InfraGard NJ - End of Year Symposium

InfraGard NJ 2025 Year End Symposium

Partnerships in Resolving Security Risks

This year's symposium will center on the theme of "Partnerships in Resolving Security Risks". The chapter is inviting leaders at the Director level or above from InfraGard member companies to share their insights and experiences in collaborative security solutions. Presentations will focus on the power of partnerships in addressing security challenges.

While the showcase of technology is welcome, the emphasis will be on demonstrating how collaborative efforts and innovative tools can be used to mitigate threats. A relevant example of a potential topic is the use of AI-embedded insider threat tools by both public and private sector entities.

Speakers from the FBI, USSS, and the private sector will provide insight in resolving security risks.

November 7, 2025

Doors open at 8:30

The NJ InfraGard leaders would like to thank the many supporters and speakers who helped make this event successful.

SPEAKERS

John P. Wozniak
Technical Special Agent | United States Secret Service

John Wozniak has dedicated the past 19 years to serving with the United States Secret Service, where he has built a distinguished career in combating cyber-enabled crimes. Currently, he serves as a Technical Special Agent at the Secret Service’s Newark Field Office, where he plays a pivotal role in overseeing a team of cybersecurity agents tasked with investigating and mitigating complex cyber threats.

Throughout his tenure, John has led and contributed to high-profile investigations involving ransomware, retail fraud, cryptocurrency-related crimes, and various other forms of cyber-enabled fraud. His expertise in navigating the evolving landscape of cybercrime has been instrumental in protecting critical infrastructure and financial systems.

John is a certified network intrusion responder and has earned multiple certifications in cryptocurrency investigations and payment fraud. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Anselm College.

Presentation summary:

TSA Wozniak will highlight real-world examples of how USSS/NWK has assisted public and private sectors with detecting and mitigating cyber threats.

Gene Barskiy

VPDFIR, Information Technology | ADL

As Vice President, Technology, Gene is responsible for ensuring that ADL’s assets are secured, systems support our strategic goals and that our IT team provides top-notch service to our employees. Gene is a seasoned IT professional with extensive experience leading high-performance teams in both Fortune 1000 and mid-size private companies. He has a track record of implementing cloud-based systems, cybersecurity programs and leveraging technology to improve business decisions.

Prior to joining ADL, Gene spent 18 years at International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. in various global roles. Most recently he led IT functions at mid-size private international companies Fisk Alloy Inc., an international wire and conductor manufacturer for medical devices, aerospace and defense industries, and Berje Inc., a global specialty chemicals manufacturer and distributor. In addition to his extensive experience and leadership skills, Gene is also an active member of several IT industry organizations, including serving on

the Board of Directors for SIM NJ and SIM NJ Foundation.

Gene received a Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems from Baruch College CUNY and an MBA from Rutgers University.

Presentation Summary:

Practical cybersecurity for mid-size companies: approach, real-world incident response lessons, and actionable steps to strengthen defenses.

Matthew Dowling

Senior Director, DFIR | SureFire

Matthew Dowling has over 13 years’ experience in cyber security consulting, taking part in hundreds of incident response cases, penetration tests and cyber security projects throughout his career. Matthew also has taught Information Technology at Lincoln Technical institute for five years of his career. Matthew’s offensive and defensive technical expertise, cyber industry knowledge and consulting experience provides him with the tools to effectively assist clients in responding to a cyber incident and on securing their environment from active or imminent cyber threat.

Presentation Summary:
Explore ransomware response: threat actor negotiation tactics, paying vs. not paying the ransom, and partnerships to guide recovery and resilience.

Richard Mroz

Senior Director | Archer Public Affairs

Richard Mroz has a long and distinguished career in law, government, public service, and corporate governance. He is Senior Director of Archer Public Affairs in Trenton, NJ and Washington, DC. He advises clients in the energy, utilities, infrastructure, and financial industries.

He is a member of the Advisory Board of ClearPath Foundation, the Washington DC based not for profit supporting clean energy innovations and is Senior Adviser to Protect Our Power, a national non-industry non-profit advocacy organization supporting best practices and investments in cybersecurity and resilience measures for the energy and utility infrastructure. He is also a Distinguished Corporate Fellow with the Global Resilience Institute at Northeastern University.

Mr. Mroz is past President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) serving as chairman and chief administrative officer of the agency and functioned as the chief energy officer for New Jersey. He was Chairman of the Critical Infrastructure Committee for the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and led efforts addressing cybersecurity protection, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements in the electric, gas, water and telecommunications industries. He was also the NARUC liaison to the Electric Sector Coordinating Council (ESCC) and served as President of the Organization of PJM States, Inc (OPSI). He also previously served as Chief Counsel to Governor Christie Whitman during her term as Governor of New Jersey.

