Concho Valley Cybersecurity Roundup

Dr. Gregory White has been involved in computer and network security since 1986. In 2010 he retired after 30 years of service in the Air Force and the Air Force Reserves having served in a number of cyber security related positions. He obtained his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Texas A&M University in 1995 with his research in the area of computer network intrusion detection. He is currently the Director of the Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security, part of the Institute for Cyber Security at The University of Texas at San Antonio where he also serves as an Associate Professor of Computer Science. His instructional interests include courses in computer security as well as game design and programming.

Dr White was the lead on the first community cyber security exercise, known as Dark Screen, and has been involved in dozens of other computer security exercises at the state, local government, and sector levels and has also participated in the Cyber Storm national cyber security exercises. His work with cyber security exercises led to the development of the Community Cyber Security Maturity Model (CCSMM) which serves as a roadmap for states and communities to develop their own viable and sustainable cyber security programs. This model is currently being implemented in several states across the nation funded by a grant through the Department of Homeland Security.

In 2005, Dr White directed the development of the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, the largest collegiate cyber security competition of its kind. In 2011 over 100 schools across the nation participated in regional and state events leading to the national championship. More recently, Dr White announced at the 2011 championship the expansion of the national program into an international collegiate competition starting in 2012. Dr White is also active at other levels in cyber security education and wrote the concept of operations for the Cyber Patriot High School Cyber Defense Competition and is one of the founding partners of the program. He continues to actively push competitions as a mechanism to excite and motivate students at all levels to become more familiar with cyber security and to embark on a career in the field.

Dr. White has written and presented numerous articles and conference papers on cyber security. He is also the co-author for six textbooks on computer and network security, is a co-author on several more certification exam guides, and has written chapters for two other books.

Dr. White continues to be active in security research. His current research interests include efforts in infrastructure protection, botnet detection and elimination, and methods to detect and respond to computer security incidents in states and communities.

Joe Sánchez is the Creator and Executive Director of the CyberTexas Foundation, an educational non-profit serving elementary school to college students and educators.

A San Antonio “technology evangelist and social entrepreneur”, beginning in 2000, Joe’s initial vision and quest led him to establish San Antonio’s preeminent Cybersecurity educational base and formation and growth of Cyber City U.S.A. Joe’s mission was sparked after his time in the U.S. Senate and House as a Congressional Fellow.

In 1999, with his legislative experience and network circles, Joe led the creation of numerous cybersecurity-based programs, degrees, centers and institutes at UTSA, St. Mary’s University, Alamo Colleges, and San Antonio educational institutions.

Mr. Ballesteros (Ballesteros) serves as the Cybersecurity State Coordinator (CSC) for the State of Texas at the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in Region 6. As the CSC for the State of Texas, his role is to build strategic public and private sector relationships in Texas to facilitate the development and maintenance of secure and resilient infrastructure, pursuant to 6 United States Code, Section 665(c) (2021).

Previously, Ballesteros served the State of Texas, as the State Cybersecurity Coordinator and Chair of the Texas Cybersecurity Council, at the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR). As the State Cybersecurity Coordinator, his primary charge was to oversee cybersecurity matters for the State of Texas and lead the Texas Cybersecuity Council to collaborate on matters of cybersecurity concerning Texas, pursuant to Texas Government Code, Sections 2054.511 and 512. During his tenure, he contributed to the development and implementation of statewide initiatives, such as the Texas Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (TxISAO), the Statewide Cybersecurity Awareness Training Program, and more.

Prior to serving in state government, Ballesteros’ career spanned several industries, including academia, financial services, private consulting, and public utilities. Of note, his prior professional roles included the following: Information Security Officer for the Alamo Colleges District (San Antonio, Texas); Information Security Officer at Jefferson Bank (San Antonio, Texas); Information Security Consultant at Omnikron Systems (Woodland Hills, California); Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems and Security at Our Lady of the Lake University (San Antonio, Texas); Director of the Center for Information Assurance Management and Leadership at Our Lady of the Lake University (San Antonio, Texas); and Information Systems Auditor for CPS Energy (San Antonio, Texas).

Currently, Ballesteros is an Adjunct Professor of Law at St. Mary’s University School of Law (San Antonio, Texas), where he teaches cybersecurity, information systems, and law.

