SIA Counter-UAS Symposium

Speakers

• 

  Christopher Adams Senior Policy Analyst, RAND
  

  Christopher Adams

  Senior Policy Analyst, RAND
• 

  Megan Knodell Program Lead, UAS Security Branch, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
  

  Megan Knodell

  Program Lead, UAS Security Branch, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

  Megan Knodell is a seasoned professional with more than 13 years of experience across the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). She currently serves as a program lead within DHS’ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), where she advances the agency’s unmanned aircraft systems security mission. In this role, Knodell oversees CISA’s temporary flight restriction process for special events and leads associated interagency coordination to mitigate UAS risks and maintain critical partnerships with federal regulatory and law enforcement entities. She also supports the development of practical security guidance for critical infrastructure stakeholders and contributes to national efforts to enhance awareness of UAS-related security concerns.

  Before assuming her current position, Knodell managed multiple DHS initiatives focused on securing public gatherings, countering terrroism and targeted violence and advancing cybersecurity and physical security convergence. Previously, she served as a project officer with the DOD’s Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service, where she planned and executed nationwide compensation surveys and collaborated with private industry, labor unions and regional wage committees to ensure compliance with federal law.

  Knodell holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Virginia Tech and a Project Management Professional certification.

• 

  Mark Schreiber President and Principal Consultant, Safeguards Consulting
  

  Mark Schreiber

  President and Principal Consultant, Safeguards Consulting

  Mark Schreiber’s career has spanned over 15 years in design and consulting roles within the engineering and construction industry. For the majority of this time, he has directly been responsible for the complete design of large enterprise physical security systems from conception to design completion and oversight. Schreiber has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology. He also has multiple training certifications for a variety of systems and equipment from a variety of manufacturers.

  Schreiber has extensive experience in physical security system design and engineering, involving all aspects of physical security systems. This involves, but is not limited to system integration, access control, video surveillance (CCTV), intrusion detection (PIDAS), security/emergency communications, visitor management, asset tracking/management, network design, etc.
  He also has experience in the design of building automation/management systems (HVAC Controls), fire alarm systems, communications systems and information transport systems/structured cabling.

• 

  Michael Tierney Portfolio Manager, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, MITRE
  

  Michael Tierney

  Portfolio Manager, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, MITRE

  With over 25 years of experience in portfolio management, systems engineering and staff development, Michael Tierney is a seasoned leader known for crafting innovative solutions to complex systems engineering challenges faced by top government executives.
  Tierney leads MITRE’s Homeland Security Systems Engineering and Development Institute (HSSEDI) counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) efforts in support of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Program Executive Office (PEO) for UAS and C-UAS within the DHS Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate. He played a key role in establishing the office in 2018 and has since worked closely with DHS and the PEO to support more than 1,000 operational C-UAS deployments. In this role, Tierney collaborates extensively with DHS operators, as well as legal and policy experts, to ensure C-UAS capabilities are deployed effectively where and when they are needed most. He is also the program manager for the DHS S&T Directorate work program within MITRE’s HSSEDI FFRDC, overseeing HSSEDI’s existing relationships with sponsors within S&T and cultivating new strategic partnerships.
  During his extensive tenure at MITRE, Tierney has led teams in problem solving for various organizations including DHS S&T, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration and the U.S. Department of War (U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy). His exceptional technical leadership and performance have earned him a reputation of trust across all levels of MITRE’s sponsors and partners, and his significant contributions have been acknowledged through numerous MITRE awards and commendations from senior sponsors.
  Tierney holds Bachelor of Science degrees in computer science and sociology from Mary Washington College.

• 

  Steven Willoughby Executive Director, Program Executive Office for UAS and Counter-UAS, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  

  Steven Willoughby

  Executive Director, Program Executive Office for UAS and Counter-UAS, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

  Steven Willoughby serves as the acting executive director of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS Program Office within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In this capacity, Willoughby is responsible for leading the Department’s efforts to integrate unmanned aircraft systems into homeland security operations while developing and deploying counter-UAS technologies and strategies to address emerging threats posed by unauthorized or hostile drone activity.

  With over two decades of experience in aviation security, technology integration, and program management, Willoughby is recognized as a subject matter expert in the field of unmanned systems and counterdrone operations. He oversees a multidisciplinary team that works closely with DHS components, federal, state and local partners and the private sector to ensure the safe and effective use of UAS technologies. His office is also charged with developing and implementing policies, operational frameworks, and technical solutions that enable DHS to detect, track, and mitigate unauthorized UAS activity in the national airspace.

  Prior to his current role, Willoughby held several senior positions within DHS, including deputy director for the Office of Strategy, Policy and Plans Counter-UAS Program. He also previously served as the director for aviation and surface transportation for the White House’s National Security Council, where he advised leadership and coordinated multiple interagency workgroups on various issues including unmanned systems, international transport agreements, and incident response. Prior to these roles, Willoughby worked for the Transportation Security Administration’s Office of Inspection, conducting red team vulnerability assessments across the transportation sector, and for TSA’s Office of Security Operations, supporting the National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program. He began his federal career as a transportation security officer at Washington-Dulles International Airport after graduating from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in political science.