The Rise of Ransomware: How Water Utilities can Confront a Growing Cybersecurity Threat
February 17, 2021
Digitizing Water Management with Keystone Clearwater
February 28, 2021
parallax background
 

Transform.Live

OCTOBER 5, 2021 | HYBRID EVENT
 
 


UNIQUE, 1-DAY HYBRID EVENT WITH YOUR INDUSTRY PEERS

GET TICKETS
 
 

TRANSFORM.LIVE

Join us for a hybrid virtual and in-person event featuring panel discussions with industrial professionals from an array of fields including manufacturing, food and beverage, CPG and water/wastewater services.

Participants will be able to stream live and on-demand sessions virtually, or they can attend on-site.

Topic discussions will include the latest best practices in digital transformation in 2021 and beyond; strengthening cybersecurity in operational technology environments; and building a high-value Advanced Industrial Analytics strategy.

At the conclusion of the sessions, please join us for a post-work, outdoor happy hour.

SEE AGENDA
 
 

CUSTOMER PANELISTS

Laura Harshberger

Senior IT Manager – Data & Analytics, PPG

John Johnston

Director, Cybersecurity Operations, U.S. Steel

Jeff Wehler

Sr. VP, Keystone Clearwater Solutions

Michael Yoho

Manager of Operational Technology, CNX Resources
 
 

RESERVE YOUR SPOT.

Please choose your ticket type – either online only or the in-person livestream in Pittsburgh.

This hybrid event is intended for end-users, customers and industrial companies. GrayMatter reserves the right to close attendance in some cases. Any event giveaways are for approved registrants. Thank you!

 
 

AGENDA

 

11 AM

Welcome

Welcome from GrayMatter Co-Founder & CEO Jim Gillepsie

Co-founder & CEO

JAMES GILLESPIE

Co-founder & CEO

JAMES GILLESPIE

GrayMatter co-founder and CEO Jim Gillespie has been leading industrial digital transformations for more than 30 years.

Jim focuses on curating technology and guiding the digital process, enabling assets and people to become smarter and more visible. GrayMatter co-innovates with companies in manufacturing, water/wastewater, power and oil and gas markets to deliver custom fit operational technology programs and solutions ranging from process control, MES, predictive analytics and other trends.

Jim is on the board of the Carnegie Science Center and the Pittsburgh Technology Council. He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University (Engineering) and Duquesne University (MBA).

 

11:05 AM

Q&A with Wall Street Journal Columnist Christopher Mims: How New Tech & Management Strategies Impact Today's Global Supply Chains for Manufacturers

Speaker: Christopher Mims, Columnist of The Wall Street Journal

Award-winning Wall Street Journal columnist Christopher Mims is known worldwide for using his technology column "Keywords" to explore fascinating topics as diverse as the legacy of VisiCalc, the PC's first spreadsheet; what smartphones can do with on-board AI; and why Moore's Law could spell the end of silicon microchips as we know them.

In this GrayMatter Transform.Live session, we'll talk with him live about what manufacturers and other industrial organizations can learn from his new book released Sept. 14, 2021, "Arriving Today: From Factory to Front Door -- Why Everything Has Changed About How and What We Buy."

WSJ Columnist

Christopher Mims

WSJ Columnist

Christopher Mims

Christopher Mims writes Keywords, a weekly column on technology. Before joining the Journal in 2014, he was the lead technology reporter for Quartz and has written on science and tech for publications ranging from Technology Review, Smithsonian, Wired, the Atlantic, Slate and other publications. Mims, who has a degree in neuroscience and behavioral biology from Emory University, lives in Baltimore.

 

11:20 AM

Keynote Panel: Building Scalability & Security into Cloud-Based Advanced Industrial Analytics

Moderator: Jeremy Boren, Brand Manager, GrayMatter

Panelists: Laura Harshberger, PPG; John Johnston, U.S. Steel; Carson Drake, GrayMatter

Senior IT Manager – Data & Analytics, PPG

Laura Harshberger
Director, Cybersecurity Operations, U.S. Steel

John Johnston
Co-founder & VP, Advanced Industrial Analytics

CARSON DRAKE
Brand Manager, GrayMatter

Jeremy Boren

Senior IT Manager – Data & Analytics, PPG

Laura Harshberger

Laura Harshberger is the Senior IT Manager of Data & Analytics for PPG’s aerospace business. An 11-year veteran of PPG, she also held a role as chairperson for PPG’s global Women Leadership Council (WLC), an employee resource group. Harshberger holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of Business Administration from Robert Morris University.
 

