Chris Nicolaou

Director Consulting Services, CGI

Chris Nicolaou, CISM, CCISO, is a dynamic business leader and entrepreneur who views technology, security, and operations as one integrated engine for growth. A hybrid executive, Chris blends deep CISO and CIO expertise with a relentless focus on operational excellence. He currently serves as a Director, Consulting Services at CGI (CGI.com) where he’s consulting as a fractional CISO for several large organizations, including Healthcare and OG. Chris’ previous position as CISO and Business Operations Consultant at CloudSpace USA, had him providing strategic executive leadership in AI, cybersecurity (IT/OT), and risk management for a diverse portfolio of over 100 clients. His extensive corporate leadership background includes serving as the CIO & CISO for Quantum Materials Corporation, Land Lineage, LLC & Arcatar Inc and as an IT Strategy Advisor for Occidental Petroleum Corporation. A proven business owner who understands the intersection of risk mitigation and strategic growth, Chris founded, bootstrapped, and scaled Texas Data Network Services from inception into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, culminating in a successful acquisition in 2013. He also brings invaluable startup experience, having served as the first technology executive for the high-growth startup Land Lineage Inc., where he managed budgets over $10M and architected their entire cloud and on-premise infrastructure. A dedicated community leader, Chris is a veteran of the USAF Texas Air National Guard and serves on the Cybersecurity Advisory Board for Texas A&M University - Victoria, ISACA GHC Board, SecureWorld Advisory Board and serves as an adjunct cybersecurity instructor at Houston City College. Originally from London, England, Chris is a lifelong supporter of Arsenal Football Club. When he isn't architecting high-performance cybersecurity programs, he enjoys soccer, golf, fishing, hunting, and traveling. He has been happily married to his dream girl for 31 years, and together they have three grown sons.

Mike Coogan

VP & Chief Information Security Officer, Brinks Home

I believe cybersecurity leadership must be both strategic and human-centered—protecting organizations while empowering innovation. With 20+ years as a technology executive and CISO, I lead enterprise-wide IT transformations that strengthen security, modernize infrastructure, and accelerate business outcomes. From Fortune-level organizations to private consultancies, I’ve earned a reputation for driving high-impact change with clarity, resilience, and results. As VP & CISO at Brinks Home, I manage complex IT environments—from cloud and data center strategy to end-to-end security lifecycle management. I specialize in aligning security architecture with business goals while reducing risk and elevating performance. Areas of Impact: Transformed IT services at Brinks Home, spanning data center, networking, storage, and cybersecurity Built and led high-performing teams across the globe delivering enterprise-scale digital transformation Implemented operational, cloud-first, global staffing and AI frameworks to drive sustainability Fostered board-level engagement on security posture and risk mitigation strategy Founded The Huginn Group to advise businesses on security modernization and resilience Certifications & Credentials: CISSP, CISM, and Six Sigma Black Belt Board of Directors experience and public speaking engagements Proven mentor and DEI advocate dedicated to future-proofing tech leadership I’m passionate about building secure, agile enterprises—and equally committed to developing the next generation of leaders in cybersecurity and IT. If you’re seeking strategic guidance on IT transformation, cyber resilience, or leadership development—let’s connect.

Warren Gouws

Senior Manager Solutions Engineering, Freshworks

Warren Gouws is Senior Manager of Solution Engineering at Freshworks, where he helps organizations solve complex challenges and accelerate digital maturity through practical, outcomes-driven technology. A seasoned SaaS leader, Warren brings deep experience aligning technology with business strategy to deliver measurable, lasting impact. Prior to Freshworks, he held senior solution engineering and advisory leadership roles at companies including Icertis, SumTotal, and CyberShift, Inc., leading enterprise-scale technology initiatives across complex environments. Warren holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and has completed executive and organizational leadership programs at Cornell University.

Saleem Bahezaad

Chief Information Officer for Data and Devices - TE Connectivity

Saleem Bahezaad is a global IT executive with a passion for operational excellence and directing innovative, cost effective and digital solutions for fortune 100 companies. He focusses on aligning business goals with IT strategies, roadmaps which digitally enable businesses. Saleem has successful history of program management for digital transformation initiatives. Saleem is currently the CIO for Data and Devices business unit in TE Connectivity. He previously held senior IT leadership roles in Goodyear Rubber and Tire Company where he was responsible for technology strategy and execution for several global functions. He also led several business transformation initiatives in Johnson Controls and General Motors. Saleem holds a master’s degree in management information systems from Northern Illinois University and is a certified project management and supply chain professional along with several SAP certifications.

Robyn Doughtie

Chief Information Officer, Fort Bend County Information Technology

Driving IT transformation, I specialize in cybersecurity, infrastructure design, and IT governance. As a CIO, I introduce innovative IT solutions that improve operational effectiveness and collaboration. With a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement, partnership development, and team leadership, we have consistently exceeded organizational objectives. Recognized as a 2023 Houston CIO of the Year Enterprise Award Winner, my approach is to leverage technology to enhance organizational effectiveness, ensuring that our community benefits from secure and reliable IT systems.

Bert Quarfordt

Deputy Chief Information Officer, City of Houston

Bert Quarfordt is a distinguished technology executive with more than 35 years of leadership experience spanning enterprise IT and infrastructure services. He serves as the Deputy Chief Information Officer and Deputy Director, IT Infrastructure for the City of Houston, where he leads the Enterprise Infrastructure Services (EIS) Division within Houston Information Technology Services (HITS). In this role, Bert leads the teams responsible for the City’s mission critical technology infrastructure, supporting public safety, mobility, emergency services, and the daily operations of the nation’s fourth largest city. His strategic focus centers on modernizing and strengthening Houston’s technology infrastructure ecosystem, driving next generation infrastructure capabilities that enhance resiliency, redundancy, security, and scalability. The EIS portfolio under his leadership spans five core domains: Data Center Services, Network Services, Telecommunications, End User Services, and Enterprise Video Services. Bert’s vision and operational discipline are instrumental in advancing citywide modernization initiatives and ensuring technology reliability. Before joining the City of Houston in 2019, Bert built a successful career in the private sector with industry leaders including Compaq, HP, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). His experience includes directing large-scale infrastructure programs, optimizing enterprise operations, and delivering technology solutions for global organizations. Bert is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Minor in Mathematics.