State Cybersecurity Conference

Bringing together Iowa’s counties, cities, and schools to strengthen cybersecurity, share best practices, and build resilience across the state.

Save the Date

Securing the Heartland

October 22, 2026

8:00-5:00pm

Scheman Building
1805 Center Dr., Ames, IA 50011

TimeSession
8:00-9:00amRegistration & Networking
9:00-9:05amWelcome
MG (ret) Tim Orr
9:05-9:15amIntroductory Remarks
Iowa State University Associate Provost for Academic Programs
9:15-9:45amKeynote Speaker
Jim Hoflen, CISA
9:45-10:15amSpeaker
Iowa’s Chief Information Security Officer, Shane Dwyer
10:15-10:40amNetworking Break
10:40-11:30amPanel
Shane Dwyer
Lt Col Amanda Sonntag-King
11:30am-12:15pmCase Study
Russ Ayers, CISO Principal Financial Group
12:15-12:20pmWrap-Up
MG (ret) Tim Orr
12:20-1:00pmLunch and Networking
1:00-1:45pmPanel
Aaron Warner, Pro Circular, Private Sector
Rich Tener, Chief Information Security Officer, ISU
Al Yu, Director of IT, Blackhawk County
1:45-2:30pmPanel
Pete Grandgeorge, Berkshire Hathaway
Meagan Wheelock, John Deere Corporation
2:30-2:45pmNetworking Break
MG (ret) Tim Orr
2:45-3:30pmBreakout Sessions
Breakout Room 1: “Doing More with Less:  Cybersecurity for Small IT Teams” Jordan Hagans, Iowa League of Cities  
Breakout Room 2: “Cyber Safe Communities:  Building Local Resilience” Doug Jacobson, Corey Munson, PC Matics
Breakout Room 3: “AI & Emerging Risk”
3:45-4:00pmGrant Program Update
Lynette Hornung, ISU
4:00-4:30 pmFireside Chat
MG (ret) Tim Orr – Facilitator
Al Yu, Director of IT, Blackhawk County
Curtis Thornberry, Panora Mayor
Dr. Doug Jacobson, Iowa State University
4:30-5:00pmFinal Networking

Agenda from 2025