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VASCOT 2022 will feature a diverse lineup of Veteran Affair thought leaders, experts, directors, educators, specialists, and others who will share their valuable perspectives, insights, and expertise with you.
The VASCOT 2022 speaker lineup is coming soon. Stay tuned for updates and more information!
Meet the VASCOT 2022 Presenters
Chris Cortez
Major General (Ret.) and Vice President of Military Affairs
Microsoft
Retired Major General with more than 33 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Currently serving as Vice President of Military Affairs at Microsoft, leading the company’s engagement with veterans and military families as part of our focus on inspiring and developing former service members for roles in the IT industry.
Major General (Ret.) and Vice President of Military Affairs
Microsoft
Retired Major General with more than 33 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Currently serving as Vice President of Military Affairs at Microsoft, leading the company’s engagement with veterans and military families as part of our focus on inspiring and developing former service members for roles in the IT industry.
Ron Scoggins
Supervisory Education Liaison Representative (Ret.)
Ron Scoggins has worked in VA education for over 42 years and is one of two Supervisory Education Liaison Representatives who supervise the compliance and liaison staff for the VA Central Office Southern Region Outreach Offices.
Supervisory Education Liaison Representative (Ret.)
Ron Scoggins has worked in VA education for over 42 years and is one of two Supervisory Education Liaison Representatives who supervise the compliance and liaison staff for the VA Central Office Southern Region Outreach Offices.
Merrick Van Dongen
Director, Education & Workforce Development, Military Affairs
Microsoft
As Director of Military Affairs at Microsoft, Merrick Van Dongen leads a team focused on the structure and delivery of curricula used within the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) program to serve transitioning service members and veterans, and manages partner and customer engagement on training and credentialing initiatives for military and service-connected audiences.
Director, Education & Workforce Development, Military Affairs
Microsoft
As Director of Military Affairs at Microsoft, Merrick Van Dongen leads a team focused on the structure and delivery of curricula used within the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) program to serve transitioning service members and veterans, and manages partner and customer engagement on training and credentialing initiatives for military and service-connected audiences.
Esmeralda Silva
President at COUNCIL OF COLLEGE AND MILITARY EDUCATORS (CCME)
Vice President Student Affairs
Esmeralda Silva is currently the Vice President of Student Affairs at Alliant International University. Esmeralda has been in higher education for 20+ years and her career has comprised of roles revolving around building strong relationships as this is key to creating lasting and trusting partnerships with university leaders, key military leaders and partners, corporate and nonprofit organizations who have a desire and commitment to changing lives through the "Power of Education.
President at COUNCIL OF COLLEGE AND MILITARY EDUCATORS (CCME)
Vice President Student Affairs
Esmeralda Silva is currently the Vice President of Student Affairs at Alliant International University. Esmeralda has been in higher education for 20+ years and her career has comprised of roles revolving around building strong relationships as this is key to creating lasting and trusting partnerships with university leaders, key military leaders and partners, corporate and nonprofit organizations who have a desire and commitment to changing lives through the "Power of Education.
Dr. Jan DelSignore
Associate Vice Chancellor of Military Affairs
President for the National Association of Veterans’ Program Administrators (NAVPA)
Dr. Jan Del Signore presently serves in the capacity of Associate Vice Chancellor of Military Affairs at Keiser University and a strong advocate for veterans’ educational benefits.
Dr. Del Signore is the current President for the National Association of Veterans’ Program Administrators (NAVPA), Board member with the Florida Association of Veteran Education Specialists (FAVES) and served as President for the Florida Advisory Council for Military Education (FL-ACME). She serves on numerous military connected committees and councils.
She is a Gulf War veteran and recipient of many military honors and distinctions. While serving her country, she became a military instructor for the Community College of the Air Force and achieved the status of Master Instructor.
Associate Vice Chancellor of Military Affairs
President for the National Association of Veterans’ Program Administrators (NAVPA)
Dr. Jan Del Signore presently serves in the capacity of Associate Vice Chancellor of Military Affairs at Keiser University and a strong advocate for veterans’ educational benefits.
Dr. Del Signore is the current President for the National Association of Veterans’ Program Administrators (NAVPA), Board member with the Florida Association of Veteran Education Specialists (FAVES) and served as President for the Florida Advisory Council for Military Education (FL-ACME). She serves on numerous military connected committees and councils.
She is a Gulf War veteran and recipient of many military honors and distinctions. While serving her country, she became a military instructor for the Community College of the Air Force and achieved the status of Master Instructor.
