June 23, 2022

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MILWAUKEE — Dr. Kristina Ropella, Opus Dean of Marquette University’s Opus College of Engineering, and Dr. Tom Kaczmarek, director of the Center for Cyber Security Awareness and Cyber Defense, will moderate conversations at Summerfest Tech on Wednesday, June 29, at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel.

Ropella will moderate a panel of area executives on leading with digital, data and disruption, beginning at 9:15 a.m. Kaczmarek then leads a panel on the future of the cybersecurity workforce at 3 p.m. More information on each session is below.

For more information on Summerfest Tech, or to register to attend, visit the event website.

9:15-10 a.m. | Leading with Digital, Data, and Disruption

With new technologies being implemented into manufacturing and industrial organizations, data is being created and generated at unprecedented amounts. Led by Ropella, hear from Rite-Hite, Zurn Elkay Water Solutions, Sargento and Milwaukee Tool leaders about how they use the power of data to drive customer value and innovate products, create new corporate culture that is tech-centric, and rise to innovation challenges in their specific industries. Panelists: Joe Manone, president and CEO, Rite-Hite Products Corporation; Mike Troutman, chief information officer, Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation; Chad Jones, director of software engineering, Milwaukee Tool; and Bruce Wisnefske, director of advanced manufacturing operations, Sargento Foods Inc.

3-3:45 p.m. | Protecting Critical Company Assets

This program will provide an analysis of the current supply vs. demand within — and overall diversity of — the cybersecurity workforce. It will also cover an overview of strategies employed by organizations working together to expand career pathways into cybersecurity careers to address workforce shortages in a manner inclusive of those historically underrepresented in tech. Panelists: Chytania Brown, president and chief executive officer, Employ Milwaukee; Laura Schmidt, chief talent development officer, MKE Tech Hub Coalition; Dr. Davina Pruitt-Mentle, lead for academic engagement, National Institute of Standards and Technology; and Rafat Elsharef, instructor of IT networking and IT security, Milwaukee Area Technical College

Summerfest Tech began in 2018 with the goal of leveraging the Summerfest brand to showcase technology and provide a forum for attendees from the tech and business community to network, educate and celebrate the evolution of technology. Summerfest Tech continues to champion the regional business community, while shining the spotlight on Wisconsin’s growing reputation as a tech hub, highlighting the growth and opportunity in the region. Programming from local, regional and national speakers, as well as a cash prize pitch competition, connects the tech community around relevant topics.