
Florida CIO Community
Inner Circle
February 25, 2025 | Smith & Wollensky - Miami Beach
February 25, 2025
Smith & Wollensky - Miami Beach
Collaborate with your peers
Join Florida's top CIOs for an intimate networking dinner and facilitated discussion on key business challenges. Enjoy a relaxed evening of dinner and drinks with your peers to share best practices, make new connections and build professional relationships.
Join your peers to discuss the most critical issues impacting CIOs today:
Building a resilient cybersecurity culture in the age of AI
Driving innovation through AI-enhanced cybersecurity solutions and strategies
Florida CIO Governing Body
The Governing Body Co-Chairs shape the discussion topics and agenda, ensuring that all content is driven By CIOs, For CIOs®.
Governing Body Co-Chairs

Carrie Busbee
Core & Main
CIO

Prashant Cherukuri
Qualfon
CIO

Elvis Clemetson
SBA Communications
SVP & Global CIO

Otto Contreras
Miami-Dade County
Division Director, IT

Chad Couch
JM Family Enterprises
CIO

Christina Shannon
KIK Consumer Products
CIO

Luis Suarez
H.I.G. Capital
CIO

Christine Vanderpool
Florida Crystals Corporation
VP & CTO
Agenda
February 25, 2025
4:30pm - 5:30pm Executive Networking Reception
5:30pm - 6:30pm Discussion Topics
AI in Action — Cybersecurity Strategies for Evolving Threats

Albert Estevez Polo
Field CTO
Zero Networks

Angelica Gomez
VP, Technology
Goodwill South Florida

Ryan Hay
Sr. Director, Global IT Security and Compliance
SBA Communications

Christina Shannon
CIO
KIK Consumer Products

Christine Vanderpool
VP & CTO
Florida Crystals Corporation

Brett Conlon
CISO
American Century Investments
Unprecedented AI advancements present both uncharted opportunities and complex challenges for organizations. With AI emerging as both a formidable ally and a potential adversary, cybersecurity remains top of mind as a critical priority. CIOs and CISOs are tasked with defending against AI-powered cyberattacks and finding ways to leverage emerging technologies to bolster their organizations’ cybersecurity defenses. By effectively incorporating AI into cybersecurity frameworks, organizations can protect critical assets and data while allowing for innovation in a secure environment.
Join this discussion to explore strategic approaches to continuous monitoring, adapting to emerging threats and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness across the organization.
- What have you seen or heard from peers about AI attacks and the responses to those attacks?
- How are organizations evolving to better combat the evolving threats and increased number of attacks due to AI? How are CIOs and CISOs leveraging AI to improve incident response?
- How can CIOs and CISOs better communicate and collaborate with stakeholders across the business about developing proactive strategies against offensive AI threats?
- What key elements should be included in an AI governance framework to effectively manage risks and maintain trust within an organization?
- How can organizations foster a security culture that adapts to the changes brought about by AI and what role do CIOs and CISOs play in this transformation?
6:30pm - 7:00pm Networking Break
7:00pm - 8:00pm Summary Discussion & Dinner
8:00pm - 9:00pm Social Hour
Apply to Participate
Apply to participate in the Florida CIO Community Inner Circle.
Gartner facilitates exclusive, C-level communities by personally qualifying and understanding the priorities, challenges and interests of each member.
Our selective approach maintains the high quality of the network and ensures top-level discussions with peers from the world’s leading organizations.
Each application will be reviewed, and once your participation is confirmed, you will have access to year-round community programs.
Location
More Information
Complimentary valet is provided at venue.
Community Program Manager
For inquiries related to this community, please reach out to your dedicated contact.