Cybersecurity & the Automation Industry: Solutions to Protect Your Business

Leah Dodson, Director of Professional Services, NextLink Labs

Leah Dodson, director of professional services and principal cybersecurity specialist at NextLink Labs, has over a decade of experience helping organizations build and maintain robust cybersecurity programs. Her expertise spans cybersecurity strategy, program development, DevSecOps, and risk management, with a focus on aligning security initiatives with business goals and regulatory requirements.

Leah has worked with diverse organizations to identify risks, implement security policies, and navigate complex industry regulations. A passionate speaker and trainer, she enjoys sharing insights on cybersecurity trends and best practices, with a particular interest in gamified security training to enhance engagement and awareness.

Dedicated to fostering secure digital environments, Leah strives to empower businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity posture and cultivate a culture of resilience.

Jeremy Dodson, Chief Information Security Officer, NextLink Labs

Jeremy Dodson is a highly accomplished chief information security officer (CISO) at NextLink Labs, where he leads cutting-edge initiatives to safeguard organizational assets in an ever-evolving digital landscape. With over two decades of experience spanning government, military, and corporate sectors, Jeremy has built a reputation as a leader in cybersecurity, automation, and DevSecOps.

Jeremy’s distinguished career includes pivotal roles such as serving at the National Security Agency (NSA), where he analyzed and mitigated nation-state threats, and leading operations at the U.S. European Command, focusing on critical international security measures. In the private sector, Jeremy has contributed his expertise at companies like Cylance, Dell EMC, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, specializing in systems integration, cybersecurity assessments, and threat response.

Jeremy is a sought-after speaker and educator, known for his engaging presentations at industry-leading events such as the Automate Show, A3 Business Forum, GitLab World Tour, and Expo Manufactura. He has also made significant contributions to media and education, serving as a technical consultant for the TV series Mr. Robot and co-founding Piqued, a company focused on making cryptography accessible and exciting for all.

Jim Beretta

Jim Beretta is president at Customer Attraction, a Marketing Consulting company specializing in the automation and robotics industry. He is best known as the driving force behind marketing and branding for one of North America’s largest automation integrators, with over 20 years in the automation industry. He operates his marketing consultancy and works with Automation manufacturers, distributors, robot companies and the automation community around the world. Jim is a speaker and moderator at industry conferences and is an expert at marketing and branding. He is also a member of A3 Robotics.