CADR:CON

Gokula Mishra is a preeminent authority in Data Science and AI/ML, currently serving as a Strategic Advisor and Founding Editor of CDO Magazine. With high-impact leadership roles at global giants like McDonald’s and Oracle, Gokula specializes in the intersection of AI innovation and enterprise resilience. His expertise is anchored by a Top Secret Security Clearance, making him a trusted leader in high-stakes environments across Healthcare, Finance, and Defense. A master of Enterprise Information Management and Data Governance, he has pioneered secure, business-driven frameworks for massive global datasets. Beyond his corporate tenure as a former VP of Data Science and CDAO, Gokula serves as a Board Member and Director of Youth & Technology for Beautiful Minds Youth Mentoring (USA & India). He remains dedicated to the ethical deployment of GenAI, ensuring global enterprise excellence is built on a foundation of integrity, strategic foresight, and community impact.

Experienced leader, technologist, innovator and collaborator. Michael leverages his previous experiences along with the talents of his team to drive successful projects using agile methodologies to meet or exceed organizational goals. Michael LaRue serves as Deputy Director of Software Delivery & Data at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Vijay Jakka is a transformative thought leader and advisory consultant specializing in data, digital, AI, and analytics for global enterprises. Currently leading Global Data Governance at MetLife, Vijay excels at aligning business strategy with a value-driven data vision, effectively evolving organizations from being business-informed to truly data-driven. With deep expertise in Enterprise Architecture and Digital Transformation, he bridges the gap between offensive data enablement and defensive risk management. His technical proficiency spans the entire data lifecycle—from architecting sophisticated data lakes and warehouses to implementing ethical AI governance and active metadata intelligence. Vijay is a strategic partner to executive leadership, known for identifying growth opportunities, reducing technology debt, and optimizing business efficiency through automation. Whether navigating complex regulatory compliance or securing connected IoT ecosystems, he consistently delivers seamless, customer-centric digital solutions and holistic organizational optimization.

Dynamic and results-driven IT and Cybersecurity professional with a proven track record in risk management, compliance assurance, third-party security, and governance. Adept at building high-performing teams and implementing innovative technology compliance programs. Experienced in leading audits for global organizations, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulations such as PCI DSS, SOC1, SOC2, ISO 27001, ITSOX, and GDPR. Skilled in developing information security policies, risk management, third-party security, and driving positive change. Holds certifications including CISA, CDPSE, and PCI Internal Self Assessor. Currently serving as Head of Technology & Cybersecurity Risk and Compliance Assurance at DoorDash, driving impactful decision-making and building scalable programs.

Mr. Zalewski currently provides CISO, security consulting and security advisory services. These include: • International cybersecurity advisor and trainer. • Executive advisory board member for security startups, providing guidance on security market direction and product requirements. • CISO advisory board member for venture capital firms internationally. • vCISO for companies requiring temporary or part-time CISO expertise. Services also include guidance and solutions to address incident response, security program design, security assessment, security due-diligence, vendor/supplier due-diligence, security architecture review, board reporting and other key security leadership requirements. Operational experience in Healthcare, Utilities and International Retail verticals. Key Strengths: •Organizational Management •Strategic Planning & Execution •Enterprise Security Architecture/Strategy •Executive and BOD Security Governance/Reporting •Cybersecurity Incident Response •Security Risk & Compliance Management Additionally, I co-hosts the CISOSeries Defense-in-Depth Podcasts and am a frequent speaker and panel moderator at industry events.

Russ Felker is the Chief Technology Officer at MegaCorp Logistics, bringing over 30 years of experience as a CTO, founder, and strategic technology advisor. A versatile leader with a career spanning municipal government, healthcare, and the beauty industry, Russ specializes in leveraging technology to solve complex business problems. His core mission centers on utilizing innovative digital solutions to simultaneously enhance the customer experience and drive significant operational cost savings. Based in the Greater Chicago area, Russ is a passionate advocate for technology-led change and organizational evolution. Throughout his three-decade tenure, he has built a reputation for creating resilient technology frameworks that align with long-term business goals. Whether navigating the high-stakes logistics sector or advising startups, Russ remains dedicated to the transformative power of technology as a tool for both efficiency and human-centric service.