Director, Cybersecurity Operations, U.S. Steel

John Johnston

An Information Technology and Cyber/Physical Security Management Professional with over twenty years progressive experience ranging from security operations and physical protection systems to employee awareness and personnel security programs, risk & incident management, IT infrastructure & support, IT project manager, computer operations and programming, software technical support. 

Co-founder & VP, Advanced Industrial Analytics

CARSON DRAKE

Carson Drake is the Vice President of Digital Transformation for GrayMatter.

A seasoned MES and Manufacturing Intelligence expert, Carson Drake has been combining automation best practices with emerging technology to solve complex business problems for over 25 years.

After graduating with honors from Fairmont State University in West Virginia, Carson quickly gained valuable plant-floor knowledge in the manufacturing marketplace; working at Modicon with motion, PLC and HMI technology across the United States in assembly plants, packaging plants and in a variety of industries.

Carson is tasked with handling our key manufacturing accounts directly as well as directing our overall manufacturing team.

Brand Manager, GrayMatter

Jeremy Boren

Jeremy Boren has worked as a writer, editor, video producer and podcaster for more than 18 years, both as a newspaper journalist and digital marketing professional. Jeremy earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University and a master’s degree in public management from Carnegie Mellon University.

 

12 PM

Lunch & Learn: Finding Resources to Map Value & Scale Digital Transformation

Moderator: Nate Smith, Director of Strategic Innovation, GrayMatter

Presenters: Deston Day, Inderdeep Huja, Nate Smith & Tod Virden, GrayMatter

Director of Strategic Innovation, GrayMatter

Nate Smith
Chief Operating Officer

DESTON DAY
VP, Solutions

INDERDEEP HUJA
Manager - Brilliant Operations and Advanced Analytics, GrayMatter

Tod Virden

Director of Strategic Innovation, GrayMatter

Nate Smith

Nathan Smith is Director of Strategic Innovation at GrayMatter, where he works with some of the nation’s biggest industrial manufacturers on their digital transformation journeys. He has his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communications/Business from Ohio University and post-grad degree from Grove City College.

Chief Operating Officer

DESTON DAY

Deston leads GrayMatter’s services team. He has over 20 years of experience in the automation and engineering industry and most recently led teams at Contech Control Services and Emerson Automation. He has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.

VP, Solutions

INDERDEEP HUJA

Inderdeep has over 20 years of experience in process control and automation, manufacturing systems, and client server systems design and development.  He has worked with world-class manufacturing companies in designing and implementing large plant floor information systems.  From the business side, Inderdeep has experience in business development, management, and project engineering.
Inderdeep holds an M.S. from the University of Virginia as well as a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pune in India.

Manager - Brilliant Operations and Advanced Analytics, GrayMatter

Tod Virden

Tod Virden is a Sr. Program Manager for GrayMatter. He leverages his skills as a leader who selected and deployed technology for GE Transportation (now Wabtec), to bring solutions for Digital Transformation roadblocks and shortcuts to success.

 

12:30 PM

Keynote: How Demand for Remote Connectivity is Remaking Industrial Operations & Cybersecurity

Moderator: Scott Christensen, Cybersecurity Practice Lead, GrayMatter

Panelists: John Johnston, U.S. Steel; Michael Yoho, CNX; Jeffrey Wehler, Keystone Clearwater

Cybersecurity Practice Lead, GrayMatter

Scott Christensen
Director, Cybersecurity Operations, U.S. Steel

John Johnston
Sr. VP, Keystone Clearwater Solutions

Jeff Wehler
Manager of Operational Technology, CNX Resources

Michael Yoho

Cybersecurity Practice Lead, GrayMatter

Scott Christensen

Scott Christensen is GrayMatter’s Cybersecurity Lead. He has more than 20 years of experience working in operational technology (OT) environments at top organizations such as Bell Helicopter, PPG, Penn State University and many others. In addition to GrayMatter, Scott has worked in OT cybersecurity for GE Digital, Wurldtech, Dexa Systems, CSI Software and others. 

