Gary Mueller, Chapter at Large Board Member

Gary W. Mueller is a highly experienced IT professional with over 20 years of expertise in
various sectors, including IT, finance, manufacturing, healthcare, and government. He has a
strong background in Dynamics GP and BC/NAV, with extensive skills in ERP and G/L system
upgrades, implementations, and administration. Gary is adept at managing teams of up to 50
members, utilizing both Agile and Waterfall methodologies to oversee multiple projects. His
technical proficiency includes SQL, SSRS, and custom client reporting, and he is known for his
excellent communication skills, which enable him to effectively liaise between all levels of an
organization.

In his current role as Applications Manager at Miracapo Pizza Company, Gary manages
Dynamics Business Central, led the implementation of an AP Automation system, and
administered the company’s EDI system. He also has experience as a Project Manager at
Solution Systems, Inc., where he managed customer implementations of Dynamics Business
Central, coordinated data migrations, and ensured projects were completed on time and within
budget. His extensive experience also includes a tenure at Shirley Ryan Abilitylab, where he
managed a team supporting non-clinical applications and led various IT projects.

Gary is actively involved in several professional affiliations, underscoring his commitment to
continuous learning and community engagement. He serves on the Executive Board of
Directors for the Rainbow Council of the Boy Scouts of America, contributing to both the
Investment and Fundraising Committees. Additionally, he is a member of Infragard and the
Programming Committee of BCUG, where he helps set the content for national conferences.
Gary is also a member of various user groups, including GPUG, AXUG, and BCUG/NAVUG,
reflecting his dedication to staying current with industry trends and best practices. His
leadership roles extend to his community, where he served as the Township Supervisor for
Green Garden Township, acting as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, CEO, and CFO.

Anna Kostsovos, Chapter at Large Board Member

Anna Kotsovos has been involved in the field of intelligence analysis for over 17 years. She has
provided support for investigations in over 300 cases involving insurance fraud, financial crimes,
identity theft, organized crime, child neglect, vehicle theft, and homicides. In her role with the
National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), Anna has had the privilege of collaborating with
numerous industry stakeholders, law enforcement partners, and prosecutors across the U.S.
Anna has worked on joint investigations between the NICB, insurance companies, and law
enforcement agencies from local, state, and federal entities including the FBI. In addition to
providing tactical support, Anna has authored papers on trends in fraud which are disseminated
to various audiences including the public. One of these reports was the impetus for a public
awareness campaign to prevent and reduce instances of theft of a particular vehicle component.
Anna is a subject matter expert in cellular telephone record analysis and other sources of techbased data, and developed the foundation for how the analytical results are presented. Anna has even provided testimony in civil and criminal court actions.

During her tenure with NICB, Anna has provided training and conference presentations to
thousands of private-sector and sworn investigators in the U.S., U.K., and Europe. She has
been a lead instructor and project manager for a week-long training for intelligence analysts that
the NICB developed nearly 15 years ago. Anna’s extensive network of contacts across the
globe has proven beneficial with her ability to develop agendas and coordinate speakers for
conferences for other trade groups.

Anna’s education background is unique with degrees and certificates in computer network
engineering, psychology, and intelligence analysis. Her love of training led to an opportunity to
become an adjunct instructor with Westwood College teaching Cybercrime, Medical Ethics, and
Psychology courses. Most recently, Anna joined the Homeland Security Training Institute at the
College of DuPage as a faculty member.

For over 25 years, Anna has been a licensed EMT once working full-time on an ambulance and
now provides first aid for special events on a contract basis. She has enjoyed being present at
various events from soundstages during a commercial shoot, to large scale obstacle races. Her
medical experience led her to joining the Medical Reserve Corp with the US Department of
Health and Human Services 10 years ago. In this role as an emergency preparedness
volunteer, Anna has assisted with deploying resources and enhancing resilience of local
jurisdictions. Anna recently became a Stop the Bleed instructor ensuring citizens can become
active participants in the well-being of the communities they live and work in.
In addition to InfraGard, Anna also holds memberships in numerous groups including the
International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts, the International Association
of Special Investigation Units, and the Midwest Fraud Investigators Network, where she serves
on the board.

