Owl Evolution Summit: Operation Decision Advantage
Through the lens of Operation Skipjack, a fiction-meets-reality experience, attendees will confront high-stakes scenarios—disinformation campaigns, AI on contested networks, real-time decisions at the edge—and see how Owl technologies deliver the operational advantage when it matters most.
This year’s event is built around a single, urgent question: How do we enable secure, accountable decision-making at the speed of the mission?
Carahsoft Executive Briefing Center | Reston, VA
Virtual Attendance Available
Featured Speakers
Mark Montgomery
Senior Director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at FDD and Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission
Dan O’Donohue
LT. General US Marine Corps (Ret)
SVP Strategic Programs, Owl Cyber Defense
Registration, Breakfast & Networking
Doors open at 8:00 AM — and so does the story.
Secure your seat early and kick off the day with breakfast, networking, and your first encounter with Operation Skipjack. Early birds get front-row access to mission-critical sessions, exclusive content, and a personal copy of the cyber-thriller that fuels the day’s events.
Scott Orton
Securing the Future: Owl’s Vision for Mission-Driven Cyber Defense
Scott Orton, CEO of Owl Cyber Defense, opens the summit with a strategic look at what it takes to stay ahead in a world where digital and physical threats are deeply entwined.
With decades of experience in secure processing, anti-tamper technology, and mission-critical systems, Scott shares Owl’s evolving vision: enabling trusted collaboration, real-time decision-making, and uncompromising security in the world’s most sensitive environments. From the edge to the enterprise, from AI to air gaps—this is cybersecurity shaped by mission reality, not market trends.
Carolyn Ford
Steve Stratton
Author’s Briefing: The Threats Behind the Fiction
Join Carolyn Ford and Steve Stratton, award winning author, former Green Beret and White House Communications Agency veteran as they uncover the real-world threats behind Operation Skipjack—and explore why fiction may be our best early warning system.
Mission Brief I & II: Where Fiction Meets the Front Line
Decode. Defend. Deploy. These interactive, fiction-fueled missions drop you into high-stakes scenarios straight from Operation Skipjack.
Dan O’Donohue, USMC (Ret.)
Mark Montgomery
Powering Decision Advantage at the Edge
When seconds matter, the flow of information can mean the difference between mission success and failure. Whether the edge is a forward-deployed battlefield, a critical infrastructure network, or a cyber-contested enterprise, securing and validating real-time data is essential. As AI, cloud-enabled architectures, and high-speed information flows reshape how decisions are made, this panel explores how to enable trusted, resilient decision-making at the edge—wherever that edge may be.
Mission Brief III: Where Fiction Meets the Front Line
Decode. Defend. Deploy. These interactive, fiction-fueled missions drop you into high-stakes scenarios straight from Operation Skipjack.
Break: Networking & Refreshments
Mission Brief IV: Where Fiction Meets the Front Line
Decode. Defend. Deploy. These interactive, fiction-fueled missions drop you into high-stakes scenarios straight from Operation Skipjack.
Scott Orton
Tracy 'Trac' Bannon
The Intelligence Dilemma — Making AI Safe for National Security
As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in everything from warfighting systems to enterprise operations, the question facing every organization—public or private—is no longer just how to adopt AI, but how to contain it.
AI promises speed, scale, and strategic advantage—but without governance, it can introduce vulnerabilities just as fast. Whether deployed at the tactical edge or integrated into corporate workflows, uncontrolled AI poses risks to national security, organizational integrity, and public trust.
Mission Brief V: Where Fiction Meets the Front Line
Decode. Defend. Deploy. These interactive, fiction-fueled missions drop you into high-stakes scenarios straight from Operation Skipjack.
Dan O’Donohue, USMC (Ret.)
