized Dr. Palarea with the Commissioner’s Medal for his expertise supporting the development and implementation of Florida’s Strategy for Targeted Violence Prevention. Dr. Palarea is also a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), and serves on the National Advisory Board for the National Center for School Safety Council (NCSS). 

Dr. Palarea holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCLA and a PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Forensics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

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WILLIAM EVANINA
FOUNDER AND CEO - Evanina Group, LLC.

Mr. Evanina currently serves as Founder and CEO of the Evanina Group advising CEOs and Board of Directors on strategic corporate risk.  Mr. Evanina provides a wide array of elite strate-gic risk consultation services to Boards of Directors, CEOs, and senior decision makers operat-ing within a very complex and competitive global economy and with nefarious nation state ac-tors.  Clients include corporations within energy, financial services, telecommunications, bio-medical, technology, private equity, national security, and retail sectors.

Mr. Evanina currently serves on multiple advisory boards and is an instructor at the University of Chicago’s distinguished Graham School. Mr. Evanina frequently appear in national news outlets (television, print, op-eds) advising on threats, vulnerability and mitigating strategies.

Previously, Mr. Evanina was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 6, 2020, to be the first Sen-ate-confirmed Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC). Mr. Evanina served as the Director of NCSC since June 2, 2014. In this position, he was the head of Counterintelligence (CI) for the U.S. Government. Mr. Evanina was responsible for leading and supporting the CI and security activities of the US Intelligence Community, the U.S. Government, and U.S. private sector entities at risk from intel-ligence collection or attack by foreign adversaries. Under NCSC, he oversaw national-level pro-grams and activities such as the National Insider Threat Task Force; personnel security and back-ground investigations; information technology protection standards and compliance; CI cyber operations; supply chain risk management; threat awareness to sectors of the US critical infra-structure; national-level damage assessments from espionage or unauthorized disclosures, CI mission management, and national CI and security training programs. Under Mr. Evanina’s leadership, NCSC produced the President’s National Counterintelligence Strategy of the United States of America 2020, which has been instrumental in raising foreign in-telligence threat awareness to critical infrastructure sectors and the private sector executives re-garding supply chain, economic security, cyber, and malign foreign influence. 

Mr. Evanina chaired the National Counterintelligence Policy Board, and the Allied Security and Counterintelligence Forum comprised of senior CI and security leaders from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.  Mr. Evanina also served as Chair of the NATO Counterintelligence Panel.

Prior to his selection as the Director of NCSC, Mr. Evanina served as the Chief of the Central In-telligence Agency’s (CIA) Counterespionage Group.

Mr. Evanina previously served as Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, where he led operations in both the Counterintelligence and Counterterrorism Divisions.

Mr. Evanina served over 31 years of distinguished federal service, 24 of which as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). At the start of his law enforcement career in 1996, he investigated organized crime and violent crimes through the FBI’s Newark Field Of-fice. He then served on an FBI SWAT unit for 10 years, ultimately supervising this unit. He par-ticipated in some of the highest profile terrorism investigations in our nation’s history including the 9/11 attacks, the anthrax attacks, and the Daniel Pearl kidnapping. During his tenure with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), Mr. Evanina was selected as a Supervisory Special Agent and received the FBI Director’s Award for Excellence for his leadership in the investigation into convicted spy Leandro Argoncillo.

Mr. Evanina’s government career began in 1989 as a Project Manager with the General Services Administration, in Philadelphia.

Mr. Evanina was born and raised in Peckville, PA. He holds an Associate’s Degree in History from Keystone College in LaPlume, PA, a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, PA, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Arcadia University in Philadelphia.  Mr. Evanina was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Keystone College.

Mr. Evanina resides in Alexandria, VA and is married to his wife JulieAnne and has two sons, Dominic and Will. 

Government Presenters

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SEAN THRASH
DIRECTOR INSIDER THREAT DIVISION - DHS

Sean Thrash serves as the Director of the DHS Insider Threat Division which is part of the Threat Management Operations at the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO). As the Director, Sean and his team are responsible for the execution, leadership, and oversight of the Department-wide implementation of the Insider Threat Program (ITP).

He is a Supervisory Special Agent with OCSO, Internal Security and Investigations Division and has over twenty (20) years’ experience severing as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer. He began his law enforcement career with the United Stated Border Patrol (USBP) in San Diego Sector and served as an Assistant Chief at USBP Headquarters where he played an instrumental role developing the USBP Information Technology Unit. Sean has managed several mission critical programs at the Department, to include the DHS Wireless Management Office, the Cyber Counterintelligence Program, and the OCSO Cyber Forensics Unit.

