Dean Ford
Over 25 years of experience in the Automation Systems industry in leadership and management positions; directed sales, operations, and administrative teams in start-up, turnaround, and high-growth environments. Extensive background in automation, information and integration initiatives, identifying critical areas within businesses, manufacturing and other areas for systems implementations. Strong, decisive, and trailblazing leader with excellent planning, analytical, organizational, and team building skills. Grow top line revenues through aligning value propositions and offerings to marketplace. Promoter of the Automation Profession through extensive volunteer work.
Session
Water is life.
In 2025, the threat landscape facing U.S. water infrastructure has grown more severe and immediate. Following the high-profile cyber intrusions of 2024—such as Volt Typhoon and Iran-linked Cyber Avengers—2025 has already seen a surge in attempted and successful breaches targeting municipal and rural water systems. These escalating threats are compounded by deteriorating trust and coordination between public and private sector stakeholders. This convergence of cyber vulnerability, regulatory fragility, and geopolitical tension creates a perfect storm—leaving our most essential infrastructure exposed at a time when resilience is most critical.