This workshop is a 3-hour event hosted by 5 AI professionals and a career coach.
It is a guide to understanding AI from the perspective of its:
Market Segmentations
Development Models
Security
Career Paths.
The presentation will dive in depth into each area to offer clarity on these often-confusing topics. A live presentation of “Vibe Coding” will also be demonstrated.
The Career Paths segment will discuss how the job market has shifted and what a beginning, mid-level, or seasoned professional can do to navigate and succeed in the career in the age of AI.
SPEAKERS:
Chad Coalier - Security Solutions and Cloud Architect
Chad is a seasoned Cloud and Security Architect with a specialization in Azure and a fervent passion for cloud and security technologies. With over 20 years of experience, Chad has demonstrated expertise in cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and IT operations, consistently delivering secure and scalable solutions that align with business objectives.In his recent role as a Solutions Architect at Security Cloud Consulting in San Diego, California (June 2024 – Present), Chad has been instrumental in client-facing engagements encompassing security, operations, and cloud architecture. He developed a comprehensive cloud migration roadmap to assist clients in complying with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
Prior to this, Chad served as the CIO and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Nan McKay & Associates in San Diego, California. In this capacity, he architected the development and operations of seven large state-level NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) compliant COVID-relief programs utilizing the Azure cloud platform.
Before joining Nan McKay & Associates, Chad was the Director of Software Products/Chief Information Architect at Learning Evolution in San Diego, California, where he directed strategic initiatives aimed at developing software products and enhancing internal technological capabilities for an early-stage education startup.
Visit Chad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadcoalier/
Alex Neff - Sr. Director of Information Security and Compliance at Faro Health, Inc.
Alex Neff is a security and technology leader who operates as an organizational change agent, with more than 15 years of experience leading information security programs across highly regulated public and private sector organizations. His expertise spans government, healthcare, and financial services, where he has helped organizations transform security and compliance from a checkbox exercise into a competitive advantage.Alex currently leads Information Security and IT for Faro, a health sciences SaaS startup, where he is responsible for building and scaling its modern security program, including cloud and agentic AI security. He also serves as Vice President of the San Diego Chapter of ISACA, supporting the development of the local community and next generation of security and audit professionals.
In addition to his industry leadership, Alex has made significant contributions to higher education. He developed the cloud computing curriculum at Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus in partnership with AWS, bringing real-world cloud experience to undergraduate and graduate IT programs. His teaching focuses on cloud security, operations, architecture, data engineering, and machine learning, and he has been recognized with the Fulton Schools of Engineering Top 5% Teaching Recognition Award, as voted by students.
Alex holds a Master’s degree in Information Systems from the University of Arizona and is currently completing his Master of Business Administration at the same institution. He is a cloud security architect with certifications across AWS and Azure, and holds industry credentials including CISSP, CISM, CEH, and numerous additional certifications in security and risk program management.
Visit Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderaneff/
An Huynh, Agentic AI Teacher at Amazon
An operates at the intersection of AI, data analytics, and human-centered system design. She currently works at Amazon as an Agentic AI Teacher, where she supports the development and training of AI systems that are effective, responsible, and aligned with real-world use. In addition, An has served as a data and AI consultant for organizations including F5, Claritas, and Hack4Impact, helping teams apply analytics and AI to complex business and security challenges.
An holds a master’s degree in Analytics from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience. Her background includes several years of research in cognition and behavioral data, with peer-reviewed publications at conferences such as IEEE and WPA. This interdisciplinary foundation enables her to translate behavioral insights into practical, trustworthy AI applications. Her current interests focus on secure, interpretable, and ethically aligned AI, particularly in AI governance, risk mitigation for AI-enabled Systems and responsible AI training.
Chris Ward, CEO at Fire Mountain Labs
Chris is the CEO of Fire Mountain Labs, where he leads the company’s mission to advance safe and assured AI. Under his direction, Fire Mountain Labs delivers pioneering AI assurance solutions to enterprise and government clients, ensuring AI systems are deployed with security, integrity, and accountability.
With over a decade of experience in AI and AI Security, Chris has coauthored 23 publications in the field and brings deep technical and operational expertise. A veteran of of the U.S. Navy and Federal Civil Service, Chris also brings deep expertise from Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center Pacific, the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC), the MITRE Corporation, and several successful AI startups. His background spans operational technology, national security, and cutting-edge AI innovation.
Visit Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-ward-ai/
Dr. Josh Harguess, CTO at Fire Mountain Labs
Josh is the Chief Technology Officer of Fire Mountain Labs. He leads the company’s technical strategy to advance safe and assured AI. Under his direction, Fire Mountain Labs provides expert advisory services to enterprise and government clients. He ensures that organizations navigate the complex landscape of AI adoption with security, integrity, and accountability.
Josh holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin and brings deep technical and operational expertise to the executive team. He is a prolific researcher with over 65 publications, 6 patents, and three best paper awards. His background spans critical leadership roles at Cranium AI, MITRE Labs, Shield AI, and the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific. This experience allows him to bridge the gap between theoretical machine learning and the practical realities of national security and enterprise needs.
Coach Dave, IT Career and Life Coach
Coach Dave helps IT professionals move from being invisible experts to recognized leaders. With 25+ years spanning every IT role from help desk to VP, Dave brings real-world credibility to career development that most coaches can't match.
Throughout his career in tech startups, eCommerce, defense, education, construction, and finance, Dave led multi-million dollar implementations, managed IT teams through explosive growth phases, and consistently delivered results that enabled significant business expansion. He spent 13 years as VP of Business Technology Strategy at Union Bank and held IT leadership roles in multiple San Diego companies.
Visit Coach Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-dave-mahler/
DETAILS:
Date: Thursday, March 5
Time: 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location: In-Person and Online via Zoom
CPE: 3
ON PREMISES
XiFin, Inc.
12225 El Camino Real
San Diego, CA 92130 ·
Attendance capacity is limited to 40