Prior to becoming a law enforcement officer, Sean was a Clinical Psychologist and holds a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the Citadel Military College and is a Certified Information Technology Project Manager. He was awarded San Diego Sector Border Patrol Agent of the Year, DHS Secretary’s Award for Team Excellence for leading the Cyber Counterintelligence Task Force and received the DHS Under Secretary for Management “One Partnership” Award.

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JACK N. SUMME
DIRECTOR NAVY INTELLIGENCE SECURITY AND INSIDER THREAT - Naval Intelligence Agency

Mr. Jack Summe currently serves as the Director of Naval Intelligence Security and Insider Threat (N7) within the Naval Intelligence Activity (NIA). He is responsible for the development, promulgation and implementation of Navy Special Security policy, the Navy Insider Threat Program, and the effective maintenance of Navy Background Investigation processes. In addition, he serves as the principal advisor to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare on all Insider Threat programmatic matters. He was appointed as a Navy Defense Intelligence Senior Level (DISL) in January 2009.

From 2010-2013, Mr. Summe served as the Senior Advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy. Mr. Summe was responsible for the development of DoD Cyber Policy and activities focused on providing for the cybersecurity of the Defense Industrial Base and U.S. critical infrastructure. In this role, Mr. Summe worked closely with the National Security Staff, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Cyber Command, and the National Security Agency. From 2009-2010, Mr. Summe served as the Assistant Director of Naval Intelligence for Strategic Engagement. In this role, he led Naval Intelligence Communications, Navy Foreign Liaison, Legislative Affairs, and Intel Community policy.

Prior to Mr. Summe’s appointment as a DISL, he led a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Army, serving in various command and staff positions within the Military Police, Psychological Operations and Information Operations career fields. Mr. Summe served as Commander, Joint Military Information Support Command, USSOCOM from 2006-2008; Commander, 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne) from 2003-2005, Chief, Psychological Operations Division, The Joint Staff from 2000-2003 and Commander, 1st Psychological Operations Battalion (Abn) from 1996-1998. Mr. Summe also served as the Executive Officer of the 8th PSYOP Battalion and the 8th PSYOP Task Force that provided operational and tactical PSYOP Support to Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from 1990-1991.

A native of Warsaw, Indiana, Mr. Summe attended Davidson College in Davidson, NC and went on to attain a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Purdue University and a master’s degree in International Relations from the University of South Carolina. He is a resident graduate of the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA and the Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS. He is also designated a Joint Duty Officer and has Intelligence Community Joint Duty certification.

Mr. Summe is the recipient of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service and the MG Robert A. McClure Gold Medal for Psychological Operations Excellence. His military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and he is a Master Parachutist. 

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MARK P. MYERS
DEPUTY DIRECTOR of Security, Special Program Oversight and Information Protection, Office of the Administrative Assistant- Office of the Secretary of the Air Force

Mark P. Myers, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Deputy Director of Security, Special Program Oversight and Information Protection, Office of the Administrative Assistant, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Arlington, Virginia. In this position, he provides security leadership, policy direction, integration and oversight of the Department of the Air Force’s Special Access Programs and Information Protection Enterprise to safeguard the nation’s most sensitive information, technologies and capabilities.

Prior to his current position, Mr. Myers served as the Director of Security, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. In this capacity, he directed a 17-person staff executing security and program protection oversight for the centers 26,000 personnel and programs across 9 major operating locations. Mr. Myers also oversaw functional management for 400 security professionals.

Mr. Myers enlisted with the Air Force in 1988 and served as a Security Forces member until retiring from active duty in 2008 as a Chief Master Sergeant.

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JON ROGINSKI
PROGRAM MANAGER for the West Point Insider Threat Program- Army Insider Threat Program

Jon Roginski is the Program Manager for the West Point Insider Threat Program, which serves as the "research arm" for the Pentagon-administered Army Insider Threat Program. The program considers threat research from a variety of different vectors: from the traditional (fraud, espionage, spillage) to the contemporary...a holistic approach creating an organizational ecosystem that is incompatible with threat. We want to build a better place to live and work so that people feel connected to and invested in their organization and an operate in an environment that is constructive, rather than confrontational. Importantly, we recognize that true loyalty is bi-directional. As much as we are working to facilitate people being connected to and invested in their organization, they must feel reciprocity: that their organization is connected to and invested in them. The approaches we are taking to affect this paradigm shift come at the edge of the human-machine partnership, recognizing the importance of the human in the loop leveraging advanced cognition enabled by contemporary tools, machines, and algorithms.

