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Session

Aligning Technology, Cyber Risk, and Business Strategy in the Enterprise
Opening Keynote

Tech Theater 1

Starts: May 28, 2026 9:00 am
Ends: 10:00 am

Aligning Technology, Cyber Risk, and Business Strategy in the Enterprise

Abstract
As enterprise environments grow more complex and threat landscapes more aggressive, CIOs and CISOs are under increasing pressure to move beyond reactive operations and deliver strategic, business-aligned outcomes. This keynote panel brings together senior technology and cybersecurity executives from large enterprises to explore how leaders are cutting through complexity to create clarity across digital transformation, cyber risk, and operational resilience.

Panelists will share how they are aligning IT and security priorities with business objectives, modernizing legacy environments while managing risk, and enabling innovation without compromising governance. Through real-world insights, this discussion will provide a forward-looking perspective on how today’s leaders are redefining the enterprise technology agenda to drive measurable impact in 2026 and beyond.

Key Takeaways

  • How leading CIOs and CISOs are aligning technology and cybersecurity strategies with business priorities
  • Approaches to simplifying complexity across hybrid, multi-cloud, and legacy environments
  • Balancing innovation, speed, and security in a high-threat landscape
  • Evolving the CIO–CISO partnership to drive enterprise-wide resilience
  • Practical insights for prioritizing investments and demonstrating business value
Host

Robert Hunt

Founder - REF DFW

Robert J. Hunt is "The Accountability Coach” and the co-author of the book "Nobody Cares...until you do." Robert is an Executive Coach and has been leading CEO Group meetings since 2013. Robert is well known in the DFW Technology community and is one of the founders of the DFW Technology Prayer Breakfast each fall. He is a dynamic speaker and panel moderator.

Speakers

Russ Pearlman

Chief Information Officer, Dallas College

My tech journey started early - I fell in love with computing at 13 on an Apple ][ plus. What began as curiosity transformed into a career spanning technology, consulting, and law. My passion has always been using technology to drive real business results. Over 25 years, I've learned that my greatest impact comes from empowering teams and solving complex challenges. I'm not just about the tech itself, but how it can create extraordinary outcomes. This drive led me through computer science, consulting, and eventually law school. Why? Because I saw a critical gap: technology leaders often misunderstand legal risks, while attorneys struggle to speak the language of innovation. Now, I'm a bridge-builder - connecting technology, business strategy, and legal expertise to help organizations navigate our rapidly changing digital landscape.

Mignona Coté

CISO, T200 & Former CISO, Infor

As an accomplished CISO, CTO, and Global Security Executive, I know first-hand the importance of strategic planning and proactive execution to ensure the early identification, rapid assessment, and elimination of security vulnerabilities. For 20 years, I’ve been part of strategic and frontline efforts at Fortune 50 companies across multiple industries teaming with my business partners to protect both the company and their valued customers from threat actor attacks. I know how to inspire the engagement and followership required to successfully improve overall technical operations for companies like Bank of America, AIG, Aetna, PepsiCo, and Verizon. My efforts have led to measurable threat reductions, audit successes, and multimillion-dollar savings.

Joseph Farah

Deputy Chief Information Security Officer, Rocket

I am an integrator of people and processes, a thought leader, a problem solver, change agent, and a trusted adviser on matters involving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic data.