Troy K East
Director of Military Affairs and Financial Aid Student Services
Full Sail University
Director of Military Affairs and Financial Aid Student Services
Director of Military Affairs and Financial Aid Student Services
Full Sail University
Director of Military Affairs and Financial Aid Student Services
Desi Blaney
Software Engineer II at Microsoft | Co-Founder of Non-Profit, Tech4All Foundation | Veteran | Gamer | MSSA Alumni
Software Engineer II at Microsoft | Co-Founder of Non-Profit, Tech4All Foundation | Veteran | Gamer | MSSA Alumni
Johnny Jones Jr
Security Technical Program Manager
Microsoft | Marine Corps Reserve Association | Marine Corps Veteran |
Program Manager with 6 years of engineering management experience leading teams to technical success. Dedicated and passionate about helping people change their lives by getting into Tech.
Security Technical Program Manager
Microsoft | Marine Corps Reserve Association | Marine Corps Veteran |
Program Manager with 6 years of engineering management experience leading teams to technical success. Dedicated and passionate about helping people change their lives by getting into Tech.
Amy Nenner
Chief People Officer | Noven Pharmaceuticals
After receiving her Baccalaureate Degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Amy Nenner entered the field of Human Resources. With a steady progression of roles and responsibilities, Amy has built a portfolio of skill sets in areas which include; Recruitment and Placement, Training and Development, Performance Management, Labor Relations, Compensation, Team Building, Organization Design, and Executive Coaching. A consistent theme in her career has been her attraction to great companies who have a passion for excellence and the desire to be best in class.
Chief People Officer | Noven Pharmaceuticals
After receiving her Baccalaureate Degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Amy Nenner entered the field of Human Resources. With a steady progression of roles and responsibilities, Amy has built a portfolio of skill sets in areas which include; Recruitment and Placement, Training and Development, Performance Management, Labor Relations, Compensation, Team Building, Organization Design, and Executive Coaching. A consistent theme in her career has been her attraction to great companies who have a passion for excellence and the desire to be best in class.
Jared Lyon
President & CEO | Student Veterans of America
He is the President and CEO of Student Veterans of America, where his goal is to inspire tomorrow’s leaders.
He has overseen SVA’s growth to a network of more than 1,500 chapters on campuses in all 50 states and three countries abroad representing more than 750,000 student veterans annually.
The mission is to act as a catalyst for student veteran success by providing resources, network support and advocacy to, through, and beyond higher education.
President & CEO | Student Veterans of America
He is the President and CEO of Student Veterans of America, where his goal is to inspire tomorrow’s leaders.
He has overseen SVA’s growth to a network of more than 1,500 chapters on campuses in all 50 states and three countries abroad representing more than 750,000 student veterans annually.
The mission is to act as a catalyst for student veteran success by providing resources, network support and advocacy to, through, and beyond higher education.
James Stanger
Chief Technology Evangelist
James worked with Information Technology (IT) subject matter experts, hiring managers, CIOs, and CISOs worldwide. I've worked as a security consultant, presenter, certification program designer, and curriculum designer for over 20 years.
James has worked extensively with emerging and newly-adopted technologies, mapping their progressive adoption (or lack of adoption) throughout the IT industry. I've worked with individuals and organizations to implement open source (including Linux), blockchain, and Web technologies.
James is also an award-winning author, blogger, and presenter. I have written titles for O'Reilly Media, McGraw-Hill, Prentice-Hall, IBM, Wiley, and Elsevier, among many others. I am also a regular contributor to various journals, including Admin Magazine, Ubuntu User, and Linux Magazine.
Chief Technology Evangelist
James worked with Information Technology (IT) subject matter experts, hiring managers, CIOs, and CISOs worldwide. I've worked as a security consultant, presenter, certification program designer, and curriculum designer for over 20 years.
James has worked extensively with emerging and newly-adopted technologies, mapping their progressive adoption (or lack of adoption) throughout the IT industry. I've worked with individuals and organizations to implement open source (including Linux), blockchain, and Web technologies.
James is also an award-winning author, blogger, and presenter. I have written titles for O'Reilly Media, McGraw-Hill, Prentice-Hall, IBM, Wiley, and Elsevier, among many others. I am also a regular contributor to various journals, including Admin Magazine, Ubuntu User, and Linux Magazine.