Academically, Ballesteros holds several degrees and professional certifications pertaining to cybersecurity, law, and information systems. Ballesteros holds a Bachelor (BS) and Master of Science (MS) in Computer Information Systems and Security (CISS) from Our Lady of the Lake University; an NSA/DHS-designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE). Additionally, Ballesteros completed his legal education at St. Mary’s University School of Law, where he received his Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD), specializing in cyber and privacy law.

Lastly, Ballesteros is an (ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and CompTIA Security+ certified professional.

SSgt Tyler C. Devore is a Cybersecurity Section Supervisor, 17th Communications Squadron, Goodfellow AFB, Texas. He leads a team of four other members responsible for preventing, detecting, and repelling cyber attacks. This includes implementing Risk Management Framework security controls, overseeing network accreditation, planning cyber projects, and performing incident response to security related events.

SSgt Devore entered the Air Force in November of 2017 from his hometown of Wooster, Ohio. He completed cybersecurity technical training in April 2018, and has since held several positions within and related to cybersecurity. SSgt Devore led a Cyber Red Team through multiple wing-level exercises at Goodfellow AFB, where he was able to evaluate procedures, strengthen organizational security, and provide education to base personnel.

Education

• 2018 CompTIA Security+ CE Certification
• 2021 (ISC)2 CGRC Certification
• 2021 Airman Leadership School, Goodfellow AFB, Texas
• 2022 Associates, Information Systems Technology, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, Alabama

Assignments of Career Chronology

1. April 2018 – July 2021, Cybersecurity Technician, 17th Communications Squadron, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas
2. July 2021 – July 2022, Cyber Weapons System Security Supervisor, 694th Intelligence Support Sq, Osan Air Base, Korea
3. August 2022 – Current, Cybersecurity Section Supervisor, 17th Communication Sq, Goodfellow AFB, TX

Major Awards and Decorations

• Air and Space Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster 

Other Achievements

• 2021 Distinguished Graduate, Airman Leadership School
• 2021 Airman of the Year, 694th Intel Support Sq

Effective Dates of Promotion [Military Only]

• Airman Basic Nov 28, 2017
• Airman First Class January 26, 2018
• Senior Airman May 26, 2020
• Staff Sergeant April 1, 2022

Tony Sauerhoff is a deputy chief information security officer for the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) and the State Cybersecurity Coordinator. Tony has 30 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity and served in leadership positions with the federal judiciary and the U.S. Department of Defense. He began his career as a communications specialist in the U.S. Air Force. Tony has a BS in Cybersecurity from Champlain College and holds CISSP and GSLC cybersecurity certifications.

Fredrick Hall, originally from Baltimore, Maryland, is an accomplished Information Technology (I.T.) professional with a remarkable career spanning various roles and locations. After serving in the US Army as an Information Systems Operator, Fredrick excelled as a helpdesk technician, system administrator, firewall engineer, and more. Transitioning to civilian life, he pursued a career as a network defense operator and currently serves as a network engineer.

Outside his professional commitments, Fredrick is deeply committed to cybersecurity education. He volunteers as a merit badge counselor for the Boy Scouts of America, coaches CyberPatriot teams, and mentors students in various educational programs. His expertise has led him to be a featured speaker at cybersecurity conferences and a notable presence in webinars and podcasts.

Fredrick’s passion for cyber education extends beyond coaching and mentoring. He has organized and conducted numerous cybersecurity camps and actively contributes to initiatives such as the Texas CS Task Force and the WeTeach_CS program. Recognized for his exceptional contributions, he has received accolades from U.S. Representatives Will Hurd and Tony Gonzales.

In addition to his professional and educational endeavors, Fredrick has made an impact in the realm of literature, contributing to a chapter book that encourages young women to pursue STEM/STEAM careers, specifically in cybersecurity. He has also taken on leadership roles within the CyberTexas Foundation, where he guides and supports coaches, mentors, and teams participating in the CyberPatriot competition.

Fredrick’s dedication to youth development led him to assume mentoring roles at the DoD STARBASE Program, where he continues to inspire and shape the next generation in the field of cybersecurity. His commitment to cybersecurity education and making a positive impact remains unwavering.

Dr. Hoffmaster is a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant serving in various locations as an airborne Korean and Spanish Cryptologic Linguist. His last tour was at Goodfellow Air Force Base serving as the Chief of Instructional Technology. He also served as a Spanish Linguist instructor, Training Manager, Command Language Program Manager, Superintendent of the 17 TRG Standardization and Evaluation office, and Director of Operations for the 17 Training Support Squadron.

