Microsoft’s James “Aaron” Bishop, acting chief information security officer and principal deputy chief information officer for cybersecurity at the Department of War, will deliver the opening keynote address at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21.
The all-day event will convene senior government, military, industry and academic leaders to discuss the evolving cyber threat landscape, emerging technologies, and the policy and operational shifts shaping federal cybersecurity priorities. Alongside Bishop’s keynote, the summit will feature five additional keynote addresses and seven panel discussions focused on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cyber resilience and mission assurance.
With senior participants from the White House Office of Management and Budget, the Department of War, CISA, the FBI, DISA, the Coast Guard, the Department of the Army, AFRL, academia and industry, the 2026 Cyber Summit is expected to draw strong attendance from across the GovCon and federal technology communities.
Government contractors and federal technology leaders interested in attending should register now, as space is limited and demand for tickets is high.
Who Is Aaron Bishop?
Bishop is one of the federal government’s top cybersecurity leaders, overseeing department-wide cybersecurity policy, governance and risk management efforts in his role as acting CISO and principal deputy CIO for cybersecurity at the Department of War.
The Pentagon selected Bishop earlier this year to lead the department’s cybersecurity enterprise, succeeding longtime cyber official David McKeown. Pentagon officials cited Bishop’s “extensive and unique blend of industry, federal, and transformational experience” as a key factor in his appointment.
Before assuming his current role, Bishop served as chief information security officer for the Department of the Air Force, where he advised senior leaders on cybersecurity strategy, cyber workforce development and information security policy across thousands of Air Force IT systems.
His portfolio has included oversight of cyber supply chain risk management, cryptographic modernization, operational technology security and cybersecurity accountability for both information systems and weapon systems supporting military cyberspace operations.
Bishop also brings decades of private-sector leadership experience to the role. Prior to joining the Air Force, he founded Eigenspace and Quantum Security Alliance, organizations focused on cybersecurity innovation and quantum security research. Earlier in his career, he served as CISO and vice president at SAIC and led Microsoft’s National Security Group, supporting intelligence, military and homeland security customers.
A Navy veteran, Bishop has also been recognized across the cyber community for his leadership and expertise.
What Will Aaron Bishop Discuss in His Cyber Summit Keynote?
Bishop’s 2026 Cyber Summit keynote is expected to address many of the most pressing cybersecurity challenges facing the federal government and defense industrial base, including operational resilience, cyber modernization and the rapidly evolving threat environment confronting military and civilian agencies.
His appearance comes at a pivotal moment for federal cyber leaders as agencies work to accelerate zero trust implementation, strengthen supply chain security, modernize cryptography and operationalize AI-enabled cyber defense capabilities.
Given Bishop’s background in both cybersecurity and quantum security, attendees can also expect insights into how the Department of War is preparing for next-generation threats tied to quantum computing and emerging technologies.
The summit agenda aligns closely with those priorities, featuring discussions on post-quantum cryptography, advanced persistent threats, AI-enabled cyber defense, autonomous security operations, mission resilience and cyber risk management.
Attendees looking to gain direct insight into federal cyber priorities, acquisition trends and mission requirements should secure their seats soon before registration capacity fills.
2026 Cyber Summit Agenda Highlights
The 2026 Cyber Summit will feature multiple keynote presentations and panel discussions examining how government and industry leaders are adapting cyber strategies to support national security missions.
Featured discussion topics include:
- Quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography
- Advanced persistent threats and nation-state cyber activity
- AI-driven cyber defense and autonomous resilience
- Cybersecurity innovation for defense missions
- Security operations center modernization
- Zero trust and operational continuity
- Mission-focused cyber risk management
Additional keynote speakers include:
- Chris Butera, acting executive assistant director at CISA
- Michael Duffy, acting federal chief information security officer at OMB
- Will Loucks, senior director for intelligence at the Executive Office of the President’s Office of the National Cyber Director
- Katherine Sutton, assistant secretary for cyber policy at the Department of War
- Rear Adm. Jason Tama, commander of Coast Guard Cyber Command
Why Should GovCons Attend the 2026 Cyber Summit?
For government contractors, the 2026 Cyber Summit offers direct insight into the cybersecurity priorities shaping federal procurement, mission execution and modernization efforts.
As agencies continue implementing zero trust mandates, preparing for post-quantum security requirements and integrating AI into cyber operations, contractors face growing pressure to align technology investments and security strategies with evolving government expectations.
The event will provide attendees with opportunities to hear directly from senior decision-makers across defense, civilian and intelligence organizations while networking with industry executives, technology leaders and acquisition stakeholders.
GovCon executives, cybersecurity professionals and technology providers supporting federal missions can expect actionable perspectives on future requirements, emerging threats and the operational realities driving cyber transformation across government.
Tickets for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit are limited. Register now to reserve your spot and connect with the government and industry leaders shaping the future of federal cybersecurity.
