09 Aug UW–Madison hosts DHS Corporate Security Symposium
The University of Wisconsin–Madison and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Private Sector Engagement, hosted the Madison Corporate Security Symposium (CSS) on August 7, bringing together more than 150 security professionals from across Wisconsin’s public and private sectors.
Held at the Fluno Center for Executive Education, the event underscored the critical role that partnerships between academia, industry, government, and non-profits play in protecting communities, infrastructure, and our economy. Attendees engaged with experts on topics spanning cybersecurity, physical security, critical infrastructure protection, quantum threats, artificial intelligence, and more.
A Full Day of Insight and Collaboration
Robert Medina, Division Executive Officer, Central Region, Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Craig Thompson, Vice Chancellor for University Relations at UW–Madison, opened the event and set the tone for the day with one clear theme: the power of partnerships.
The symposium featured a threat briefing by Madison-based DHS Senior Intelligence Officer Robert Kelley, followed by a series of panels and presentations from leaders in cybersecurity, emergency management, law enforcement, and private industry.
Notable sessions included:
- Cyber Threats Mitigation and Response — Featuring the FBI Milwaukee Cyber Division, Promega, and Rockwell Automation, moderated by Dr. Eric Franco of Wisconsin Emergency Management
- Emerging Threats: Quantum Attacks — Led by UW–Madison Computer Sciences Professor Rishab Goyal and KPMG’s Dr. Aaron Kemp.
- Critical Infrastructure Protection — Presented by CISA’s David Melby and American Family Insurance’s Becki Slater.
- The Power of Collaboration: Intelligence and Information Sharing — Highlighting partnerships between the FBI, Wisconsin Statewide Intelligence Center, Madison Gas and Electric, and Northwestern Mutual.
- Special Topic Briefings
- Insider threats with UW–Madison lecturer and retired FBI Special Agent Josh Mayers
- Pandemic-cybersecurity connections with WSRC Advisor and CALS Professor Molly Jahn and Rock County’s Patrick Singer
- AI-related security risks with Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Kassem Fawaz
A Wisconsin-Centered Security Network
The Madison CSS brought together representatives from organizations such as Madison Gas and Electric, Northwestern Mutual, American Family Insurance, Rockwell Automation, the County of Rock, Promega, KPMG, Wisconsin Emergency Management, CISA, the FBI, multiple UW–Madison colleges and research centers, and other universities in Wisconsin.
WSRC Research Director Dave Schroeder emphasized the importance of cross-sector relationships in today’s security environment. “The security challenges we face today demand coordinated action. When academia, government, and industry come together, we break down silos, share expertise, and strengthen the capabilities needed to protect our communities, state, and nation.”
The symposium also underscored the historic role of academic institutions and in advancing national security — a tradition and legacy stretching back to World War II. By fostering an environment for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration, events like the Madison CSS position Wisconsin as a leader in addressing complex and emerging security challenges.
About the Wisconsin Security Research Consortium
The Wisconsin Security Research Consortium (WSRC) enhances Wisconsin’s position to attract and retain research and development grants from federal government agencies for the purpose of conducting sensitive academic and business research and related development work. This research contributes to the health, safety, and security of the people of Wisconsin and the citizens of the United States, regardless of where they live.
WSRC facilitates R&D projects involving academic research institutions and companies in Wisconsin in concert with the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other federal agencies. WSRC works with Wisconsin companies and academic institutions to secure federal and research dollars.