Cybersecurity Legislative Summit & Reception: Securing Maryland’s Digital Future
On Tuesday February 4, 2025, Cybersecurity Association had the distinguished honor of hosting the Cybersecurity Legislative Summit & Reception in Annapolis, Maryland. This pivotal event brought together state and local legislators, industry experts, and cybersecurity leaders to discuss one of the most pressing issues of our time—the future of cybersecurity. As digital threats continue to evolve and grow, this gathering marked a significant step toward ensuring Maryland remains at the forefront of cyber resilience and innovation.
A Collaborative Vision for Maryland’s Cybersecurity Future
The summit was a momentous occasion that highlighted the importance of collaboration between lawmakers, cybersecurity professionals, and public sector leaders. We were honored to have Senator Stephen Hershey (R-MD) in attendance, whose dedication to strengthening Maryland’s cybersecurity infrastructure has been unwavering. His leadership continues to be crucial in advancing policies that protect our communities, schools, and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
Sen. Stephen Hershey speaks at the Cybersecurity Legislative Summit in Annapolis, MD.
Alongside Senator Hershey, delegates and senators from both the state and local levels joined the conversation, underscoring the shared commitment to making Maryland a leader in cybersecurity. The discussions were engaging, forward-thinking, and a reflection of how far we’ve come in acknowledging the critical importance of securing our digital future.
Expert Insights: A Powerful Panel of Cybersecurity Leaders
One of the summit's highlights was the expert-led panel discussion, moderated by Ted Pibil of ePlus, a key partner in driving the conversation around the technological and policy solutions needed to safeguard our state. Ted was joined by a panel of industry heavyweights—CTOs, CISOs, and cybersecurity professionals who bring real-world experience and deep expertise to the table. Their candid insights not only illuminated the current challenges but also provided actionable recommendations for the road ahead.
The panel featured the following distinguished leaders:
- Chris Martin, CIO of Baltimore County: Chris shared the county's proactive approach to enhancing cybersecurity across public services and highlighted the importance of collaboration between IT and local governments to mitigate emerging threats.
- Greg Smith, CISO of Frederick County: Greg brought forward a wealth of experience from the perspective of local government and the critical need to integrate robust AI strategies into local infrastructure.
- Oladipo Oladapo, Manager of Information Science at BCPS: Oladipo’s insights into the unique challenges facing school districts were invaluable, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable educational environments from cyber attacks.
- Phil Mellinger, Retired CTO of Tower FCU: Phil’s seasoned expertise rounded out the panel with a focus on enterprise-level security solutions and the evolving cyber threat landscape.
Panelists discuss the need for Cybersecurity funding and advancement in the state of Maryland.
Each panelist brought a distinct and critical perspective to the table, reminding us that cybersecurity is not just a technology issue—it’s a public policy and community challenge. Their recommendations, including improving information-sharing across sectors and increasing investment in cybersecurity education, are essential to building a resilient digital infrastructure.
Gratitude for Our Sponsors: Enabling Cybersecurity Leadership
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our visionary sponsors, whose commitment to cybersecurity innovation helped bring the summit to life. We extend a heartfelt thank you to:
- AWS
- Varonis
- ePlus
- Fiastro
- Percy Public Affairs
- Commerce Department of Maryland
These organizations are not just investing in the future of cybersecurity; they are leading the charge in protecting our digital environments. Their sponsorship reflects a shared belief that we must all work together—public and private sectors alike—to build a safer and more secure digital future for Maryland and beyond.
Moving Forward: A Collective Commitment to Cybersecurity
The Cybersecurity Legislative Summit & Reception was more than just a meeting of minds—it was a call to action. As the conversation continues to evolve, we recognize that cybersecurity is an ongoing effort that requires continuous innovation, collaboration, and commitment at all levels of government and industry.
We left the event with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that the work we do today lays the foundation for a secure digital future for Maryland’s schools, local governments, and businesses. But our efforts don’t end here. The work must continue, with stronger policies, improved infrastructure, and more cybersecurity education. Together, we can ensure that Maryland remains resilient in the face of ever-changing digital threats.
We are deeply grateful to all the legislators, panelists, sponsors, and attendees who made the event a success. Your dedication to advancing cybersecurity, protecting our communities, and building a more secure Maryland is truly inspiring.
Stay tuned for more news as we continue to work toward a safer digital future!
Join us on social!
If you're passionate about cybersecurity or want to be part of the conversation, follow us on LinkedIn for updates on future events and initiatives. Together, we can keep Maryland at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation.
