Owl Evolution Summit 2026: Mission Possible

Former Director, DISA · Commander, JFHQ-DoDIN

Retired Lt. Gen. Robert J. Skinner served as Director of the Defense Information Systems Agency and the Commander of the Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network.

As former Director of the Defense Information Systems Agency, Lt. Gen. Skinner managed a global network and led nearly 19,000 service members, civilians and contractors who plan, develop, deliver and operate joint, interoperable command and control capabilities and defend an enterprise infrastructure in more than 42 countries. This mission directly supports the President, Secretary of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, combatant commanders, U.S. Department of Defense components, and other mission partners across the spectrum of, competition, combat and combat support operations.

As former Commander of Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network, he was in charge with leading unified action across DoD to secure, operate and defend the DoDIN. He led the establishment of DoDIN priorities and directed threat-informed actions through formal planning and future operational initiatives, as well as the command and control of daily unified network operations, cyber security actions and defensive operations on the DoDIN

Technical Director, CROCS · Air & Space Force

Pioneer in operational technology (OT) cybersecurity with 30+ years of military, federal, and commercial experience leading mission-critical cyber initiatives. Currently serving as the Department of the Air Force’s first Senior Executive focused on OT cyber resilience, overseeing a $2B+ portfolio of critical infrastructure protection. Recognized as DoD’s foremost expert in control systems cybersecurity, providing strategic direction for Air Force and Space Force global operations.

CTO, Founder of VTScada by Trihedral

Glenn founded Trihedral in 1986 with the vision to revolutionize automation by creating software to dramatically reduce the complexity of deploying the highest quality SCADA systems. A focus on people and creating leading technology are his key motivators. After 40 impressive years as Trihedral’s President, he now maintains the role of CTO and chief software architect with the help of exceptionally talented staff. A lifelong Nova Scotian, he earned degrees in Engineering Physics at Dalhousie University, and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering at the University of Minnesota.

Product Manager for Mercury Systems’ Secure Processing Division | Anti-tamper specialist

Scott is a system security SME with more than 20 years’ experience in breaking and defending electronic systems with a particular focus on reverse engineering. Examples include reverse engineering and modifying electronics and software to bypass and/or counter security features across Automotive, Aerospace, & Defense, and producing a line of reverse-engineering resistant cryptography suitable for mobile banking. Scott presently serves as a Product Manager for Mercury Systems’ Secure Processing division, where he focuses on commoditizing advanced volume protection solutions. Scott obtained a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Purdue University in 2013, and resides in West Lafayette, IN with his wife and children, where his security skills are actively honed keeping the raccoons out of his wood shop.

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.

Technical Fellow, Chief Architect, Owl Cyber Defense

With over 25 years of hands-on experience in the software industry, Michael Blake is a visionary IT professional known for driving the planning, architecture, deployment, and management of cutting-edge smart systems. His expertise extends to incorporating the latest technologies, including cyber defense, to develop innovative solutions. Michael has played a pivotal role in the acquisition of the ACS business unit by DC Capital, integrating it into Owl Cyber Defense’s SPAC. Leading a team of 30 professionals, he oversees product roadmaps, sales strategy, technical engagements with certification boards, and corporate strategy.

VP Business Development, Owl Cyber Defense

Brian Carter has over 25 years of experience designing, deploying, operating, and maintaining networks and associated technology that enables them. He is a recognized expert on DoD air, space, and ground-based networks who has spent a career as a user as well as a provider of these systems. He worked deeply within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) as an engineer to integrate networking and processing systems into the most rugged environments including air, ground, and spaced based vehicles in wartime. Prior to joining Owl Cyber Defense, Brian led a large portfolio of business at Sierra Nevada Corporation and served in a Capture role at Mercury Systems.

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.

Chief Technology Officer, Owl Cyber Defense

Timothy (Tim) Fahl serves as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Owl Cyber Defense, where he oversees the development of the company’s advanced cross-domain solutions and data diodes technologies, designed to exceed mission requirements. Previously, Tim served as Chief Architect and Product Manager for Owl Cyber Defense, and Lead Software Engineer for Tresys Technology prior to the companies’ merger in 2019. This strategic move created the number one boundary security product and services company in the world with a continued focus on the U.S. government, defense and global critical infrastructure markets. Tim’s expertise carried over as he now leads the charge in meeting the needs of customers that demand absolute assurance and uncompromising security.

SVP Global Marketing, Owl Cyber Defense
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.