Overview

In today’s AI arms race, adversaries are evolving faster. To keep pace, governments must accelerate their Whole-of-State cybersecurity strategies — or risk falling behind. This starts with modernizing the security stack and leveraging every available funding mechanism.

Join industry experts for a discussion that explores how your agency can break down silos, scale defense capabilities across jurisdictions and take full advantage of grant opportunities to fund cutting-edge, AI-powered solutions.

This session provides actionable guidance on securing investment, aligning with federal frameworks and deploying unified platforms that empower collaboration, increase visibility and reduce risk.

We dive into:

Modernizing security stacks with AI to scale Whole-of-State defense
Strategies for optimizing existing budgets and uncovering new funding sources to support critical security priorities
Turning grant opportunities into deployed, compliant technology solutions by streamlining the approval and procurement process

Speakers

Andrew Howell

Vice President, Government Affairs, SentinelOne

Andrew leads the SentinelOne’s engagement with policymakers and regulators across federal, state, and international arenas. In this role, he advances policy positions on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure protection, and public-sector technology modernization, while ensuring lawmakers and agencies understand the operational realities facing security teams. Andrew counsels executives on emerging legislative and regulatory risks, develops policy strategy and testimony, and builds bipartisan coalitions with industry partners, standards bodies, and civil society. He is known for pragmatic, results-oriented advocacy that emphasizes clear risk reduction, measurable outcomes, and responsible innovation. Before joining SentinelOne, Andrew developed a broad base of experience working at the intersection of technology, security, and public policy. His work has included guiding organizations through complex rulemakings, shaping positions on procurement and data protection, and supporting public-private collaboration during significant cyber events. Andrew frequently briefs stakeholders on threat trends, policy developments, and best practices for resilient, defensible security. He is committed to strengthening national cyber readiness and ensuring that policy supports mission success for both the private sector and government.

Jeff Jennings

SLED National Capture Manager, SentinelOne

Jeff Jennings brings over 30 years of experience serving the SLED sector, including 8 years focused exclusively on cybersecurity. His career spans work with K-12 districts, higher education institutions, and state/local governments, where he has helped hundreds of agencies navigate complex IT and cybersecurity landscapes. In his current role as SLED National Capture Manager at SentinelOne, Jeff helps public sector organizations align their cybersecurity goals with federal and state funding programs, including SLCGP, E-Rate, and CISA-aligned grant initiatives. He leverages SentinelOne’s autonomous, AI-powered platform to support endpoint protection, Zero Trust architecture, and compliance-driven security deployments at scale. Previously, as National SLED Practice Manager at Fortinet, Jeff developed proactive security strategies, digital transformation projects, and compliance support initiatives across the country. He has advised over 400 schools and collaborated with more than 200 vendors on federal grant programs, including E-Rate, RHC, USDA-BTOP, and rural broadband efforts. He is known for guiding complex procurement, building cross-sector partnerships, and aligning cybersecurity strategy with funding pathways. Jeff’s mission-driven approach and deep understanding of public sector technology funding continue to help agencies protect what matters most—from classrooms to city halls.

Bill Rials — Moderator

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

William (Bill) Rials, Ph.D., is a professor and associate director (department chair) of the Tulane University School of Professional Advancement IT and Cybersecurity Program. He focuses on continually delivering and updating the program curriculum based on innovative and emerging technologies. Before transitioning to academia and higher education, he had a diverse gov tech career delivering value to state agencies, local governments, and law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Mississippi.

Webinar

Modernizing - and Funding - Cybersecurity in the Age of AI