In 2011, Anna received the Analyst of the Year award from the International Association of
Special Investigation Units, and in 2016, she received the President’s Award in the analyst
category from the NICB.

Jeremiah Wyka, Programming Chair

Currently, Jeremiah Wyka is an accomplished cybersecurity professional with a successful track record in executive leadership, business development, and IT cybersecurity sales. With a broad background in cybersecurity, including experience with managed services, GRC, and most recently SAAS solutions, Jeremiah has helped clients recognize threats, improve their security posture, and provided consulting to executives on complex solution-based products. Jeremiah is recognized for his strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and an exceptional capacity to lead high-performance teams. 

Fred Kwong – VP, Chief Information Security Officer, DeVry University

Dr. Fred Kwong has been in the information security and technology field for the past 20 years in working in education, financial, telecommunication, healthcare, and insurance sectors.  He is an award-winning thought leader in security and currently works at a DeVry University where he currently serves as the VP and Chief Information Security Officer. He is a member of several advisory boards and is a frequent speaker at national security forums on cyber security and information technology and is often asked to consult on matters of security and leadership

Fred also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Roosevelt and Benedictine Universities. He received his Bachelor of Arts in psychology and professional communications, Master of Business Administration in management information systems from Roosevelt University, and holds his Doctorate in organization development from Benedictine University. Fred has earned several certifications including the CISSP, CISA, CISM, CDPE, PCIP, PMP and ITILv3f.

Steve Weber is currently a Consulting Security Executive with IT Assurance. Steve previously served as Information Security Officer with Catamaran Corporation, a health service company.  As Information Security Officer, Steve built Catamaran Corporation’s information security and IT compliance program over 6 years. This required extensive integration capabilities for complex IT environments in a heavily regulated industry with HIPAA, NIST, SOX, PCI, HITRUST and URAC compliance and external SaaS/SOC needs. At the time UnitedHealth Group’s Optum division acquired Catamaran in 2015 for $21.5B, the program was responsible for protecting 45M+ patient records and 1B+ annual business processing transactions. Steve has an additional 13 years of combined experience spanning the healthcare, manufacturing, judicial system, and the insurance industries. In addition, Steve previously held information security and IT audit management positions at CVS Health (Caremark), as well as  senior positions at Sears and Arthur Andersen.

Steve’s prior Board  experience includes serving as a board member of the International System Security Association (ISSA) Chicago Chapter for 6 years. Steve has been a member of the Infragard Illinois – Chicago Member Alliance Chapter for 8 years, ISC(2) for 15 years and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) Chicago Chapter for 27 years.

Steve holds CISSP, CISM, and CISA professional certifications and has been a conference presenter and panelist for several local professional associations or industry events.

In the at Large role, Steve would like the opportunity to support the Chapter’s Board to further strengthen the public and private sector relationship through robust communication. His prior experience on the ISSA Chicago Chapter board and membership with other associations will be a source for additional ideas for members and partnerships, which will further support the Chapter’s continued growth goals.

Michele Piazza is a Global IT Executive who brings a unique blend of technology and business leadership experience as your strategic trusted advisor and security partner.

Michele is the Founder & Principal of MP Global Ventures, LLC, a woman-owned, independent, business focused security and technology management advisory firm.  Michele aligns with C-Level IT Security, Business and Operations executives to provide sustainable security ,technology , risk management  and privacy  solutions. Michele recently launched Mountain View Partners, Inc , an advisory firm focused on Security and Privacy for the Remote Worker and K-12 Sectors.

