State Cybersecurity Conference
Bringing together Iowa’s counties, cities, and schools to strengthen cybersecurity, share best practices, and build resilience across the state.
Securing the Heartland
October 22, 2026
8:00-5:00pm
Scheman Building
1805 Center Dr., Ames, IA 50011
| Time | Session |
| 8:00-9:00am | Registration & Networking |
| 9:00-9:05am | Welcome MG (ret) Tim Orr |
| 9:05-9:15am | Introductory Remarks Iowa State University Associate Provost for Academic Programs |
| 9:15-9:45am | Keynote Speaker Jim Hoflen, CISA |
| 9:45-10:15am | Speaker Iowa’s Chief Information Security Officer, Shane Dwyer |
| 10:15-10:40am | Networking Break |
| 10:40-11:30am | Panel Shane Dwyer Lt Col Amanda Sonntag-King |
| 11:30am-12:15pm | Case Study Russ Ayers, CISO Principal Financial Group |
| 12:15-12:20pm | Wrap-Up MG (ret) Tim Orr |
| 12:20-1:00pm | Lunch and Networking |
| 1:00-1:45pm | Panel Aaron Warner, Pro Circular, Private Sector Rich Tener, Chief Information Security Officer, ISU Al Yu, Director of IT, Blackhawk County |
| 1:45-2:30pm | Panel Pete Grandgeorge, Berkshire Hathaway Meagan Wheelock, John Deere Corporation |
| 2:30-2:45pm | Networking Break MG (ret) Tim Orr |
| 2:45-3:30pm | Breakout 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” |
| 3:45-4:00pm | Grant Program Update Lynette Hornung, ISU |
| 4:00-4:30 pm | Fireside Chat MG (ret) Tim Orr – Facilitator Al Yu, Director of IT, Blackhawk County Curtis Thornberry, Panora Mayor Dr. Doug Jacobson, Iowa State University |
| 4:30-5:00pm | Final Networking |
Agenda from 2025