Director, Cybersecurity Operations, U.S. Steel

John Johnston

An Information Technology and Cyber/Physical Security Management Professional with over twenty years progressive experience ranging from security operations and physical protection systems to employee awareness and personnel security programs, risk & incident management, IT infrastructure & support, IT project manager, computer operations and programming, software technical support. 

Sr. VP, Keystone Clearwater Solutions

Jeff Wehler

Jeff Wehler is a Sr. VP at Keystone Clearwater Solutions, based out of Hershey, PA. Keystone Clearwater is a total water management solutions provider, serving Natural Gas Operators and Environmental Customers throughout the Northeast US. Core services include water management, industrial automation, water reuse and recycling, fluid handling, bypass pumping, temporary pipeline construction, and water storage solutions.

Manager of Operational Technology, CNX Resources

Michael Yoho

Michael Yoho is CNX’s Product Manager of Operational Technology, focusing on Field Data Collection (including CygNet SCADA), Gas Validation (FlowCal) and enabling field workers. He is a member or CNX’s Enterprise Project Management Office, Data Governance Board, Enterprise Data Team, Innovation Team, Situational Awareness Team, and Cyber-security Task force. He has a passion for infusing new technology into business, and an insatiable thirst for sharing information and influencing the enterprise forward.

 

1:15 PM

How Deception Technology Helps City of Babcock Ranch Achieve Cybersecurity Goals

Moderator: Jeremy Boren, GrayMatter

Speaker: Jon Meyer, Utility Director, City of Babcock Ranch, FL

Utility Director, City of Babcock Ranch

Jon Meyer
Brand Manager, GrayMatter

Jeremy Boren

Utility Director, City of Babcock Ranch

Jon Meyer

Jon Meyer has 35+ years of Water Utility Operation, Maintenance, Construction and Management experienced with over 60 awards to his credit. Mr, Meyer has a class A Wastewater, Class A Water Treatment Plant Operators License and many other certifications.

Brand Manager, GrayMatter

Jeremy Boren

Jeremy Boren has worked as a writer, editor, video producer and podcaster for more than 18 years, both as a newspaper journalist and digital marketing professional. Jeremy earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University and a master’s degree in public management from Carnegie Mellon University.

 

1:30 PM

How PPG Built a Powerful MES to Link Plant Floor and Customer Data

Moderator: Kerry McQuone, CMO, GrayMatter

Speaker: Laura Harshberger, PPG

Senior IT Manager – Data & Analytics, PPG

Laura Harshberger
Chief Marketing Officer

KERRY MCQUONE

Senior IT Manager – Data & Analytics, PPG

Laura Harshberger

Laura Harshberger is the Senior IT Manager of Data & Analytics for PPG’s aerospace business. An 11-year veteran of PPG, she also held a role as chairperson for PPG’s global Women Leadership Council (WLC), an employee resource group. Harshberger holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of Business Administration from Robert Morris University.
 

Chief Marketing Officer

KERRY MCQUONE

A graduate of the University of Virginia, Kerry is an experienced leader who translates communication and marketing goals into strategies that define company vision.

Formerly an executive at Cox Media Group, she is an experienced storyteller and brand champion.

 

2 PM

GE Digital Insights: An Interview with Paul Epperson, Vice President, Global Chief Commercial Officer – Manufacturing

Moderator: Alan Hinchman, CRO, GrayMatter

Speaker: Paul Epperson, VP, Global Chief Commercial Officer, Manufacturing, GE Digital

Chief Revenue Officer

ALAN HINCHMAN
Vice President, Global Chief Commercial Officer – Manufacturing, GE Digital

Paul Epperson

Chief Revenue Officer

ALAN HINCHMAN

With more than 20 years of experience managing the technology and automation deployments in water and wastewater plants across North America, Alan is the Chief Innovation Officer for GrayMatter.

He most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer of The Water Initiative, a team of global business executives and renowned scientists who develop water systems to fit local conditions.

Prior to The Water Initiative, Alan was the Global Market Director for water and waste water industries at GE Digital. In this role, he led a team responsible for the strategic marketing of GE Digital’s water and waste water offerings.

