GBEF Leadership

About Leadership

Led by an experienced management team with notable accomplishments across public and private sectors, the prestigious GBEF program is unmatched in its ability to build important communication channels between those who make a difference in technology as applied to vital government missions.

Donald W. Upson

Chairman and Founder, GBEF Don.upson@upsontg.com

More than 30 years of senior executive experience including first Secretary of Technology (Virginia); Staff Director, House Oversight Committee; Chief Operating Officer, major global technology corporation.

Dr. Barry C. West

Program Chair, GBEF EDGE President, West Wing Advisory Services

U.S. Air Force veteran, one of America's most accomplished Chief Technology Officers with experience to include government agencies, Cabinet Departments, financial organizations, and senior executive corporate experience.

Michael T. Dent

State and Local Chair, GBEF Chief Information Security Officer, Fairfax County Government

Michael T. Dent State and Local Chair, GBEF Chief Information Security Officer, Fairfax County Government

Laura Hudson

President, GBEF Laura.hudson@gbef.tech

Former Advisor to the Secretary of Transportation, Laura Hudson also brings to her position 18 years of diverse experience at the Consumer Technology Association, producers of CES.

Mary Shea Sutherland

Director, Events, GBEF maryshea@upsontg.com

Three decades of experience of successful management, meeting and event planning for major government and business programs including the White House, National Conventions, major movie premiers, and Chief Staff to the first lady of Virginia.

Rob Landers

Brand Strategist for Digital and Social Media, GBEF rob.landers@gbef.tech

Rob is a veteran, Pulitzer-nominated multimedia editor with more than 25 years of industry experience in print, digital, video, podcasting and social media.