Born in Indiana, Michele came from a family of 5 girls where her parents instilled independence, a strong work ethic, integrity, problem solving, and service as core values.  Michele began her technology career as a young programmer at US Steel in Chicago, where she was selected for a two-year international assignment in Venezuela as part of US Steel’s Consulting technology team. Her experience continued to blossom through various leadership positions in technology at Beatrice Foods Company, Citibank and American National Bank.  She was instrumental in 5 mergers: American National Bank into First Chicago, First Chicago NBD, Bank One, WaMu, and finally JPMorgan Chase.   Prior to launching MP Global Ventures, LLC, she had a 20+year career at JPMorgan Chase as a Senior Vice President.  She progressed through multiple management positions in both technology and business.  Her experience reflects direct management of all aspects of technology, including system development, operations, business intelligence, project management & governance, mergers & acquisitions, vendor management, risk management, security and compliance, domestically and globally. 

Michele has also been featured in the CBS Small Business Pulse: http://smallbusinesspulse.cbslocal.com/2015/08/17/interaction-collaboration-successfulbusiness/

Michele holds an Executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University and a Bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN. She is an active member of SIM (Society of Information Management), ISACA (Information Systems Audit & Control Association), SWIT (Senior Women in Technology,) , ISSA (Information Systems Security Association) and InfraGard.

Michele became a YWCA Metropolitan of Chicago Board Member in July 2105 and brings her energy and resources to empower women through the YWCA  programs: techGYRLS, Innovation & Technology Institute, & Developing Digital Diversity. She is also an active member of the YWCA Audit and Enterprise Risk Management Committees. As a passionate Advisory Board Member for the Naperville- based innovation incubator ,hub88 , she has led TechTalks on topics such as “CleanTech”, Privacy and CyberSecurity.

Michele is an avid runner and achieved “Marathon Maniac” status following the completion of her 8th marathon.  She enjoys yoga, cycling, hiking and international travel. She recently laced up her boots to hike Mt Kilimanjaro in January 2016 with her husband, David. In November 2019, they traveled with National Geographic to explore Antarctica.

She resides in the western suburbs with her husband David and their blended family of 6 children. 

PAUL R. SAND, MS, CISSP® 

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS 

25+ years of leadership in Security, Information Technology (IT), voice and data communications.

Corporate Governance expert and member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). Have served on for-profit and not-for-profit boards of directors for 12+ years. 

As Vice President, Director, Technology Risk Officer, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC) provides second line oversight of FHLBC’s technology risk and physical, personnel, and information security programs. Serves as Chairperson of FHLBC’s Technology Risk Subcommittee, is a voting member of FHLBC Operational Risk Oversight Committee and founding member of the Federal Home Loan Banking Systems Technology Risk working group.

As Senior Vice President, Operations, IP3, led design, development and delivery of  courses in CISSP Exam Preparation, CISM Exam Preparation, Cloud Computing Security, Data Protection, The Financial Management of Risk and Voice Communication Security. 

As President of Salare Security, lead commercialization of patented VoIP security technology licensed from the Illinois Institute of Technology developed via the National Security Agency’s Academic Center of Excellence in Information Assurance. Won grants from the US Army Research Office, the Illinois Homeland Security Development Office, and the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center. Won awards from the Global Security Alliance, the American Security Alliance, and Innovate Illinois.

As Working Group Chairman for the Unified Communications (UC) Security Project of the Internet Security Alliance (ISA) sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and DHS. Lead 50 volunteers from 42 companies in producing the Applicability of the Security Control Automation protocol (SCAP) to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Systems white paper and the pilot of a prototype system at the National Security Agency (NSA). 

As Vice President and Member of the Board of Directors of the InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA). Developed and instituted a chapter certification and governance program for 84 chapters serving 54,000 members across the US. Developed policy and liaised between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the INMA General Counsel. Instituted an engagement and collaboration program with the InfraGard chapters to share best practices, successes and solutions to common challenges.

A recognized innovative cyber security professional. Responsible for 43 Inventions resulting in 21 issued US Patents. Inventions spanned the disciplines of cyber security, physical security, public safety, voice communications, and data communications. 

Member of the US Secret Service’s Cyber Fraud Task Force (CFTF). Provided briefings on UC Security and UC Risk Management to the ECTF and also to the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), Asset Protection Executive Roundtable (APEX), the Financial Services Technology Consortium (FSTC), and the Information Security Audit and Control Association (ISACA). 