He was a member of the United States Department of Energy Electric Advisory Committee and its subcommittee on Resilience for Defense Critical Infrastructure. Currently he is a member of the Advisory Board for Princeton Nu Energy, a batter recycling company and advises a coalition of developers for new nuclear generation and is Second Vice Chair for the Advisory Board for the Center for Public Utilities at New Mexico State University.

Presentation Summary:
Mr. Mroz will provide background on the New Jersey experience to implement a cybersecurity regime for the State’s regulated electric, gas and water companies, an updated on current collaborative efforts between the NJ Board of Public Utilities, the industry, and security and law enforcement agencies, and he will provide an update on the national efforts to establish a baseline cyber standard for the electric distribution companies and for interconnected distributed energy resources.

Perry Menezes

MD - FS Digital Risk | MF Cyber

Perry Menezes is a MD and Global Head of Cybersecurity for Financial Services Sector at MorganFranklin Consulting (MFC). Prior to his current role, Perry was a Partner/MD at KPMG and Head of their Cyber Practice for the Banking Sector

With extensive information risk and cyber security experience across US, Europe and APAC, Perry has worked on some of the most complex Financial Services Sector security projects in the region. Perry’s specialist expertise is in bringing practical, sustainable, and innovative approaches to solving client problems related to Cyber-Risk, Cyber Security, Governance, Risk and Compliance.

He began his career in Technology Consulting as an application developer at Bedford Associates (owned by British Airways) and moved to EY as an application owner of a portfolio of financial applications for EY Partnership Operations.

Previously, Perry led large scale engagements at Financial Services clients, including at Accenture US, EY and KPMG. During the financial crisis period of 2009, he joined Deutsche Bank (DB) US to lead and mature the 2nd LOD Risk and Governance function for the Americas.

Additionally,

•Perry regularly serves as a senior advisor, in personal and professional capacity, to CIO’s, CRO’s CFO’s and CEOs of Top US banks, investment banks, capital market firms and US Regulators (OCC).

•Perry was a working member of the NY Cyber Task Force in 2021 that presented recommendations on operationalizing the Public/Private Collaboration activities.

•He also served as a volunteer advisor to the US Marine Corp Cyber Auxiliary helping educate, build, and train the next gen cyber risk force.

• From a thought leadership perspective, Perry is a regular contributor to various forums including Forbes Technology Council where he was included as a member in 2022.

Presentation Summary:

Cyber threats target critical infrastructure; financial services need stronger public–private collaboration to ensure national resilience.

Seth Danberry

President, Co-Founder | Grid32 Cybersecurity

Bio - to be added

Presentation Summary:

The presentation highlights partnerships and government–private sector collaboration, sharing proprietary insights to support community goals. It remains vendor-agnostic, focusing on best practices and education rather than products.

Michael Carpenter

Head of Vulnerability and Attack Surface Management | BASF

Michael Carpenter is a cybersecurity executive with over a decade of experience in the field and many years of service at BASF. As Head of Vulnerability and Attack Surface Management, he leads global efforts to proactively identify and mitigate cyber risks across BASF’s IT and OT environments. Michael holds a Master’s degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a Bachelor’s from Centenary University, while currently possessing numerous cybersecurity certifications. Michael also attended the FBI CISO Academy in Quantico (2023), further underscoring his commitment to national-level cybersecurity leadership and collaboration. Known for his strategic vision and deep industry knowledge, Michael has built scalable security programs that align with business objectives and adapt to evolving threats. Outside of work, he’s a passionate football enthusiast and a proud supporter of the New York Jets.

Presentation Summary:

Discover how teaming up with industry partners alongside trusted government allies (such as the FBI and CISA) can supercharge your cyber organization’s protection. This presentation will showcase real-world success stories where collaboration has driven resilience, enhanced threat intelligence, and elevated cybersecurity maturity. Learn how these partnerships foster proactive defense strategies, build trust within the chemical sector, and create a united front against evolving cyber threats.

Several speakers will introduce themselves to the event attendees during lunch from a podium and microphone, discussing the priorities of their groups and organizations.

The speakers will include (approximately 12 pm – 1 pm):

1. Patricia Tamburelli – New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) - Cyber Training Education Specialist

2. Chief Andrew Caggiano – NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police - Association President

3. Dr. Johnny Sandaire – Former Bell Labs/Lucent Telecommunications Engineer; Current

President and CEO of Startup – New InfraGard Member - WebZest

4. Michael Hiskey – Cyber Community Organizer and CEO - CXO Security Forum

5. Dr. Nathan Rigel – Director of Research Compliance - Kean University

6. Kevin Suchowiecki – Account Executive, Public/Private Government Outreach - SHI

7. Sanina Shen – Board Member and Technology Leader - NJ STEM

8. Hugo Almeida – CEO and Sr. Technology Advisor; Board Member (Various) - Abitronix, LLC