Cybersecurity: Its Importance & the Impact of AI E51
This episode of AZ TechCast explores cybersecurity’s pivotal role and AI’s transformative impact, hosted by Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki. Guests Mark Dallmeier, JR Garcia, and Helen Patton emphasize proactive cybersecurity strategies and the dual nature of AI in enhancing threat detection while posing governance challenges. They also discuss AI’s influence on education, stressing ethical guidelines and the need for continuous adaptation in evolving job markets.
Overall, the episode urges organizations to integrate robust cybersecurity measures and embrace AI innovation responsibly across sectors.
MARS is a Huntsville Alabama based technology company and developer of MARS Suite, an integrated suite of modern cyber technologies designed to combat the latest cyber-attacks and preserve businesses’ ability to operate in regulated industries. The company partners with a national network of MSPs, MSSPs, and various Platform and Industry partners to provide security and compliance as-a-service and solutions to organizations operating in heavily regulated industries.
Over the last 27 years Mark Dallmeier has co-founded multiple technology and consulting companies, and has held various Senior Executive, C Level, and Advisory Board positions within cyber, risk, compliance technology and consulting services companies.
He is currently the President and CEO of MARS Suite, Inc. and is responsible for launching their innovative MARS Suite platform into the market. Over the last 15 years Mr. Dallmeier has held SVP and CSO/CMO roles at BishopFox, Vertek, MSS BTA, and Avertium (formerly Terra Verde Security).
Previously Mr. Dallmeier was the CEO of The ROBB Group, an innovative provider of corporate revenue growth and transformation management consulting services to early stage and Fortune 500 companies. During that time, he also co-founded Channel Savvy a technology channel consulting company that was purchased by Avnet in 2010.
Today Mr. Dallmeier actively publishes research, speaks and facilitates workshops and panels on cybersecurity, risk, compliance, and corporate transformation topics.
Connect with Mark on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
A technology company, Cisco powers an inclusive future for all.
Helen Patton is a strategic cybersecurity advisor at Cisco. Previously she served as a CISO for the Cisco Security Business Group, and an Advisory CISO, providing strategic insights to the security community. She was the CISO at The Ohio State University and spent ten years in risk and resiliency at JPMorganChase.
Helen actively encourages cybersecurity collaboration across and within industries, to enable better information security and privacy practices. She believes in improving diversity and inclusion in the cyber workforce, and mentors people interested in pursuing careers in security, privacy and risk management. She advocates for more naps and is anti-bagpipes.
Helen has a Master’s degree in Public Policy. She serves on various cybersecurity advisory boards, and is faculty for the Educause Leadership Institute, a committee member for the Cybersecurity Canon, and a cyber risk instructor at the Ohio State University. Helen is a blogger and the author of “Navigating the Cybersecurity Career Path”.
Connect with Helen on LinkedIn and X.
One of the fastest-growing IT consultancies in the USA. ANM provides innovative solutions and expert engineering to large and mid-sized organizations. Their dedicated team designs, implements, and supports IT solutions in risk mitigation, enterprise infrastructure and digital transformation.
ANM is headquartered in Albuquerque, NM and has offices in Casper, WY; Denver, CO; El Paso, TX; and Scottsdale, AZ. They enjoy a 98.6% customer satisfaction rating, as well as excellent employee and customer retention rates.
JR Garcia, Director of Solutions Engineering at ANM leads the solutions engineering teams in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, focusing on core network, data center, and security architectures.
His expertise lies in managing technical design, strategy, presales, and resource planning for network and security solutions. JR has received several accolades for his exceptional leadership, including the Excellence in Leadership Award, being recognized as the CRN Next-Gen Solutions Provider Leader in 2022, and part of the President’s Club in 2023.
Follow ANM on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
About Your Hosts
Steve Zylstra serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, a role he assumed in 2007. He is responsible for strategy, operations, finance and policy development. Zylstra is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards in Arizona.
Zylstra serves on numerous councils, committees and boards, was named “Leader of the Year, Technology,” by the Arizona Capitol Times, and “Most Admired Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal. In addition, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science in technology from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Ariz.
Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.
Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen, and work-life balance.
Karen has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room, and Mid-Day Arizona. She has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education.
In addition to working with private coaching clients, Karen is also the Owner & President of Phoenix Business RadioX. The Business RadioX Network amplifies the voice of business – serving the Fortune 500,000, not just the Fortune 500. Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.
Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.
Leslie Cooper Marquez is a dynamic marketing professional with over 17 years of broad-based marketing, public relations and advertising experience in both in-house and agency environments.
Originally from Birmingham, AL, Leslie has honed her expertise across diverse sectors, including non-profit performing arts, legal marketing, mortgage technology, and residential mortgage marketing.
Leslie has been an integral part of the Arizona community for the past 5 years. Most recently, she served as the Marketing Director for Scottsdale-based mortgage technology firm, focusIT, Inc., and previously as the Director of Marketing for Ballet Arizona.
Beyond her professional commitments, Leslie is an active member of the community. She serves as a Sustainer with the Junior League of Phoenix, volunteers with the Distinguished Young Women of Arizona scholarship program and is an alumna of the esteemed Valley Leadership Accelerate class of 2019.
In her spare time, Leslie shares her passion for fitness as a dedicated barre instructor at TenPoint5 Central. Above all, she cherishes her roles as a devoted mother to a young son and a loving wife to her husband, David.
About Our Sponsor
The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.
A trusted resource in strengthening Arizona’s technology industry, the Council proactively eliminates impediments that companies face, accelerates the entrepreneurial mindset in the state’s expanding innovation ecosystem, and works to create a destination for companies to be, thrive and stay.
Follow Arizona Technology Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
