Overview

The shift to cloud environments has transformed how public sector agencies operate, but it's also introduced new risks. As cyber threats evolve, it's crucial to explore: is your cloud security strategy keeping pace?

Join Government Technology and Prisma Cloud by Palo Alto Networks as we explore what world-class cloud security looks like today and how agencies can achieve it. This session offers insights to help you navigate the complexities of securing mission-critical cloud infrastructure—and avoid common pitfalls that could leave your data vulnerable.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Code to Cloud Visibility – Gain insights into how to achieve deep visibility across your cloud environment and identify risks before they escalate.
Next-Generation Cloud Security – Learn why cloud native tools aren’t enough and how to implement solutions that meet today’s dynamic security challenges.
Compliance Made Practical – Discover actionable steps to align with key compliance frameworks without slowing down operations.

Speakers

Deborah Snyder — Moderator

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Deb is an accomplished C-level executive, influencer and educator who has dedicated her career to improving state and local government services through policy and technology innovation. She has a broad range of experience in government programs, policy, cybersecurity, privacy and information technology. She formerly served as New York state’s chief information security officer, where she led the state’s cybersecurity programs and directed the NYS Cyber Command Center. She works with organizations and universities to strategically strengthen cybersecurity programs, defenses and preparedness, and to create and inspire the next generation of cyber leaders.

Bill Cole

CTO, Massachusetts Executive Office of Technology Services and Security

With almost 30 years in the technology sector, more than 20 years with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (CoMA), 11 of which were with UMass Medical School, Bill brings a broad knowledge and depth of experience in large scale IT management, enterprise architecture, cloud computing, and organizational change management. Serving as the Commonwealth’s Chief Technology Officer for the past 4 plus years, Bill and his team have led the Commonwealth through transformational change, including the migration of hundreds of government business applications to a cloud hosting environment, establishing a single citizen identity platform, and in leveraging technology to modernize how state agencies deliver services to the residents, businesses, and visitors of the Commonwealth. Bill has served in several capacities at the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security and its predecessor agencies, playing a leading role in emerging technologies, generative AI, and enterprise architecture initiatives.

Fadi Fadhil

Palo Alto Networks SLED Field CTO

Fadi Fadhil is a seasoned IT executive with a 20+ years track record of digital transformation, business strategy, and partnership building both in government and education. Fadi served as the CIO of the City of Minneapolis as well as the CIO of Minneapolis Public Schools. Amongst other leadership roles, such as Director of Technology in Saint Paul Schools, MN, Fadi was also the Lead Technology Architect and liaison between the US Army and the new Iraqi government in Baghdad, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II 2003-2005. With a deep understanding of government and education, Fadi offers a unique combination of strategic vision, field experience, and wealth of knowledge in cybersecurity and IT operations.

Michael Lee

Security Architect, Los Angeles Unified School District

Michael has nearly 20 years of IT experience, mostly in service of and enhancing LAUSD's enterprise architecture, which continues to serve over 600,000 students and faculty across Los Angeles County. He also spent four years as a Security Architect for Warner Media, helping lead and evolve its Cybersecurity program with AT&T and Discovery, and covering many global brands and divisions including Warner Bros., HBO, CNN, and more. Michael now serves as the head of security architecture at LAUSD.

Patrick Loughlin

SLED Leader Cloud Security, Palo Alto Networks

Patrick Loughlin joined Palo Alto Networks in May of 2024 and serves as the U.S. State and Local Government & Education (SLED) go to market leader for Prisma Cloud. Patrick is responsible for cloud security field sales and collaborates with an extended team of stakeholders encompassing channel, marketing, system integrators, cloud service providers, solution architecture and business development. Prior to Palo Alto Networks, Patrick led SLED Teams at CDWG, NetApp, Splunk and VMWare Carbon Black. Patrick has a passion for the SLED Market where has been focused over the past 17+ years. Patrick takes pride in helping SLED entities enhance cyber security operations while delivering positive outcomes for their respective agencies, departments, institutions and districts. Patrick studied at Indiana University where he earned a B.S. in Public Management. He currently lives in the Chicagoland area with his wife and three teenagers.

Maria Thompson

AWS CXO Advisor Cyber Security

Maria has over 20 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity. She served 20 years in the United States Marine Corps and retired as the cybersecurity chief. Maria recently departed the North Carolina Department of Information Technology where she held the position as the state’s first Chief Risk and Security Officer.

Phil Redfern

Director of Security Engineering, University of Nebraska, Information Technology Services

Phil Redfern is the Director of Security Engineering at the University of Nebraska, bringing over 16 years of IT experience in higher education. Throughout his career, Phil has led numerous enterprise IT projects aimed at integrating risk-based cybersecurity across university-wide services and initiatives. At the University of Nebraska, Phil is responsible for various security domains, including architecture, networks, platforms, applications, and identities. Phil is recognized for his strategic vision, leadership in organizational change management, and his ability to seamlessly incorporate cybersecurity into academic, research, and business operations in higher education. He is also an active participant in several peer user communities and the BigTen Academic Alliance.

Webinar

The Evolution of Cloud Security: What's Next and How to Keep Your Data Safe