Education

1. Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, 2020, Concentration in Information Systems and Information Technology Management Trident University | Cypress CA
2. Master of Science in Information Technology Management, 2010, Concentration in Business Intelligence Trident University | Cypress CA
3. Bachelor of Science in Management and Computer Information Systems, 2001, Concentration in Website Design Park University | Parkville, MO
4. Associate degree in Instructor of Technology and Military Science, 1995, Community College of the Air Force | Maxwell Air Force Base, AL
5. Associate degree in Intelligence Collection, 1994, Community College of the Air Force | Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Teaching Experience

1. Adjunct Faculty, Professor, CS317 Web Animation: Facilitated course instruction which focuses on the creation of web-based animations through coding, which involve introduction to animation basics, developing animations with code, testing, debugging, and deployment within online setting utilizing Canvas learning management system. Demonstrated expertise in JavaScript creation and Cascading Style Sheets with web animations in teaching the course to students through Codepen and GreenSock. Taught basic animation concepts and development of the final project which is a fully animated website.
2. Adjunct Faculty, Professor, CS130 Developing the User Experience: Provide support to students in devising website,  mobile application, and desktop software with a focus on user experience and user interface across multi-platform environments. Educate students on human factors, intuitive design, feedback, and rules for consistency. Deliver assistance to students in applying the concepts into practice through current prototyping and software designing.

Areas of Involvement (in teaching)

1. Air Force Spanish Linguists instructor at Goodfellow Air Force Base. Instructed a 520-hour in-residence language course with class sizes from 4 to 16 for six years from 1994 to 2000. Developed lesson plans, tests and objectives, curriculum via lecture and online interactive media lessons published to a Learning Management System.

Employment Record

1. Subject Matter Expert, 17th Training Support Squadron 2020–Present. Live Virtual Constructive Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Training. Assist with Air Combat Command’s virtual reality training exercises or scenarios for training exercises, wargames, and other activities through virtual and constructive system tools and capabilities to ensure preparedness of personnel for operational environments. Effectively conducted executive-level evaluations in applied principles, theories, and concepts to a wide range of scenarios in the optimization of advanced virtual reality training technology for the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) enterprise. Keenly assess and determine material and non-material solutions for the advancement of the enterprise. Manage training from strategic through operational and tactical levels down to the individual airmen levels. Produce content for virtual reality gaming environments for training scenarios focusing on the overall ISR mission. Coordinate training to Air Force personnel through mobile applications and games for intelligence courseware such as MAGIC while delivering MAGIC updates, briefings, and reports as requested to generate training feedback and reviews of individual unit. Strategically handled complex problems and developed innovative solutions to form new theories and practices, which resulted to new and creative technical solutions processes.
2. Chief, Information Technology Unit (GS-1750-13), 17th Training Support Squadron 2012–2015; 2017–2020. Provided direct oversight to 35 multimillion-dollar government projects. Implemented guidance and procedures for the development and management of Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) compliant interactive multimedia instruction (IMI), computer-based training, and distance learning to support cost-effective delivery methods for more than 30 technical training courses on $35M internal network. Rendered exceptional computer support to over 10,000 students annually on multiple internal and external networks. Supervised overall development process through deployment by using Agile methodology process, which involved interaction with senior management and support organizations for project plan and budget. Exhibited leadership abilities in leading 23 personnel, which comprised of course designers, programmers, system integrators, project managers, and 3 contractors. Executed front-end analyses in assessing training requirements as well as technology and performance. Played a vital role in conceptualizing the first ever online web-based career development course for Air Force intelligence professionals, servicing 6,000 students annually. Served as key driving force in designing the first ever 3D fire rescue game which obtained Air Education and Training Command (AETC) runner up designation for innovative technology.

