Carolina Cyber Network Conference Event.
Leaders in the field of cybersecurity gathered in the bustling city of Charlotte, North Carolina for the highly anticipated Carolina Cyber Network Conference. The event, hosted by Dr. Mark Sorrells, President of Fayetteville Technical Community College, brought together experts from various industries to discuss the pressing issue of building the nation’s cyber workforce.
The conference kicked off with a keynote address from Harry Coker, Jr., the National Cyber Director of the Office of the President of the United States. Coker emphasized the importance of collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector in addressing the ever-evolving threats in the digital world. He also stressed the need for a diverse and inclusive cyber workforce to effectively tackle these challenges.
Robert Shriver, Deputy Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, took the stage next to share his insights on the current state of the federal cyber workforce. He highlighted the initiatives being taken by the government to attract and retain top talent in the field of cybersecurity. Shriver also emphasized the need for continuous training and upskilling to stay ahead of cyber threats.
The conference then shifted its focus to the role of academia in building the cyber workforce. Paul Maurer, President of Montreat, spoke about the importance of incorporating cybersecurity education into the curriculum of all disciplines, not just computer science. He also stressed the need for partnerships between educational institutions and industry to provide students with real-world experience and job opportunities.
Major General Colin Tuley, Deputy Commanding General of Fort Liberty, shared his insights on the military’s approach to building a strong cyber workforce. He highlighted the unique challenges faced by the military in recruiting and retaining cyber professionals, and the steps being taken to address these challenges. Tuley also emphasized the critical role of the military in defending the nation against cyber threats.
The conference concluded with Elizabeth O’Brien from Hiring Our Heroes, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, sharing best practices for hiring and supporting veterans in the cybersecurity field. O’Brien stressed the valuable skills and experience that veterans bring to the table and the need for more opportunities for them in the growing cyber industry.
Throughout the day, the speakers engaged in thought-provoking discussions and shared their valuable insights on the current state and future of the nation’s cyber workforce. The event also provided a platform for networking and collaboration among attendees from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Dr. Sorrells, the host of the conference, expressed his gratitude to all the speakers and attendees for their participation and contributions towards building a strong cyber workforce in the Carolinas and beyond. He also emphasized the role of community colleges in providing affordable and accessible education and training for individuals pursuing careers in cybersecurity.
In today’s digital age, where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, the importance of a skilled and diverse cyber workforce cannot be overstated. The Carolina Cyber Network Conference served as a reminder of the need for collaboration and continuous efforts to build a robust and resilient cyber workforce to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure and data.