Closing Remarks
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 8:00 – 9:00 AM | Registration, Breakfast & Networking Informal kickoff to fuel up and connect with attendees. |
| 9:00 – 9:20 AM | Securing the Future: Owl’s Vision for Mission-Driven Cyber DefenseScott Orton, CEO, Owl Cyber Defense |
| 9:20 – 9:40 AM | Author’s Briefing: The Threats Behind the FictionCarolyn Ford, VP Global Marketing, Owl Cyber Defense, with author Steve Stratton, Retired Green Beret, Author, Cybersecurity Expert |
| 9:40 – 10:10 AM | Mission Brief I & II: Where Fiction Meets the Front LineDecode. Defend. Deploy. These interactive, fiction-fueled missions drop you into high-stakes scenarios straight from Operation Skipjack. |
| 10:10 – 11:10 AM | Powering Decision Advantage at the EdgeModerator: Lt Gen Dan O’Donohue, USMC (Ret.); SVP Strategic Programs, Owl Cyber Defense Panelists: Mark Montgomery, Senior Director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at FDD and Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission |
| 11:10 – 11:30 AM | Mission Brief III: Where Fiction Meets the Front LineDecode. Defend. Deploy. These interactive, fiction-fueled missions drop you into high-stakes scenarios straight from Operation Skipjack. |
| 11:30 – 12:00PM | Break: Networking & Refreshments |
| 12:00 -12:15PM | Mission Brief IV: Where Fiction Meets the Front LineDecode. Defend. Deploy. These interactive, fiction-fueled missions drop you into high-stakes scenarios straight from Operation Skipjack. |
| 12:15 – 1:15 PM | The Intelligence Dilemma — Making AI Safe for National SecurityModerator: Scott Orton, CEO, Owl Cyber Defense |
| 1:15-1:30 PM | Mission Brief V: Where Fiction Meets the Front LineDecode. Defend. Deploy. These interactive, fiction-fueled missions drop you into high-stakes scenarios straight from Operation Skipjack. |
| 1:30 PM | Closing RemarksLt Gen Dan O’Donohue, USMC (Ret.); SVP Strategic Programs, Owl Cyber Defense |
Why Should You Attend Owl Evolution Summit 2025 – Operation: Decision Advantage?
Network With
Leaders & Peers
Immersive
Live Demonstrations
CPE Credits*
Professional Development
Free to Attend: No registration cost—easy to justify within any budget.
Efficient Use of Time: Half-day format delivers maximum value with minimal time away.
Immediate Benefits: Gain practical insights that support mission-critical decisions.
High-Value Networking: Connect with influential leaders across government and industry.
Latest Threat Intel: Stay ahead of evolving cyber and kinetic threats.
*CPE Credits: Receive Continuing Education Credits to meet your annual requirements. Up to 4.8 CPE Credits available for this event!
The full impact of the Owl Evolution Summit is designed for the in-person experience. Those attending onsite will have access to immersive briefings, networking opportunities, and hands-on demonstrations not available virtually.
The first 100 in-person attendees to register and check in will receive a complimentary copy of Operation Skipjack, with an opportunity to meet the author and receive a signed edition.
Registration Now Open
Seating is limited for both in-person and virtual formats. Reserve your place to join national security experts, operational leaders, and cybersecurity innovators for a summit designed to shape the future of decision advantage.
Because in today’s environment, speed is not just a differentiator—it’s the mission.
11493 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, VA 20190
Nadia Boyd
nboyd@owlcyberdefenseA photographer will be on-site capturing images of the event, including attendees. The photos will be used to promote the Owl Evolution Summit and may be featured on Owl Cyber Defense social media pages. These images will not be used for commercial purposes. By attending the Owl Evolution Summit, attendees consent to being photographed or recorded by photographers hired by Owl Cyber Defense. If you do not wish to be photographed, please contact Nadia Boyd at nboyd@owlcyberdefense
Tracy (Trac) Bannon
Senior Principal/Software Architect and DevSecOps advisor at MITRE
Tracy Bannon: Passionate Architect! Tracy (Trac) Bannon is a Sr Principal with MITRE Labs. She is an accomplished software architect, engineer, and digital transformation advisor across commercial and government clients. She thrives on understanding complex problems and working to deliver value at speed. She’s passionate about mentoring and training and enjoys community and knowledge-building with teams, clients and the next generation. Trac is a long-time advocate for diversity in technology, helping to narrow the gaps as a mentor, sponsor, volunteer, and friend. Ms. Bannon is a featured industry speaker, blogger, author, and accomplished podcaster including 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 and 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝟱𝟬𝟱! 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁.