Publications

1. Conference Paper
   Hoffmaster, K., Angeles, J., Guzman, I., & Cromer, K. (2020, June 19). Job-leisure and work-family conflict: Do they really matter in it professional turnover? [Conference paper]. Association for Computing Machinery Computer People Research Conference, New York, NY. https://dl.acm.or/doi/abs/10.1145/3378539.3393867
2. Dissertation
   Hoffmaster, K. A. (2020). Job-leisure conflict: Moderation effect on job satisfaction and turnover intention in information technology professionals (Publication No. 27740711) [Doctoral dissertation, Trident University International]. ProQuest LLC. https://www.proquest.com/openview/6e921bfd7a129a8a2a3320d9ee66a290/1?pqorigsite=gscholar&cbl=51922&diss=y 

Recognition and Honors

• Air Force Civil Service Meritorious Service Medal (2020)
• 17th Training Group Flight Commander of the Year (2018)
• 17th Training Squadron Flight Commander of the Year (2018)
• 17th Training Wing Civilian of the Quarter, Category II, (2009)
• 17th Training Group Civilian of the Quarter, Category II (2009)
• 316th Training Squadron Civilian of the Quarter, Category II, (2009)
• 316th Training Squadron Civilian of the Year, Category II, (2008 and 2009)
• National Security Agency Learning Innovator of the Year (2008)

Mr. Fernando “D” Deanda III is a San Angelo, TX native who graduated from Lake View High School where he had the opportunity to participate in the Air and Space Forces Association Cyber Patriot - a national youth cyber education program. As a result of Cyber Patriot, D was inspired to pursue a career in cybersecurity that led to enlistment in the United States Air Force supporting cyber operations as well as completing numerous degrees and certifications to include a Bachelors of Arts in Intelligence and Analysis at Angelo State University. D now serves as a Texas Air National Guard Cyberspace Operations Officer as well as an Air Force Civilian - performing in the role as a Delegated Authorizing Official (DAO) to the Air Force Intelligence Community (AF IC).

Jeff Fair is the Vice President of Cybersecurity and Economic Development for the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. In this role, he is responsible for serving as a leading policy expert, strategist, and resource for important issues in the cybersecurity community including information sharing, acquisition reform, education and training, support for our military infrastructure, and supporting the second largest cybersecurity region in the country. Jeff will also lead the Chamber’s economic development efforts with small businesses and major industries across the local area.

As part of his role as with cybersecurity at the Chamber, Fair leads a public-private partnership with the City of San Antonio called CyberSecurity San Antonio. Established in 2015 with the City and Bexar County, the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce hosts CyberSecurity SA, a group that convenes all of players in cybersecurity in the area including businesses, non-profits, educators, trainers, and municipalities.

Before joining the Chamber, Fair worked in cybersecurity and intelligence at Lackland Air Force Base following a 23-year as an US Army officer. During his service, Jeff served at the National Security Agency and United States Cyber Command in strategy and policy roles as well as in operational assignments.

Fair was also an instructor at the National Intelligence University, teaching classes on analysis, strategy, and cybersecurity. Fair has a B.A. from the George Washington University, an M.B.A. from Hawaii Pacific University, an M.P.A from the University of Washington, and M.S. in Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University.

The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce has been propelling business success since 1894. As the largest business association in the region, the Chamber focuses on advocating on behalf of business at the local, state, and federal level: collaborates with educational institutions and organizations to build a stronger workforce for the future; and provides a way for businesses of every size to build their network.

Mrs. Davidson is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the Cybersecurity Program for Vexus Fiber. She also oversees all government funding programs including: Schools and Libraries, Rural Health, Lifeline, ACP, RDOF and High Cost. Currently, she is the Compliance Officer of Vexus Fiber. She has 17 years of regulatory experience working for communications companies including: Vexus Fiber, NewWave Communications, RBI, Cable One, and Vast Broadband. She has extensive experience in Internal Auditing, Cash Management, Cybersecurity, Property Tax, Sales and Use Tax, all Telecom Regulatory Fees, Franchise Fees, Copyrights, FCC Compliance, and DOJ Compliance. Mrs. Davidson graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University

Mr. Gabe Menchaca is a recognized information security professional with 20 plus years of IT and Infosec experience in the finance, education, healthcare, and software industries. He is currently the Infosec and Compliance lead for TCP Software and maintains various industry certifications such as CISSP, CISM and AWS Security Specialty. Gabe has a passion for sharing his knowledge and building up the next generation of cybersecurity pros.

Ken Fowler is a nationally recognized cyber secure scientist and engineer with a unique and impressive background with multiple levels of expertise including intelligence community operations; military intelligence and operations; global and cultural competence; operations management and process improvement. Prior to joining CyManII, Fowler served as the Chief of Special Access Research, Chief at the Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) Office, and Technical Director for the NSA office in Texas. Most recently, Fowler holds experience as the Director of Engineering Cyber Solutions at Raytheon Technologies, an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide.