SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has revealed the Day 1 keynote speaker and more expert government presenters for the 2026 SIA GovSummit, SIA’s annual public policy and government security technology conference, scheduled for May 20-21 in Washington, D.C.
Each year, SIA GovSummit “brings together government security leaders with private industry technologists for top-quality information sharing and education on security topics affecting federal, state and local agencies,” according to the association announcement.
The 2026 GovSummit program “includes specialized sessions on essential topics in contracting, procurement, infrastructure and facility protection; highlights how security product standards help meet government needs; and explores the latest policies, practices and trends impacting security,” the announcement says.
Just announced is the GovSummit Day 1 keynote speaker, Joshua Obstfeld, section chief at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Obstfeld joined the FBI in 2005 and currently serves as the FBI counterintelligence senior executive for external engagement, with a focus on congressional and executive branch engagement to highlight strategic threats, FBI action and potential policy responses.
He has served separately as senior national intelligence officer for both China and for emerging and disruptive technologies, and from 2021 to 2024 he led the FBI Newark Division’s Intelligence Branch, where he was responsible for analysis of all threats in the state of New Jersey. Obstfeld holds an M.A. in international relations and a B.A. from Johns Hopkins University.
Who Else is Speaking at SIA GovSummit 2026?
Previously announced was the Day 2 keynote speaker, Gharun Lacy, deputy assistant secretary, U.S. Department of State. Lacy is the deputy assistant secretary and assistant director for cyber and technology security at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
A Senior Foreign Service security engineering officer, he leads the department’s global cybersecurity and technology security initiatives, safeguarding more than 270 diplomatic posts worldwide. With a career spanning more than two decades, Lacy has held roles in Iraq, Colombia, Belgium, Brazil and Nigeria.
Additional featured speakers include:
- Tiffany Summerfield, senior national intelligence officer, FBI
- Andy Convery, security specialist, Office of Protective Services, NASA
- Andrew Sekala, supervisory special agent and InfraGard program manager, Office of Private Sector Engagement, Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Christopher Brogger, lead instructor for insider threat, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Enoch Eshetu, security advisor, Department of Human Services, State of Minnesota
- Guy Bliesner, school safety analyst, Idaho School Safety and Security Program
- Jeffrey Koses, senior procurement executive, General Services Administration
- Paula Hance, procurement analyst, general supplies and services portfolio, General Services Administration
- Kelly Murray, executive director and co-founder, Center for Cross-Sector Coordination
- Jason Stoddard, director of school safety and security, Charles County, Maryland, Public Schools
What Are Some of the Key GovSummit 2026 Sessions?
Highlighted SIA GovSummit 2026 session topics include:
- The evolution of federal identity and access control systems in today’s digital-first environments
- The future of artificial intelligence-driven technologies for weapons detection and other security tools and processes
- Protecting critical infrastructure from insider threats
- How government entities can combat artificial intelligence attacks on physical security systems
- The security operations center of the future
- What’s new in government procurement and policy in 2026
- The Safer Skies Act and the future of counter-drone defense
- Ways to maximize funding opportunities when it comes to federal and state grants for physical security
- Best practices for public-private partnerships that protect critical infrastructure
- Implementation of new school security standards
“SIA is proud to welcome two speakers from the FBI—keynote speaker Joshua Obstfeld, as well as Tiffany Summerfield—along with NASA’s Andy Convery to join the impressive lineup of expert speakers at SIA GovSummit 2026,” says SIA CEO Don Erickson in the association announcement.
“These dedicated leaders will share firsthand experience from their work across government, education, industry, homeland security and more as we examine the most pressing security topics affecting federal, state and local agencies,” he says.
In addition to the day-and-a-half conference program, SIA GovSummit will include an evening reception on May 20 and a security roundtable lunch event on May 21, both offerings featuring networking and refreshments.
This event is free for government workers, including public safety, military/defense, education and legislative staff and other government employees. SIA GovSummit is considered a “widely attended gathering” and complies with all relevant event guidelines. Industry access starts at $445 for SIA members.