LTC(ret) Roginski is a proud graduate of West Point’s class of 1996 with over 20 years of active service as Military Policeman, Operations Research analyst, and Network Scientist: a Platoon Leader and Commander in the 10th Mountain Division, Commander and Provost Marshal in Okinawa Japan, member of a think tank reporting directly to the Chief of Naval Operations, Operations Research and Systems Analysis leader at Fort Drum and Kandahar Afghanistan, an invited Network Science Professor at Singapore’s premier defense institute, and Assistant Professor of Mathematical Sciences at West Point with research thrusts in Insider Risk and Insider Threat, Network Science, Gender Equality, and the Stop Soldier Suicide Movement.

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JOHN D. COHEN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR for the Program for Countering Hybrid Threats- Center for Internet Security

John D. Cohen currently serves as the Executive Director for the Program for Countering Hybrid Threats at the Center for Internet Security. In that role, he works closely with law enforcement, mental health, and civil society organizations across the Nation to address issues relating to the impact of social media and the Internet on crime, violence, community safety, and constitutional protections. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Georgetown University Security Studies Program. From January 2021 through April 2022, he served as the Assistant Secretary for Counter-terrorism and Law Enforcement Policy, Coordinator for Counterterrorism and the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary of Intelligence and Analysis at the United States Department of Homeland Security. Prior to his most recent service at DHS, Cohen is also an on-air expert for ABC News on homeland security, terrorism, counter-intelligence, and law enforcement issues.

Cohen has four decades of experience in law enforcement, counter-intelligence, and homeland security. He has studied mass casualty attacks and is currently studying the impact of Internet-based communications technologies on crime and homeland/national security. During the Obama Administration he served as the Acting Under-Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) and Counterterrorism Coordinator for the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). During his time at DHS, Mr. Cohen was a direct adviser to the Secretary and he oversaw the development and implementation of a number of high visibility Department-wide crime prevention, counterterrorism, counter-intelligence and border and transportation security initiatives. Mr. Cohen also led the Department’s efforts to establish multi-disciplinary programs focused on: countering violent extremism; preventing and responding to mass casualty/active shooter attacks; improving information sharing; and expanding DHS’ interactions and collaboration with state and local law enforcement organizations, private sector companies and faith-based organizations.

During the Administration of George W. Bush, Mr. Cohen served as the Senior Advisor to the Program Manager for the Information Sharing Environment, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, where he authored and coordinated the implementation of key components of the 2007 White House National Strategy for Information Sharing.

Mr. Cohen has an extensive background in homeland security and law enforcement operations and policy development. He was Senior Homeland Security Policy Advisor to a number of State and local officials including Governor Mitt Romney of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Janet Napolitano, Governor of the State of Arizona. In 2004 he was selected by the National Journal as one of the “100 Key People in Homeland Security.” He was also named “Law Enforcement Person of the Year,” by Law Enforcement News for his work in developing and establishing a national non-emergency number, 3-1-1. During the Clinton Administration, worked closely with drug treatment providers, educators and law enforcement agencies in Maryland, DC, and Virgina while establishing the Washington – Baltimore High

Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program. He also served as an advisor to the Maryland State Government on criminal justice issues and drafted the State’s first homeland security strategy after the attacks of 9-11. He has worked within the private sector and has held a variety of government positions including: Special Agent, Office of Naval Intelligence; Police Detective and Patrol Officer, City of Gardena, CA; Senior Investigator, House Judiciary Committee, U.S. House of Representatives; and Senior Policy Advisor to the Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive Office of the President of the United States. He is the recipient of a number of awards and commendations including the Drug Enforcement Administration “Administrator’s Award,” The South Bay “Medal of Valor,” and the Department of Homeland Security’s “Distinguished Service Medal.”

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JACQUELINE ATILES 
DIRECTOR (Office of the Insider Threat Program) - Diplomatic Security, U.S. Department of State 


The Department of State's Office of the Insider Threat Program (ITP) works to deter, detect, and mitigate insider threats to protect the Department's people, facilities, information, and reputation.  The ITP strives to build a culture of trust and organizational wellness across the Department. As Office Director, Jackie is responsible for the managing the operations of the program, representing the Department on matters related to the topic, and advocating for the overall mission of protecting the Department from a malicious or negligent insider. Jackie and the team are focused on creating a holistic approach, which includes robust training and awareness, effective and efficient handling of sensitive matters, and promoting positive practices to resolve concerns.

