CISA Senior Cybersecurity Leader Chris Butera to Keynote 2026 Cyber Summit

• Chris Butera, CISA acting executive assistant director for cybersecurity, will deliver a keynote address at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 22.
• Butera brings 20 years of extensive experience leading federal cyber defense operations and shaping strategies to address the nation’s most significant cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
• The summit will gather government and industry leaders to examine emerging cyber threats, zero trust implementation and strategies to strengthen critical infrastructure resilience.

The Potomac Officers Club is excited to announce that Chris Butera, acting executive assistant director for cybersecurity at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, will deliver a keynote address at the 2026 Cyber Summit on May 22 at the Marriott Fairview Park in Falls Church, Virginia. 

Butera will offer GovCon executives a critical perspective on the nation’s most pressing cyber threats, federal response strategies and how industry can support the security and resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure. Register today to secure your spot in front of cybersecurity decision-makers across the government ecosystem.

Who Is Chris Butera?

In his role, Chris Butera serves as the acting executive assistant director for cybersecurity at CISA, where he leads the agency’s mission to address the nation’s most significant cyber threats and vulnerabilities. 

As CISA’s senior cybersecurity official, he is responsible for strengthening the security and resilience of critical infrastructure while advancing cyber defense capabilities. 

Butera also serves as acting associate director of vulnerability management and sits on the boards of the Technology Modernization Fund and the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, or FedRAMP, underscoring his influence across federal cybersecurity initiatives. 

With more than 20 years of experience spanning government and the private sector, Butera has led key cyber defense operations, including the federal response to major cybersecurity incidents between 2014 and 2021. Most recently, he served as senior technical director for CISA’s cybersecurity division, where he led initiatives to enhance cyber services, strengthen operational visibility and guide research and development related to AI and industrial control systems security.

Why Is the 2026 Cyber Summit a Must-Attend Event for GovCon Executives?

The 2026 Cyber Summit is the leading forum for government and industry leaders to address the evolving cyber threat landscape.

AI is dramatically lowering the barrier to entry for cyberattacks. Tasks that once required elite expertise can now be automated, increasing the speed, scale and sophistication of threats. As a result, the 2026 Cyber Summit offers a timely platform for collaboration across the public and private sectors.

With less than a year until the Department of War’s 2027 zero trust deadline, understanding agency progress is essential. This urgency is driving demand for innovation, stronger compliance requirements and closer alignment between government requirements and industry solutions.

For GovCon executives, the event offers:

• Direct access to senior cybersecurity officials shaping federal cyber strategy 
• Insights into zero trust adoption, federal cyber priorities and funding areas
• Opportunities to align solutions with evolving mission and compliance requirements
• Networking across the GovCon community to build strategic partnerships

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and compliance requirements adapt, staying ahead of federal priorities is essential for companies seeking to compete and lead in the cybersecurity market.

Why Chris Butera’s Keynote Is Critical for GovCons

Butera’s keynote comes at a pivotal time for GovCons as cybersecurity continues to evolve as a top national security priority.

His insights are critical for contractors navigating:

• Increasing federal investment in cyber defense and resilience
• Evolving compliance requirements such as CMMC, FedRAMP and zero trust
• Growing demand for advanced threat detection and response capabilities
• The integration of emerging technologies into secure environments

For companies looking to expand or solidify their position in the federal cybersecurity market, his perspective provides a roadmap for aligning with agency priorities and mission needs.

What Will Butera Discuss in His Keynote?

Butera’s keynote is expected to address the most urgent cybersecurity challenges facing the nation and how government and industry can work together to mitigate risk.

Key focus areas may include:

• Strengthening cyber resilience across critical infrastructure
• Enhancing vulnerability management and threat detection
• Securing emerging technologies, including AI and operational technology
• Improving federal cyber response and coordination
• Expanding visibility into cyber threats across networks

His role leading CISA’s cyber operations and innovation efforts positions him to deliver actionable insights for contractors supporting federal cybersecurity missions.

Why Should I Attend the 2026 Cyber Summit?

The 2026 Cyber Summit is designed to equip attendees with the knowledge and connections needed to succeed in today’s cyber landscape. As cyber threats intensify and compliance requirements tighten, staying informed is critical for maintaining a competitive edge. The event offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from decision-makers and gain actionable insights that can shape business strategy.

Attendees will gain:

• Access to key decision-makers and industry leaders
• Opportunities to put your organization’s name in front of key buyers and decision-makers
• Strategic insights into federal cybersecurity initiatives, opportunities and priorities
• Practical guidance for delivering cyber solutions to each agency joining the summit

What’s the Agenda for the 2026 Cyber Summit?

The full-day event will feature keynotes, panel discussions and networking opportunities focused on innovation, acquisition and operational effectiveness.

Hear from our lineup of speakers (with additional speakers still to come):

• Acting Chief Information Security Officer & Principal Deputy CIO of the DOW Aaron Bishop
• DOW Assistant Secretary for Cyber Policy Katherine Sutton
• Acting Federal Chief Information Security Officer Michael Duffy
• White House Senior Director for Intelligence Will Loucks 
• Commander, Coast Guard Cyber Command, RDML Jason Tama
• DISA DOD E-ICAM Program Manager John Baase 
• Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services Acting Deputy CISO Leslie Nettles
• FBI Cyber Division’s Cyber National Security Intelligence Section Chief Stephanie Walker
• Deputy CDAO for Warfighting Mission Area at DOW Davey Gibian 
• Air Force Technical Director of Cyber Resiliency Office for Control Systems Daryl Haegley 
• Army Defensive Cyber Operations Project Manager Dr. Linda Jones
• Air Force Research Laboratory Strategic Planning and Integration Technical Advisor Dr. Sarah Muccio
• Department of Education CISO Davon Tyler

The 2026 Cyber Summit will include panel sessions featuring high-ranking government speakers on topics such as:

• Quantum Computing and Post Quantum Cryptography
• Combating Advanced Persistent Threats
• AI in Cyber Defense: From Intelligent Detection to Autonomous Resilience
• Securing CSO Innovation for Defense Missions
• Zero Trust, Continuity and Operating Through Disruption
• Cyber Risk to Mission Risk: Aligning Security, Operations,and Decision-Making

The 2026 Cyber Summit is a must-attend event for GovCon executives and cybersecurity leaders looking to stay ahead of evolving threats and federal priorities. Don’t miss your opportunity to gain actionable insights, build strategic partnerships and position your organization for success in the federal cybersecurity market. Register today.