General James Mattis, Secretary of Defense (2017-2018), to Headline Cloud Security Alliance’s SECtember Premier Event

Andy Kirkland, Joe Schatz join Mattis to provide a global perspective on strategic cloud, cybersecurity issues

SEATTLE – June 22, 2020 – The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, announced today that General James Mattis, Secretary of Defense (2017-2018), will headline SECtember (Seattle, Sept. 14-18, 2020), the first global event dedicated to the intersection of cloud and cybersecurity. In his Sept. 17 session, “Lessons in Servant Leadership and Leading by Example,” Mattis will draw on almost 50 years of service to his country and share insightful lessons on leadership, individual responsibility and empowerment.

“We are excited to have Gen. Mattis headline our inaugural SECtember event, and can think of no greater personification of the no-nonsense attitude we must all have in surviving and thriving in these challenging times,” said Jim Reavis, co-founder and CEO, Cloud Security Alliance. “Gen. Mattis exemplifies the spirit, philosophy and wisdom of a leader, and we look forward to putting his lessons into practice in our industry.”

During his 44 years in the Marines, Gen. Mattis rose from an 18-year-old reservist to the highest rank of four-star general. He capped off his military career as head of the U.S. Central Command, where he was in charge of all U.S. forces serving in the Middle East and oversaw operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as parts of Syria, Iran, and Yemen. He retired from the post in 2013. Four years later, he became the first member of President Donald Trump’s cabinet cleared to take office.

Mattis will be joined by some of cyber and cloud security’s leading minds, including:

• Andy Kirkland, Chief Information Security Officer, Starbucks Coffee Co. Kirkland leads global cybersecurity services, including operations, engineering, architecture, identity and access management, as well as cybersecurity risk and compliance for Starbucks. With 20 years of experience working in information security and FDA regulatory environments, his career is rooted in change-driven leadership, including roles in technical programming, engineering and architecture leadership, as well as product development ownership for multiple industry-leading security capabilities. His diverse background, in conjunction with a business-minded approach to risk management, allows for the practical application of mature security services at a global scale.
• Joe Schatz, Managing Principal, Cyber Security Strategy and Operations, TechCentrics. Schatz is a proven C-level executive and entrepreneur with more than 17 years in the federal government, most recently as the White House Chief Information Security Officer. Previously, he held senior cybersecurity positions at the U.S. Dept. of the Treasury and U.S. Senate. He began his career as a U.S. Air Force intelligence analyst focused on electronic communications assessments and led intelligence missions supporting the Global War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The White House, U.S. Senate, U.S. Air Force, and the Director of the FBI have all recognized Schatz for enhancing his organizations' cybersecurity and protecting national security.

This premier event will bring together thought leaders from five continents to provide a global perspective on strategic cloud and cybersecurity issues and deliver state-of-the-art educational activities, including the chance to upskill their cloud security knowledge through an enhanced roster of training. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register now and take advantage of early registration pricing ($995) through July 3. Afterward, rates will increase to $1,195 through Sept. 4, at which time late registration pricing ($1,495) will go into effect through Sept. 18.

Interested in presenting? The Call for Papers deadline has been extended through June 26.

About Cloud Security Alliance
The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) is the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining and raising awareness of best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment. CSA harnesses the subject matter expertise of industry practitioners, associations, governments, and its corporate and individual members to offer cloud security-specific research, education, training, certification, events, and products. CSA's activities, knowledge, and extensive network benefit the entire community impacted by cloud — from providers and customers to governments, entrepreneurs, and the assurance industry — and provide a forum through which different parties can work together to create and maintain a trusted cloud ecosystem. For further information, visit us at www.cloudsecurityalliance.org, and follow us on Twitter @cloudsa.