Jackie began her civil servant career as a 2003 Presidential Management Fellow and served in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security as the Special Assistant and Operations Coordinator for the Security Infrastructure Directorate. In 2017 she transitioned to the role of Insider Threat Program Director to build the organizational structure and grow the team. Working with both internal and external partners, Jackie is an active participant in Department and interagency insider threat efforts.  In 2022, the team was recognized by the Federal Counter Insider Threat Community for exceptional Engagement and Collaboration.

In 2015, Jackie was honored as the Robert Bannerman Diplomatic Security Civil Servant of the Year for her work in insider threat. She is a proud Hoosier and graduate of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. 

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STEVE SIMPSON
DEPUTY COMMANDANT for Information - HQMC 

In 2009, LtCol Simpson retired as the Head, Law Enforcement, Security & Corrections Branch, Security Division, Plans, Policies & Operations, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps the Pentagon, Washington, DC.  From 2005 to 2007, he was the Provost Marshal, Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune and Provost Marshal Marine Corps Installations East (MCI-EAST).  Previously, he served as the Deputy Provost Marshal and Provost Marshal for MCB Camp Pendleton.  From July 2003 to January 2004, he deployed to Afghanistan as the CJTF180 force protection officer.  Prior to deploying, he served as the base Military Police Company Commander, which grew to over 450 Marines during the Iraqi war. LtCol Simpson was a student at Command and Staff College, Quantico on September 11, 2001.  As a result of 9/11, LtCol Simpson was selected to serve on the Commandant of the Marine Corps Executive Think Tank.  Prior to attending command and staff, he served as the Deputy Director, Concept and Requirements Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate.  From October 95 to June 98, he was the Operations Officer to the U.S. Army's Basic Military Police Training Department at Ft. McClellan Alabama.  During this tour, Capt Simpson developed the Non-lethal Individual Weapons Instructor’s Course (NIWIC) and led several Mobile Training Teams to Haiti and Bosnia.  Today, NIWIC remains the standard Non-lethal Program of Instruction for U.S. Forces.  July 93 to October 95, he served as Provost Marshal, Marine Forces Pacific, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii.  As Provost Marshal, he deployed to the South Korea for several exercises and real-world contingencies serving as a Special Staff Officer to Marine Forces Korea, U.S. Forces Korea and Marine Forces Pacific.  From May 90 to July 93, he served as Platoon Commander, Provost Marshal Office, MCAS El Toro, California and Deputy Provost Marshal, MCAS Tustin, California. 1stLt Simpson deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield/Storm where he was the OIC of a Military Police Detachment supporting 3rd Marine Air Wing and 3rd Marine Regiment. During the Los Angeles Riots in May 1992, he served as the Task Force Los Angeles Security Advisor, 11th MEU.  From 1992 to 1993 1stLt Simpson deployed to several JTF-6 missions in both CONUS and OCONUS. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in November 1983 and served with 2nd MP Co, 4th FSSG, Pittsburgh PA, achieving the rank of Corporal prior to commissioning in 1989.

Upon his Retirement from the Marine Corps in 2009, Mr. Simpson accepted a position with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  as a GS-15 Unit Chief where he supported three Divisions in the development of human capital strategy, business intelligence for internal process improvement, developed a strategic framework for planning the future of forensic science investments, supported strategic planning for classified national response missions with the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) and identified significant problems with the FBI’s evidence management program and subsequently lead and reorganized the program.

In 2019, after 10 years with the FBI, Mr. Simpson returned to The Marine Corps and is currently serving as the Security Director, Director of Intelligence, Deputy Commandant Information, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps the Pentagon, Washington, DC.   

He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Slippery Rock University, and a master’s from Hawaii Pacific University in Human Resource Management.  He is also a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy 211th session, the 53rd session of FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (LEEDS) and the 33 section of the FBI’s National Executive Institute (NEI).

LIZA BRIGGS
SOCIAL SCIENTIST - HQMC 

Liza (L-E-E-Z-A) Briggs is a Social Scientist at the Headquarters Marine Corps, Intelligence-Division’s, Insider Threat program. Her insider threat research focuses on intersections between policy, values, and meaning, and the inclusion of organizational culture in the context of threat and risk assessments.

Dr. Briggs works collaboratively across agencies to promote evidence-based research for the insider threat community. She is a regular contributor during National Insider Threat Awareness Month (NITAM), and the Social Behavioral Science (SBS) Summit. She is also an adjunct instructor for the National Insider Threat Hub (NITTF) course.

Dr. Briggs holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from James Madison University, a master’s from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Ph.D. in international policy studies with a concentration in applied cultural anthropology from The University of Maryland.

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STEVE SIN
RESEARCH SCIENTIST AND DIRECTOR - Unconventional & Asymmetric Threats Division of the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) at the University of Maryland

Dr. Steve Sin is an Associate Research Scientist and Director of the Unconventional & Asymmetric Threats Division of the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) at the University of Maryland. He develops, leads, and manages large interdisciplinary research projects spanning across a broad range of national and homeland security challenges. Dr. Sin’s research have been sponsored by offices and agencies such as the OUSD (I&S), DARPA, DTRA, NSA, DOD Basic Research Office, DHS CWMD Office, and TSA. His research areas include adversary behavior modeling; insider risk management & mitigation; countering weapons of mass destruction; and emerging technology. Prior to joining START, Dr. Sin served as the Senior Research Associate at the National Center for Security & Preparedness (NCSP), a strategic partner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services (DHSES). His professional experience also includes a career as a U.S. Army Officer. Dr. Sin holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University at Albany (SUNY), and is fluent in Korean, Japanese, and Mandarin Chinese.  

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BOB DITMORE
TECHNICAL LEAD - Enterprise Threat and Vulnerability Manage-ment’s Insider Risk Team at Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute

Bob Ditmore is a senior technical staff member and techni-cal lead for the Enterprise Threat and Vulnerability Manage-ment’s Insider Risk Team. At Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute, Bob works on operation-alizing the research from CERT’s Insider Risk team, leads insider risk program and vulnerability assessments, and provides insider risk program implementation and insider risk analyst training.

Prior to this, Bob was a team lead for the CERT network situational awareness team, which developed and supported tools, such as SiLK, Analysis Pipeline, YAF, and supermediator. Bob has over 30 years in various testing, developing, and leadership roles in the telecommunication industry.

Bob holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Pittsburgh.

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DAN COSTA
TECHNICAL MANAGER - Enterprise Threat and Vulnerability Management team in the CERT Division of the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute
 

Dan Costa is the Technical Manager of the Enterprise Threat and Vulnerability Management team in the CERT Division of the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute. Dan leads the research and engineering efforts of the Insider Risk and Applied Network Defense teams, which conduct empirical research and develop solutions that enable organizations to effectively manage insider risks and advance the state of the practice in technical cybersecurity assessments.

Dan has extensive experience evaluating insider threat and cybersecurity programs, assessing organizations’ vulnerabilities to specific threats, developing and measuring the efficacy of technical and administrative controls, and insider threat program building for a multitude of government and industry organizations.

Dan has published numerous technical reports, journal articles, white papers, and blog posts, presented publicly over 100 times at academic, government and industry conferences, and received the Michael Dean Best Paper Award at the 9th International Conference on Semantic Technology for Intelligence, Defense, and Security. Dan has over 15 years of professional experience in cybersecurity and software engineering and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional and an IEEE Certified Professional Software Engineering Master. Dan holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree from Bucknell University and is an adjunct instructor and advisor in the H. John Heinz III College at Carnegie Mellon University. 

SETH BRIDGES
DIVISION CHIEF - NGA Behavioral Science Division (SIIB) of the Counter Insider Threat Office
 

Dr. Bridges joined the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) in October 2020 as a Lead National Security Psychologist in the Behavioral Science Division (SIIB) of the Counter Insider Threat Office before advancing into the Division Chief position in August 2023. In this current role, he leads a team of National Security Psychologists in deterring, detecting, and mitigating insider threats through the expert application of psychological science to areas of R&D, consultation, and education. Dr. Bridges has spoken both independently and on panels for topics such as domestic violent extremism, social engineering, thought disorders, neurodiversity, resiliency, and unauthorized disclosures.

Prior to joining NGA, Dr. Bridges served as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, performing Clinical Psychologist duties at Joint Base San Antonio (2014-2015), Joint Base Langley-Eustis (2015-2017), and Grand Forks AFB (2017-2020). Dr. Bridges headed teams of military, civilian, and contractor health professionals as the manager of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) program, Mental Health Clinic (MHC), and Suicide Prevention Program. He separated from the USAF in 2020 with the rank of Major.

Dr. Bridges holds both a Doctorate (2015) and Master’s degree (2013) in Clinical Psychology from Regent University, a Master’s degree in Counseling (2009) from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor’s degree (2006) from Florida Southern College. He holds certifications as a Globally Certified Insider Threat Professional (GCITP) and Certified Counter Insider Threat Professional (CCITP-F).