Government Acquisition Leaders Briefings

Government Acquisition Leaders Briefings & Panel Discussions

Event Information

Pre-registration is required.

The interactive Panel Discussions feature experts in key fields of interest. This is a unique and valuable opportunity to interact with officials responsible for acquisition of vital goods and services. From military platforms and warfare systems to intelligence processes, they ensure that our military personnel have the resources they need. The network of providers includes not only military entities but industry and academia as well.

Event Details

Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Luncheon: 11:30am

Sponsored by Concurrent Technologies Corporation

Panel Discussions: 12:30pm - 3:45pm

This Year's Speaker

2026 Luncheon Keynote Speaker

Colonel Kenneth Stremmel

Commander National Air and Space Intelligence Center

Col. Kenneth A. “Andy” Stremmel is the Commander, National Air and Space Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He commands the U.S. Air Force’s sole service intelligence center, comprised of four operational groups, five directorates, 17 squadrons, and nearly 3,800 military, civilians, and contractors globally. He executes a $740 million operational budget and oversees a $2.3 billion center responsible for producing scientific and technical intelligence to inform policymakers, major acquisition programs, and operational warfighters.

Col. Stremmel received his commission in 2000 from the United States Air Force Academy. A career intelligence officer, he commanded at the group and squadron levels, served as the Deputy Director of the White House Situation Room, and was a distinguished graduate and instructor at the United States Air Force Weapons School. Col. Stremmel deployed during initial phases of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector.

Prior to his current position, Col. Stremmel was the Director of Intelligence, Ninth Air Force, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. He grew up in Johnstown and graduated from Bishop McCort Catholic High School.

Panel Discussions

12:30 PM

THREATS FROM ABOVE - NEW FRONTIERS IN AVIATION SECURITY

Moderator
John S. Eberhardt III - Managing Director, ATA Aviation

With new developments in Ukraine and the Middle East, and rapidly evolving technologies in aircraft, aircraft control systems, and communications, the attack space for aviation security is evolving rapidly. This panel will identify and discuss some of the emerging issues, ranging from securing communications in our air traffic control system, to ensuring information integrity in traffic and navigations systems to airspace awareness and detection and counter-UAS approaches.

The discussion begins by examining the most pressing and emerging issues in aviation security, highlighting the topics that are currently shaping the field. Panelists then turn to the challenges of securing aviation communications and information systems, focusing on maintaining integrity, resilience, and trust in increasingly complex and interconnected environments, while also considering practical solutions.

Another key area of focus is improving airspace awareness—understanding who and what is operating within increasingly crowded skies—and how this directly supports counter-UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) efforts. The panel also considers the broader implications of national counter-UAS strategies, particularly how federal direction translates into responsibilities, constraints, and opportunities for state and local governments.

Together, these discussions provide a comprehensive look at the evolving aviation security environment and the coordinated efforts needed to address emerging risks.

1:30 PM

DRIVING THE SURGE OF AI-DRIVEN DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN PENNSYLVANIA

Moderator
Susan Van Scoyoc - Vice President, Energy, Resilience & Sustainability, Concurrent Technologies Corporation

Panelists:

William Devlin - Associate/Mechanical Engineering Lead, H.F. Lenz
George Stark - Power & Energy Institute, PA Chamber of Business and Industry
Glenn Davis - Principal - Davis Energy & Infrastructure Strategy Group & Former Director, Virginia Department of Energy
Petra Mitchell - President & CEO, Catalyst Connection

Artificial intelligence–driven data center growth is intensifying national competition for digital infrastructure, placing Pennsylvania at a strategic crossroads. This session explores how hyperscale, AI-dense facilities are reshaping energy demand, grid readiness, site development, and permitting timelines—and what the state must do to compete with market leaders such as Virginia. Panelists will examine the engineering realities of high-density compute, the critical role of power availability and interconnection, and the policy and regulatory changes needed to accelerate development.

The discussion will also explore how Pennsylvania’s manufacturing base, skilled workforce, and brownfield assets, including sites like Homer City, can be repositioned as competitive advantages. Attendees will leave with a clearer view of the barriers slowing AI-scale infrastructure, the emerging opportunities across the supply chain, and the specific actions state leaders, utilities, developers, and economic development organizations can take to attract the next wave of investment.

2:30 PM

ADVANCED SHIPBUILDING AND SUBMARINE MANUFACTURING

Moderator
Michael Brody - Founder, Brody Group Public Affairs

Panelists:

Whitney Jones - Former Deputy Program Manager for the Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) program, a Direct Reporting Program Manager to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition
Chris Diaz - Former Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy
TBD

Panelists will explore the critical challenges facing shipbuilding and submarine manufacturing in today’s rapidly evolving defense landscape, where intensifying global threats are increasing the urgency to accelerate the delivery of advanced naval platforms. The discussion will examine the continued reliance on manual processes, the limited adoption of automation and autonomous technologies, and the resulting impacts on production speed, quality, and workforce efficiency.

The conversation will highlight strategies to overcome these barriers, showcase emerging innovations, and outline approaches to modernizing manufacturing practices—ensuring naval forces are prepared to meet the demands of both current and future security environments.