Security Journal Americas is delighted to announce its Keynote Speakers for the SJA Leaders in Security Conference.
The inaugural SJA Leaders in Security Conference, hosted in association with Platinum Partner Ambient.ai, will take place 17 July 2025 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL.
This invitation-only gathering will unite senior security professionals across the Americas for a high-impact day of strategic insights, future-focused presentations and unparalleled networking.
Brett Freedman, Senior Director for Emerging Technology, Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology (ICIT) and Opher Shweiki, International Trade Partner, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP will take to the stage at the conference as the Keynote Speakers.
Brett and Opher will discuss the issues keeping security leaders awake at night, including supply chain uncertainty, cybersecurity, geopolitics and much more.
Following their speeches, Brett and Opher will then move into a panel session where they will debate how best to find opportunity in chaos.
Joined by fellow security experts, they will argue how businesses and organizations can thrive in an increasingly volatile world.
Brett is anย accomplished public servant and leading expert on national security, cybersecurity and emerging technology, serving for nearly two decades at the highest levels of the US Government.ย
Brett’s government tenure includes serving asย a Legislative Assistant for a Congressman, as a Presidential Management Fellow in the Department of Homeland Security, as well as an Attorney at the National Security Agency and in the National Counterterrorism Center in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.ย
In 2013, Brett served as the Counsel to the Presidentโs Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies which examined the disclosures of classified information by Edward Snowden.
He then served as Counsel to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, including as General Counsel for then-Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA). ย
Most recently, Brett was Chief of Staff for Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the National Security Division at the Department of Justice, helping oversee the daily operations of several hundred attorneys in foreign investment, counterterrorism, counterespionage and cybersecurity.ย
Opher focuses on regulatory and enforcement issues related to advanced technologies and regularly provides counsel to Fortune 500 companies.
Opher draws on 25 years of experience as a senior government official, with significant involvement handling national security matters.
Those positions included Chief Counsel for the Bureau of Industry and Security at the Department of Commerce and as a senior national security prosecutor at the Department of Justice.
In those positions, Opher worked on high profile cross-border matters, including export controls, sanctions, counterterrorism and cybersecurity, and received numerous accolades for his accomplishments.
More panels and presentations throughout the day will feature a diverse lineup of high-level presentations, exploring critical trends and technologies influencing the future of the industry.
These impactful sessions will highlight real-world case studies, operational learnings and the innovations redefining risk management and resilience today.
Topics will range from threat detection and cyber-physical convergence to enterprise risk leadership and workforce development in security.
As well as Brett and Opher’s panel debate, curated networking breaks and a buffet-style lunch will offer attendees valuable opportunities to connect with industry peers, solution providers and thought leaders.
Attendees will also be able to engage with our Conference Partners to explore the latest technologies and tools transforming the security sector.
The event will conclude with a networking drinks reception, providing a relaxed setting for continued conversations, speaker Q&As and lasting connections.
Don’t miss out – hear Brett and Opher at the SJA Leaders in Security Conference by registering your interest in attending now. Click here to register.
