2019 Cybersecurity Forum

David Stender,  Senior Vice President & Chief Security Officer, M&T Bank

David has more than 30 years of government, military, and business experience developing, implementing, and leading full-scope security programs, including physical security, information security, financial crimes, and risk, on a global scale. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), a Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP), and a Certified Authorization Professional (CAP), and has extensive experience leading cutting-edge vulnerability assessments and penetration tests against national security-related networks and in managing security testing laboratories and complex networks at multiple classification levels. David is also a recognized expert in fraud, public key infrastructure cryptography, and “Red Team” operations. Prior to joining M&T Bank, David served as the chief information security officer for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and spent 26 years on active duty in the U.S. Navy as a cryptologic officer.

Jeffrey Crimmins, Chief Information Officer & Chief Security Officer, Freed Maxick CPAs/DataSure 24

Jeff Crimmins has served as both the chief information officer (CIO) and chief security officer (CSO) at Freed Maxick CPAs P.C. since 2013. Before joining Freed Maxick, Jeff served as the chief technology officer for a local business technology consulting company, which served Western and Central New York.  Prior to that, he was the director of information technology for a large custom manufacturer in the Southeastern United States. Jeff has spent the past 20 years working with companies of all shapes and sizes from countless industries, but he has particular competencies in the technologies that drive healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and professional services organizations.

Renita DiStefano, Vice President of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer, Seneca Gaming Corporation

Renita joined Team Seneca in 2006 as the customer care manager and has risen through the ranks to serve as director of IT Security, vice president of information technology, chief information security officer (CISO) and now chief information officer (CIO). In her current role, Renita is responsible for driving the information technology strategy for multi-property gaming and hospitality operations.  Renita holds a bachelor’s in business administration and information systems and an MBA. She holds a number of information technology and information security certifications and credentials including certified information systems security professional (CISSP), CISM, CISA, CGEIT, CRISC and CSOX.

Peter Herbsman, Computer Scientist, FBI Buffalo's Cyber Task Force

Peter Herbsman has been with the FBI since 2008. Prior to becoming a computer scientist, Herbsman was an ITS system administrator for the Buffalo Division of the FBI. Herbsman earned a B.S. in information systems and an MBS in information management/security from Syracuse University. He is currently embedded on FBI Buffalo’s Cyber Task Force, assisting in cyber-criminal and cyber-national security matters.

Scott Morris, Chief Information Security Officer, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York

Scott Morris serves as vice president and chief information security officer for BlueCross BlueShield of WNY. Morris is responsible for the development, governance and assurance of the health insurance company’s technology risk and third party risk programs, as well as the management of all information and cyber security domains. A seasoned information security executive possessing nearly two decades of experience, Morris has a successful track record in architectural governance, enterprise documentation, and team development. Morris is actively engaged in the cyber community and BlueCross BlueShield Association information security groups. He is a board member for both IBM Security and the Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center (H-ISAC).

Anthony Sgroi, Director of Cybersecurity Operations, M&T Bank

Anthony Sgroi has over 20 years’ experience in both the public and private sector in multiple industries, ranging from healthcare, hospitality and gaming, in addition to work with the Department of Defense. He is currently the director of cybersecurity operations at M&T Bank, responsible for multiple cybersecurity operation centers and supporting network defense teams. He has extensive experience in leading and executing multiple security disciplines, with a focus on understanding offensive operations to ensure proper defensive risk mitigation strategies are deployed.

Sgroi's educational background includes an MBA from Niagara University, a bachelor’s degree in business management and economics and an associate’s degree in computer information systems. He also holds multiple information technology and cybersecurity certifications, including CISSP and CISM.