The RISE Summit for Entrepreneurs and Innovators on Thursday, August 27, 2026 in Danville, VA will include networking opportunities and breakout sessions featuring amazing speakers to support entrepreneurs at each stage of business, from ideation to starting, growing, and scaling.
About this Workshop
From Factory Floor to Field Row: Cybersecurity as a Pillar of Operational Resilience
Description:
Today’s factories, farms, food processors, and logistics operations rely on connected technology. When those systems are disrupted by a cyberattack, the effects can reach far beyond IT, halting production, disrupting supply chains, and threatening food security. This session will explore cybersecurity as a core part of operational resilience, the role leaders play in managing cyber risk, and practical lessons organizations can use to protect their people, operations, and customers.
*This session is designed for manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics, and critical infrastructure companies.
Speaker: Taurean Russell, Institute for Advanced Learning & Research
Taurean Russell
About the Speaker
Taurean Russell
Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, Vice President of Information Technology (IT) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Taurean Russell joined the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in October 2024 as the first Vice President of Information Technology (IT) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). With more than 20 years of specialized and diverse expertise in information technology operations and cybersecurity, Russell is an accomplished IT professional with a history of leading efforts to strengthen the resiliency and security of organizations in highly regulated industries.
Russell previously served as Deputy Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Winston-Salem State University, where he managed the university’s IT infrastructure and security programs. In 2023, Cyber Defense Magazine recognized him as one of the Top Global CISOs and in 2026 he received the ONCON Top 100 Information Security Professional award. He has held numerous leadership roles across diverse industries, including healthcare, higher education, manufacturing, and the U.S. Army. His expertise includes information security, risk management, IT operations and strategic planning.
Russell earned degrees from American Military University, including an associate’s, bachelor’s and Master’s in Information Technology.
Register TODAY for the RISE Summit
The 3rd annual RISE Summit for Entrepreneurs and Innovators will be held Thursday, August 27, 2026 at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research in Danville, VA. Don't miss out the unique opportunity to connect with peers and resources designed to help you start, grow, or scale your business in Southern Virginia.