Member of the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Security Council. Advisor for cyber security market development.

RELATED EXPERIENCE 

2011 To Present. Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, Vice President,  Director, Technology Risk Officer. FHLBC is a $97B institution and provides liquidity to small and regional banks in Illinois and Wisconsin as a “bank for banks.” Provide second line oversight for the technology risks and physical, personnel and information security risks of the bank. Chair the Technology Risk Subcommittee and a voting member of the Operational Risk Oversight Committee of the Bank.

2011 To 2011 IP3, Inc, Senior Vice President, Operations: IP3, Inc is an cyber security and risk management advisor and training company. Clients include fortune 500, US Government Agencies, and cyber security industry associations. 

2007 To 2011 Salare Security LLC, President and CEO, Board Member: Founded company, acquired exclusive license to patent pending technology from IIT.  Quickly became a cyber security industry thought leader in Unified Communications (UC) through leadership positions in the Internet Security Alliance’s VoIP Security Project, an Officer in the FBI’s Chicago Chapter of the InfraGard (Infrastructure Protection) Chicago Member Alliance, membership in the US Secret Services Electronic Crimes Task Force (ECTF), and participation in ANSI’s Homeland Security Standards Panel. Industry speaker including engagements at the NIST Security Automation Conference, IIT’s VoIP Conference and Expo, the US Secret Service, The Asset Protection Executives, The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and others. Key Results: Company named a “Top Security Start-up” by the Global Security Challenge in London, UK; Company named a finalist in the Innovate Illinois competition in 2008 and 2009. 

2003 to 2007 mVerify Corporation, Vice President — Business Development: Joined mVerify Corporation in its very early stages. Defined product and market strategies and developed business relationships that moved the company into its initial and subsequent revenue generation stages. Key Results: placed software automation technology for use in testing UC deployment on the US National Command Authority’s fleet of aircraft; adapted product offering to drive the first automated testing solution for a geographic position system (GPS) based mapping application used by the Department of Defense (DoD). 

1987 to 2002 Lucent Technologies/AT&T Nework Systems/Bell Laboratories, Senior Manager: Prolific researcher and inventor responsible for 41 inventions leading to 21 awarded US Patents in voice and data communications and security. Turned market share from 7% to 15% in the voice messaging business and drove revenues to a record level $260mm for my product lines.  Lead a 20,000- person business unit wide cost reduction program that yielded a $240mm annual savings from a $10mm investment budget.  Enhance employee engagement scores from 45% to 75% in 6 months for my division by transforming front line manager behavior.

EDUCATION 

Masters of Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. Master of Science in Computer Science. Specialization: Data Communications and Networking. Masters’ Project: “Simulation of Network Protocols” 

Bachelor of Arts, University of Jamestown, Jamestown, ND. Majors in Political Science, Business Administration and Computer Science. Activities: Student Association President, Varsity Football Team 

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS 

CISSP® (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) #397891.

US GOVERNMENT SECURITY CLEARANCE

Holds a US Government Secret Level Security Clearance granted through the US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Private Sector Clearance Program (PSCP).

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS 

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Contributor to ANSI’s Homeland Security Standards Panel’s report: The Financial Management of Cyber Risk (March 31, 2010). Member Healthcare Information Technology Standards Panel (HITSP). 
• InfraGard National Members Alliance, Board Member and Vice President.
• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). Senior Member. 
• Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Security Council. Member. Cyber Security Advisor. 
• US Secret Service, Electronic Crimes Task Force (ECTF). Member. 
• Information Security Audit and Control Association (ISACA). Member. 
• Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP). Member. 