Carolyn Ford
Global VP, MARKETING
Carolyn brings over two decades of experience as a marketing leader in global high-tech firms, with 15 years focused on public sector marketing. Carolyn entered the cybersecurity space in 2009 with Raytheon Cyber Products, where she held multiple roles and communicated the vision of secure information sharing and insider threat strategies to government agencies. In 2021 she established Dynatrace’s public sector marketing team. She also spent several years as a product manager in the technical and online industries and ran her own consulting company, as an instructional designer and trainer for over a decade. Carolyn is the creator and host of the successful podcasts “To the Point Cybersecurity” and “Tech Transforms,” that engage with thought leaders in industry and government to discuss critical issues. “To the Point Cybersecurity” was named one of the top 30 Federal IT influencers in 2019 and 2020 by FedTech magazine.
Mark Montgomery
Senior Director of the Center on Cyber and Technology
Innovation at FDD and Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission
Mark Montgomery serves as the Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. He most recently served as Policy Director for the Senate Armed Services Committee under the leadership of Senator John S. McCain. In this position he coordinated policy efforts on national defense strategy, capabilities and requirements, defense policy and cyber issues. Mark served for 32 years in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear trained surface warfare officer, retiring as a Rear Admiral in 2017. His flag officer assignments included Director of Operations (J3) at U. S. Pacific Command; Commander of Carrier Strike Group 5 embarked on the USS George Washington stationed in Japan; and Deputy Director, Plans, Policy and Strategy (J5), at U. S. European Command. He was selected as a White House Fellow and assigned to the National Security Council, serving as Director for Transnational Threats from 1998-2000. Mark graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history. He subsequently earned a master’s degree in history from Oxford University, and completed the U.S. Navy’s nuclear power training program.
Daniel O’Donohue
LT. General US Marine Corps (Ret) SVP Strategic Programs, Owl Cyber Defense
LtGen, USMC (Ret.) Dan joined Owl after serving as the Commanding General of the Marine Forces Cyberspace Command, the first Deputy Commandant for Information (responsible for all USMC Cyber, Intelligence, Information and Space capabilities), and, most recently, the Joint Staff Director who designed, developed, trained, educated and adapted the Joint Force for 21st Century warfare. As the Director of Marine Corps Capability Development, he led requirements for all USMC ground programs and the Commandant’s Force Structure Review for the 21st Century Marine Corps. As an infantry leader, Dan led a main effort Task Force in the attack into Iraq, stabilized the second largest Iraqi province, served as the Operations Officer for Afghanistan, and commanded the 1st Marine Division, the USMC’s largest.
Scott Orton
CEO, Owl Cyber Defense
Scott Orton brings in-depth defense industry experience to the role of Owl’s Chief Executive Officer. Scott has an extensive background in anti-tamper and has managed programs developing and fielding the latest in secure processing technologies for militarily critical weapon systems. Prior to joining Owl Cyber Defense, Scott led Mercury Systems’ edge processing business and held multiple roles with Raytheon.
Steve Stratton
Retired Green Beret, Author, Cybersecurity Expert
Steve Stratton started his military career at the White House Communications Agency supporting the needs of President’s Ford and Carter, Vice President’s Rockefeller and Mondale and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. His work took him around the world introducing him to new cultures, ways of thinking, and the various agencies tasked with projecting and protecting American interests abroad. The jump to the US Secret Service was an easy transition but after several years and an election campaign, Steve left for the commercial sector.
Steve was awarded his Green Beret in 1986. From the 80’s through 2000 he deployed with 20th Special Forces on counter-drug and training missions in the SOUTHCOM region. His civilian contractor time includes support for USCENTCOM, USSOCOM, and several intelligence agencies. Today he is retired but advising cyber security companies that support the warfighter and intelligence community. When he is not writing, you can find him mountain biking, trout fishing, or hunting in Colorado. His first novel, Shadow Tier, was named a 2023 Bronze Medal winner by the Military Writers Society of America.