Andrea Brett
The Bretts Show in Branson
Andrea Brett is a singer, songwriter, arranger and co-producer of The Bretts Show in Branson, MO. Born into a musical family, Andrea began performing with her own brothers and sisters at a very early age. Her parents always encouraged her in the development of her talents and supported her in her musical studies throughout her growing-up years. She studied piano, voice, choral conducting, and music composition at Brigham Young University. In 1980, she married Tom Brett and the two of them moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where Tom attended Cleveland Chiropractic College and their daughter, Briahna, and son, Brydon, were born. Though her focus was now primarily on her family and motherhood, she continued to write and arrange music and sing with Tom.
The Bretts Show in Branson
Andrea Brett is a singer, songwriter, arranger and co-producer of The Bretts Show in Branson, MO. Born into a musical family, Andrea began performing with her own brothers and sisters at a very early age. Her parents always encouraged her in the development of her talents and supported her in her musical studies throughout her growing-up years. She studied piano, voice, choral conducting, and music composition at Brigham Young University. In 1980, she married Tom Brett and the two of them moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where Tom attended Cleveland Chiropractic College and their daughter, Briahna, and son, Brydon, were born. Though her focus was now primarily on her family and motherhood, she continued to write and arrange music and sing with Tom.
Nick Lane
Technical Program Manager, Cybersecurity I Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
Nick Lane (TheSecurityLane) is a cybersecurity author, public speaker, trainer, practitioner, blogger, tech editor, and practice test designer with 20 years of experience in the technology industry.Lane's book "CASP+ CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner Certification All-in-One Exam Guide" is published by McGraw-Hill. It was a #1 new release on Amazon in security and networking categories, and has the highest average review score of all CASP+ books.For 14 years, Lane has been delivering EC-Council, Microsoft, and CompTIA training courses for New Horizons Learning Group. He also teaches at military bases, and has taught the FBI, DoD, United Nations, and Fortune 500 organizations. Lane is annually recognized as one of the top New Horizons technical instructors in the world.He recently delivered two technology presentations for CompTIA's ChannelCon event at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.Certifications: CISSP, CEH, CASP+, CySA+, CFR, CEI, Security+, MCT, MCSE, MCITP, MCSA, MCTS, MCP, A+, Net+, Cloud+, Cloud Essentials, SMSP, UKICI, Healthcare IT technician.
Technical Program Manager, Cybersecurity I Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
Nick Lane (TheSecurityLane) is a cybersecurity author, public speaker, trainer, practitioner, blogger, tech editor, and practice test designer with 20 years of experience in the technology industry.Lane's book "CASP+ CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner Certification All-in-One Exam Guide" is published by McGraw-Hill. It was a #1 new release on Amazon in security and networking categories, and has the highest average review score of all CASP+ books.For 14 years, Lane has been delivering EC-Council, Microsoft, and CompTIA training courses for New Horizons Learning Group. He also teaches at military bases, and has taught the FBI, DoD, United Nations, and Fortune 500 organizations. Lane is annually recognized as one of the top New Horizons technical instructors in the world.He recently delivered two technology presentations for CompTIA's ChannelCon event at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.Certifications: CISSP, CEH, CASP+, CySA+, CFR, CEI, Security+, MCT, MCSE, MCITP, MCSA, MCTS, MCP, A+, Net+, Cloud+, Cloud Essentials, SMSP, UKICI, Healthcare IT technician.
Chris Cortez
Major General (Ret.) and Vice President of Military Affairs
Microsoft
Retired Major General with more than 33 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Currently serving as Vice President of Military Affairs at Microsoft, leading the company’s engagement with veterans and military families as part of our focus on inspiring and developing former service members for roles in the IT industry.
Major General (Ret.) and Vice President of Military Affairs
Microsoft
Retired Major General with more than 33 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Currently serving as Vice President of Military Affairs at Microsoft, leading the company’s engagement with veterans and military families as part of our focus on inspiring and developing former service members for roles in the IT industry.
Ron Scoggins
Supervisory Education Liaison Representative (Ret.)
Ron Scoggins has worked in VA education for over 42 years and is one of two Supervisory Education Liaison Representatives who supervise the compliance and liaison staff for the VA Central Office Southern Region Outreach Offices.
Supervisory Education Liaison Representative (Ret.)
Ron Scoggins has worked in VA education for over 42 years and is one of two Supervisory Education Liaison Representatives who supervise the compliance and liaison staff for the VA Central Office Southern Region Outreach Offices.