In addition, he has considerable experience with energy, oil and gas and commercial buildings offerings.

Vice President, Global Chief Commercial Officer – Manufacturing, GE Digital

Paul Epperson

Paul Epperson is the Vice President, Global Chief Commercial Officer – Manufacturing at GE Digital. His areas of expertise include: On Premise and Cloud Solutions, SaaS evolution and roadmap, Digital Transformation Strategy, IIOT – Industrial Internet of Things & Cyber Security – OT.

 

2:15 PM

Securing Funds for Water/Wastewater

Moderator: Jeremy Boren, GrayMatter

Speaker: Rick Peters, CISO, Fortinet

CISO, Fortinet

Rick Peters
Brand Manager, GrayMatter

Jeremy Boren

CISO, Fortinet

Rick Peters

Brand Manager, GrayMatter

Jeremy Boren

Jeremy Boren has worked as a writer, editor, video producer and podcaster for more than 18 years, both as a newspaper journalist and digital marketing professional. Jeremy earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University and a master’s degree in public management from Carnegie Mellon University.

 

2:30 PM

Expert Presenter: 5 Steps to Create Intuitive Visualizations With Proficy Historian 9.0 and Operations Hub 2.1

Presenter: Greg Hazel, Solutions Team, GrayMatter

Solutions Team Lead, GrayMatter

Greg Hazel

Solutions Team Lead, GrayMatter

Greg Hazel

Greg Hazel leads application engineering and innovation projects at GrayMatter. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

 

3:15 PM

How U.S. Steel is Building a Resilient OT Cybersecurity Strategy for 2022

Moderator: Nate Smith, GrayMatter

Speaker: Scott Christensen, Cybersecurity Practice Lead, GrayMatter; John Johnston, U.S. Steel

Cybersecurity Practice Lead, GrayMatter

Scott Christensen
Director, Cybersecurity Operations, U.S. Steel

John Johnston
Director of Strategic Innovation, GrayMatter

Nate Smith

Cybersecurity Practice Lead, GrayMatter

Scott Christensen

Scott Christensen is GrayMatter’s Cybersecurity Lead. He has more than 20 years of experience working in operational technology (OT) environments at top organizations such as Bell Helicopter, PPG, Penn State University and many others. In addition to GrayMatter, Scott has worked in OT cybersecurity for GE Digital, Wurldtech, Dexa Systems, CSI Software and others. 

Director, Cybersecurity Operations, U.S. Steel

John Johnston

An Information Technology and Cyber/Physical Security Management Professional with over twenty years progressive experience ranging from security operations and physical protection systems to employee awareness and personnel security programs, risk & incident management, IT infrastructure & support, IT project manager, computer operations and programming, software technical support. 

Director of Strategic Innovation, GrayMatter

Nate Smith

Nathan Smith is Director of Strategic Innovation at GrayMatter, where he works with some of the nation’s biggest industrial manufacturers on their digital transformation journeys. He has his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communications/Business from Ohio University and post-grad degree from Grove City College.

 

3:45 PM

Water Management Innovation During a Severe Weather Crisis

How Keystone Clearwater Helped Philadelphia Combat Historic Flooding from Hurricane Ida

Moderator: Jeremy Boren, Brand Manager, GrayMatter

Speaker: Jeff Wehler, Keystone Clearwater

Sr. VP, Keystone Clearwater Solutions

Jeff Wehler
Brand Manager, GrayMatter

Jeremy Boren

Sr. VP, Keystone Clearwater Solutions

Jeff Wehler

Jeff Wehler is a Sr. VP at Keystone Clearwater Solutions, based out of Hershey, PA. Keystone Clearwater is a total water management solutions provider, serving Natural Gas Operators and Environmental Customers throughout the Northeast US. Core services include water management, industrial automation, water reuse and recycling, fluid handling, bypass pumping, temporary pipeline construction, and water storage solutions.

Brand Manager, GrayMatter

Jeremy Boren

Jeremy Boren has worked as a writer, editor, video producer and podcaster for more than 18 years, both as a newspaper journalist and digital marketing professional. Jeremy earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University and a master’s degree in public management from Carnegie Mellon University.

 

4:15 PM

Happy Hour

Happy Hour at the Carnegie Science Center

 

LIVE LOCATION