Plenary Session 8 - Quantum Computing: Homeland and National Security Ramifications

Zak began his career as an enterprise software developer building large scale international financial services systems, working in 27 countries including extended stints in Hong Kong and Russia. Since then, he has focused on enterprise IT at scale, leading datacenter, systems, software, security, and cloud transformation efforts for multiple commercial and Federal customers. Starting in 2009, Zak began serving Federal customers exclusively by leading programs, building industry capabilities, and providing enterprise solutions for agencies including DHS, DOJ, DOE, DOT, FAA, NIH, CMS, and others. Prior to AWS Zak was an industry Vice President, and is now an AWS Enterprise Strategist advising Federal Civilian customers on all aspects of enterprise transformation and cloud adoption, including Quantum Computing. Zak recently led a Post-Quantum Cryptography ("PQC") session at the AWS Public Sector Summit in Washington, DC, and frequently advises customers on Quantum Computing, PQC, and how to prepare for Quantum technologies in the security and mission domains. In his free time, Zak plays the electric violin, rides his motorcycle, and spends time with his wife and four teenagers.

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Yosry A. Barsoum is vice president and director of the Homeland Security Systems Engineering and Development Institute (which includes NCF and HSSEDI) at The MITRE Corporation. HSSEDI is the federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) that MITRE manages for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The HSSEDI provides systems engineering and technology expertise that supports DHS acquisition strategy and improved capabilities to ensure the nation’s security.

Barsoum, who joined MITRE in 1990, has been recognized for his technical and management leadership internally and externally. His work spans a range of technical areas including modeling and simulation; communications and networking; and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR).

Barsoum previously led MITRE’s support to the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Prior to that, Barsoum was associate executive director and chief engineer for the Army Programs Directorate in the National Security Engineering Center (NSEC), the FFRDC MITRE operates for the Department of Defense.

He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology. He also holds an executive master’s degree in business administration from Rutgers University.

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The Evanina group provides risk-based security assessments for CEOs and Board of Directors in the U.S. and Europe.

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Previously, Mr. Evanina was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 6, 2020 to be the first Senate-confirmed Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NSC) where he served as the Director of NSC since June 2, 2014. In this position, he was the head of Counterintelligence (CI) for the U.S. Government.

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Mr. Evanina served over 31 years of distinguished federal service, 24 of which as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

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Mr. Evanina was born and raised in Peckville, PA. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration from Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, PA, and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Arcadia University in Philadelphia.