Merrick Van Dongen
Director, Education & Workforce Development, Military Affairs
Microsoft
As Director of Military Affairs at Microsoft, Merrick Van Dongen leads a team focused on the structure and delivery of curricula used within the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) program to serve transitioning service members and veterans, and manages partner and customer engagement on training and credentialing initiatives for military and service-connected audiences.
Director, Education & Workforce Development, Military Affairs
Microsoft
As Director of Military Affairs at Microsoft, Merrick Van Dongen leads a team focused on the structure and delivery of curricula used within the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) program to serve transitioning service members and veterans, and manages partner and customer engagement on training and credentialing initiatives for military and service-connected audiences.
Esmeralda Silva
President at COUNCIL OF COLLEGE AND MILITARY EDUCATORS (CCME)
Vice President Student Affairs
Esmeralda Silva is currently the Vice President of Student Affairs at Alliant International University. Esmeralda has been in higher education for 20+ years and her career has comprised of roles revolving around building strong relationships as this is key to creating lasting and trusting partnerships with university leaders, key military leaders and partners, corporate and nonprofit organizations who have a desire and commitment to changing lives through the "Power of Education.
President at COUNCIL OF COLLEGE AND MILITARY EDUCATORS (CCME)
Vice President Student Affairs
Esmeralda Silva is currently the Vice President of Student Affairs at Alliant International University. Esmeralda has been in higher education for 20+ years and her career has comprised of roles revolving around building strong relationships as this is key to creating lasting and trusting partnerships with university leaders, key military leaders and partners, corporate and nonprofit organizations who have a desire and commitment to changing lives through the "Power of Education.
Dr. Jan DelSignore
Associate Vice Chancellor of Military Affairs
President for the National Association of Veterans’ Program Administrators (NAVPA)
Dr. Jan Del Signore presently serves in the capacity of Associate Vice Chancellor of Military Affairs at Keiser University and a strong advocate for veterans’ educational benefits.
Dr. Del Signore is the current President for the National Association of Veterans’ Program Administrators (NAVPA), Board member with the Florida Association of Veteran Education Specialists (FAVES) and served as President for the Florida Advisory Council for Military Education (FL-ACME). She serves on numerous military connected committees and councils.
She is a Gulf War veteran and recipient of many military honors and distinctions. While serving her country, she became a military instructor for the Community College of the Air Force and achieved the status of Master Instructor.
Associate Vice Chancellor of Military Affairs
President for the National Association of Veterans’ Program Administrators (NAVPA)
Dr. Jan Del Signore presently serves in the capacity of Associate Vice Chancellor of Military Affairs at Keiser University and a strong advocate for veterans’ educational benefits.
Dr. Del Signore is the current President for the National Association of Veterans’ Program Administrators (NAVPA), Board member with the Florida Association of Veteran Education Specialists (FAVES) and served as President for the Florida Advisory Council for Military Education (FL-ACME). She serves on numerous military connected committees and councils.
She is a Gulf War veteran and recipient of many military honors and distinctions. While serving her country, she became a military instructor for the Community College of the Air Force and achieved the status of Master Instructor.
Troy K East
Director of Military Affairs and Financial Aid Student Services
Full Sail University
Director of Military Affairs and Financial Aid Student Services
Director of Military Affairs and Financial Aid Student Services
Full Sail University
Director of Military Affairs and Financial Aid Student Services
Desi Blaney
Software Engineer II at Microsoft | Co-Founder of Non-Profit, Tech4All Foundation | Veteran | Gamer | MSSA Alumni
Software Engineer II at Microsoft | Co-Founder of Non-Profit, Tech4All Foundation | Veteran | Gamer | MSSA Alumni
Johnny Jones Jr
Security Technical Program Manager
Microsoft | Marine Corps Reserve Association | Marine Corps Veteran |
Program Manager with 6 years of engineering management experience leading teams to technical success. Dedicated and passionate about helping people change their lives by getting into Tech.
Security Technical Program Manager
Microsoft | Marine Corps Reserve Association | Marine Corps Veteran |
Program Manager with 6 years of engineering management experience leading teams to technical success. Dedicated and passionate about helping people change their lives by getting into Tech.
Amy Nenner
Chief People Officer | Noven Pharmaceuticals
After receiving her Baccalaureate Degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Amy Nenner entered the field of Human Resources. With a steady progression of roles and responsibilities, Amy has built a portfolio of skill sets in areas which include; Recruitment and Placement, Training and Development, Performance Management, Labor Relations, Compensation, Team Building, Organization Design, and Executive Coaching. A consistent theme in her career has been her attraction to great companies who have a passion for excellence and the desire to be best in class.