ISSUED US PATENTS 

7,254,612 ; 7,110,515; 7,079,630; 6,980,799; 6,975,620; 6,865,390; 6,836,509; 6,823,189; 6,704,304; 6,701,156; 6,657,993; 6,611,742; 6,584,316; 6,580,787; 6,449,483; 6,405,042; 6,393,104; 6,263,068; 5,459,780; 5,450,482; 5,381,471

Arvin is a highly motivated and talented cybersecurity professional focusing in Information Assurance, Cyber Frameworks, Policies, Standards & Guideline management, Risk Management, Strategy Development, Enterprise Architecture, Systems Integration, Business Process Management, Process Efficiency, Lean Operations, IT Innovation and IT Business Operations. His Meyers-Briggs Personality Type is INTJ. He is currently a cyber risk management specialist at PepsiCo.

Arvin is a graduate of Northern Illinois University’s College of Business with a bachelors degree in Management Information Systems and a graduate of DePaul University’s College of Computing and Digital Media with a masters degree in Information Systems.

Throughout his life, Arvin has been a naturally inquisitive individual. As a result, he has a unique ability of not only understanding complex and technical issues but utilizing current IT solutions and capabilities with existing technologies to address the protection requirements of today’s cyber threats. Arvin is also known to create solutions when existing solutions can’t address current/future needs.

During his time at Boeing, he submitted 4 invention disclosures with 1 submission being granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office and was recognized with the prestigious title of ‘Boeing Inventor’ for his contributions.

Arvin is ISC2 CISSP certified, CompTIA Security+ certified and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor certified. He is currently working on obtaining the CCSP and CRISC certifications.

Outside of his professional civilian career, Arvin is proudly serving as a direct commission officer in the US Navy Reserves as a Cryptologic Warfare officer (Designator 1815). Additionally, he is a research fellow with the Cybersecurity Forum Initiative and guest lecturer at several universities across the State of Illinois.

In his spare time, he likes to keep physically active, collect guitars and vinyl records as well as work on classic and high end sports cars.

Walter Lefmann is currently Director of Security at CTC Trading Group LLC, a capital markets trading firm. That role has included Information Security, Physical Security and Life Safety, Privacy, and BCP/DR.

He has been practicing cybersecurity with varying focus for his entire professional career. The balance has shifted back and forth over time between technology engineering/operations and security over the years, which has led to a well-balanced business-focused approach to security.

The professional journey to CTC came by way Goldman Sachs, Hull Trading Company, and Motorola; from an early career as an experimental physicist at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Walter holds a PhD, MPhil, and MA in Physics from Columbia University, and a BS in Physics from Stevens Institute of Technology.

While at Columbia University, Walter also served for five years as a volunteer NYC Auxiliary Police Officer and Sergeant. The experience of working closely with the public sector to serve and improve the community was tremendously rewarding, and has shaped a lifelong respect for the dedicated people who face the challenges of that service!

Walter participates in many professional and public/private outreach organizations, including FBI InfraGard (currently serving as a Chicago Chapter board member), US Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force, Chicago FIRST, FS-ISAC, the National Technology Security Coalition, and ASIS, and is one of the founders of the ChiBrrCon security conference.

Walter received the Infragard North Central Region “Meeting the Challenge” award for 2022, and the 2022 “Chicago CISO of the Year” award in the MIDCAP category.

Outside of work, Walter is an avid scuba diver (even diving in Lake Michigan … yes, it’s COLD!), sings tenor in the Harper Festival Chorus community group, and dances with his wife whenever he can.

Tiffany Bostrom is the Director of the Threat and Violence Risk Management team at Jensen Hughes. Her primary responsibilities at Jensen Hughes include managing a team of open-source analysts, research and analysis of open source information from social media platforms and other online media sources, supporting clients with time-sensitive intelligence related to workplace violence prevention, background investigations, behavioral threat assessments, crisis management and executive protection. She has been employed at Jensen Hughes since December 2015.

Prior to working at Jensen Hughes, she received her Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Tiffany was a mental health professional at a juvenile psychiatric hospital in Streamwood, Illinois and a correctional officer for two juvenile correctional centers in St. Anthony, Idaho prior to working in the private sector. She has been volunteering as a member of the programming committee since 2015 and has been a board member and the co-treasurer/treasurer of the InfraGard Chicago Member’s Alliance since January 2019.