SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
ENTERPRISE RISK / INFORMATION SECURITY SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES- FEB. 19, 2026
Mykhaylo Bulyk, Senior Director IT Security, ATI Physical Therapy
Bio to come!
Johnny Burton, VP of IT & Security Officer, The Family Institute at Northwestern University
I have fourteen (14) years of IT experience, a Bachelor’s degree, CISSP certified and have been focusing on Network and Cybersecurity for the past eight (8) years. My expertise includes managing secure network infrastructure, conducting risk assessments, and creating security policies. I lead teams to build security strategies from scratch, following cybersecurity frameworks and best practices. I implement processes to reduce attack surfaces and manage risks, which have proven effective in safeguarding sensitive data. I have worn several hats within my role and experience with cross-functional/cross-team communication. My team relies on me for guidance as the standard bearer for cybersecurity. I design secure cloud solutions that satisfy business requirements and adhere to regulations such as HIPAA and PCI. I worked quickly to understand the business and develop customized security solutions to protect the company’s most valuable assets.
I am a team leader and player motivated to work with a company that values innovation and security. I advocate for cybersecurity to be incorporated in the planning stage of every project and for SDLC to ensure a proactive and continuous approach to security.
As part of my commitment to mitigating potential threats, I prioritize attending tech summits and participating in cybersecurity clubs. Continuous learning and improvement are essential to enhance my cybersecurity skills and the profession and protect my company’s infrastructure.
Mitch Christian, Head of Information Security and Infrastructure, Synergy Global Housing
I was born and raised on a small farm in Wisconsin. I owned my own business at the age of 19. In the early 90’s I went to work for Kimberly Clark as an Electrical Engineering Tech building out Diaper Machines and switched profession into IT starting out as a PC maintenance tech at Kimberly Clark working my way to overseeing the NOC for the corporation. I moved to a position with Grant Thornton starting out as a local IT manager and worked my way to National Director of IT.
In 2008 I started my own company doing Cyber Security Consulting for small businesses and landed John Deere and Jimmy Johns as major clients doing compliance work and hardening systems. In 2016 I started for American Hotel Register as Global IT Security Lead and built out a global security program from scratch. In 2019 I went to work for Kivu Consulting as Director of Cyber Investigations leading more than 100 investigations and remediations of Ransomware incidents and litigation cases.
Currently I am Global IT Security Director for Synergy Global Housing and CISO for Alpha Recon (a startup company making an app for Risk Management). I have a degree in Automated Manufacturing and one in Business Technical Management. I currently hold a CISSP and CISM. My family and I reside in Wisconsin and I am an active member of Infragard.
Dan Horwich, President & Executive Director, CAMP IT Conferences
In 2001, Dan Horwich earned the title of President and Executive Director of CAMP IT Conferences. Prior to joining CAMP IT, Dan held sales and sales management positions at U.S. Robotics, 3Com, Mercantec, Spring Tide Networks, and Lucent Technologies, winning several sales and professional development awards.
An active networker, focused on making a difference in the professional lives of IT practitioners, Dan has built a win-win climate for CAMP IT’s attendees, speakers, and sponsors. He’s a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Madison with a BBA in Marketing and lives in Glenview, IL with his wife and two daughters.
Jatin Mannepalli, Information Security Officer, IMC Trading
Jatin Mannepalli CISSP, CCSP, is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 10 years of experience in the financial and technology sectors. He has a strong track record of delivering security solutions that effectively manage risk while supporting business objectives. His expertise includes cloud security, threat analysis, compliance, policy development, and incident response. He has worked with leading firms like McKinsey & Company and CCC Information Services. Currently, he is an Officer of Information Security at IMC Trading, ensuring a secure and resilient digital environment.
Helen Negre, Virtual Chief Information Security Officer, Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc.
Helen Negre is a seasoned cybersecurity executive and digital transformation leader with extensive experience in building and executing security strategies for global enterprises. As a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) and former Chief Cybersecurity Officer at Siemens, Helen has led large-scale security programs, developed compliance frameworks for standards such as PCI DSS, ISO 27001, NIST, and CMMC, and driven organizational shifts from traditional manufacturing to technology-focused operations. She specializes in risk management, regulatory compliance, and executive advisory services. Helen’s career spans leadership roles in IT, OT, product security, and incident response, with a proven track record of collaborating with intelligence agencies, regulators, and industry boards to anticipate and mitigate emerging threats.
Chris Newton, Director Information Security, Tegria
Chris Newton is the Director of Information Security at Tegria, where he leads security, risk, and governance initiatives for a healthcare consulting organization supporting complex, regulated environments. His work focuses on building practical, sustainable security programs that reflect real operational risk rather than theory.
Chris is an Iraq War veteran and is deeply passionate about mental health challenges facing veterans and others working in high-stress environments. Over the course of his career, he has lived and worked internationally, including extended time in Europe, the Middle East, South America, and across North America. He grew up in Portugal, speaks Portuguese fluently.
Professionally, Chris brings a broad technical and advisory background, including penetration testing, security architecture, vendor and third-party risk management, industrial control systems, and audit and advisory work within large global institutions and regulated enterprises. His experience spans hands-on technical work, consulting, and leadership roles, giving him a grounded perspective on how security decisions affect organizations in practice.
Outside of work, Chris is an amateur blacksmith and enjoys building things by hand. He lives in Maryland with his family.
Safi Raza, Senior Director of Cyber Security, Fusion Risk Management
Safi Raza is the Senior Director of Cybersecurity at Fusion Risk Management, leading the company’s global cybersecurity strategy, governance, and cyber risk management initiatives. With over 15 years of experience in information security, Safi has a proven track record of building and scaling security programs aligned with frameworks such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, and NIST. His expertise encompasses security operations, cloud security, vulnerability management, and regulatory compliance.
Safi is a recognized thought leader in the cybersecurity community, contributing insights on topics such as ransomware defense, operational resilience, and emerging threats. Safi is a member of ISC2 and holds the CISSP, CCSP, and several other industry-recognized certifications. He was nominated for the 2024 Chicago CISO of the Year Award, reflecting his leadership and impact in the field.
Ron Versetto, Deputy Chief Information Security Officer, Illinois Attorney General’s Office
Ron has nearly 20 years of experience in Information Technology in industries such as retail, hospitality, healthcare, and higher education. He has a background in regulatory processes and extensive experience with network and infrastructure. He is currently the Executive Director of Information Technology for the Liberal Arts and Sciences College at University of Illinois at Chicago.