Chief People Officer | Noven Pharmaceuticals
After receiving her Baccalaureate Degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Amy Nenner entered the field of Human Resources. With a steady progression of roles and responsibilities, Amy has built a portfolio of skill sets in areas which include; Recruitment and Placement, Training and Development, Performance Management, Labor Relations, Compensation, Team Building, Organization Design, and Executive Coaching. A consistent theme in her career has been her attraction to great companies who have a passion for excellence and the desire to be best in class.
Jared Lyon
President & CEO | Student Veterans of America
He is the President and CEO of Student Veterans of America, where his goal is to inspire tomorrow’s leaders.
He has overseen SVA’s growth to a network of more than 1,500 chapters on campuses in all 50 states and three countries abroad representing more than 750,000 student veterans annually.
The mission is to act as a catalyst for student veteran success by providing resources, network support and advocacy to, through, and beyond higher education.
President & CEO | Student Veterans of America
He is the President and CEO of Student Veterans of America, where his goal is to inspire tomorrow’s leaders.
He has overseen SVA’s growth to a network of more than 1,500 chapters on campuses in all 50 states and three countries abroad representing more than 750,000 student veterans annually.
The mission is to act as a catalyst for student veteran success by providing resources, network support and advocacy to, through, and beyond higher education.
James Stanger
Chief Technology Evangelist
James worked with Information Technology (IT) subject matter experts, hiring managers, CIOs, and CISOs worldwide. I've worked as a security consultant, presenter, certification program designer, and curriculum designer for over 20 years.
James has worked extensively with emerging and newly-adopted technologies, mapping their progressive adoption (or lack of adoption) throughout the IT industry. I've worked with individuals and organizations to implement open source (including Linux), blockchain, and Web technologies.
James is also an award-winning author, blogger, and presenter. I have written titles for O'Reilly Media, McGraw-Hill, Prentice-Hall, IBM, Wiley, and Elsevier, among many others. I am also a regular contributor to various journals, including Admin Magazine, Ubuntu User, and Linux Magazine.
Chief Technology Evangelist
James worked with Information Technology (IT) subject matter experts, hiring managers, CIOs, and CISOs worldwide. I've worked as a security consultant, presenter, certification program designer, and curriculum designer for over 20 years.
James has worked extensively with emerging and newly-adopted technologies, mapping their progressive adoption (or lack of adoption) throughout the IT industry. I've worked with individuals and organizations to implement open source (including Linux), blockchain, and Web technologies.
James is also an award-winning author, blogger, and presenter. I have written titles for O'Reilly Media, McGraw-Hill, Prentice-Hall, IBM, Wiley, and Elsevier, among many others. I am also a regular contributor to various journals, including Admin Magazine, Ubuntu User, and Linux Magazine.
Andrea Brett
The Bretts Show in Branson
Andrea Brett is a singer, songwriter, arranger and co-producer of The Bretts Show in Branson, MO. Born into a musical family, Andrea began performing with her own brothers and sisters at a very early age. Her parents always encouraged her in the development of her talents and supported her in her musical studies throughout her growing-up years. She studied piano, voice, choral conducting, and music composition at Brigham Young University. In 1980, she married Tom Brett and the two of them moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where Tom attended Cleveland Chiropractic College and their daughter, Briahna, and son, Brydon, were born. Though her focus was now primarily on her family and motherhood, she continued to write and arrange music and sing with Tom.
The Bretts Show in Branson
Andrea Brett is a singer, songwriter, arranger and co-producer of The Bretts Show in Branson, MO. Born into a musical family, Andrea began performing with her own brothers and sisters at a very early age. Her parents always encouraged her in the development of her talents and supported her in her musical studies throughout her growing-up years. She studied piano, voice, choral conducting, and music composition at Brigham Young University. In 1980, she married Tom Brett and the two of them moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where Tom attended Cleveland Chiropractic College and their daughter, Briahna, and son, Brydon, were born. Though her focus was now primarily on her family and motherhood, she continued to write and arrange music and sing with Tom.
Nick Lane
Technical Program Manager, Cybersecurity I Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
Nick Lane (TheSecurityLane) is a cybersecurity author, public speaker, trainer, practitioner, blogger, tech editor, and practice test designer with 20 years of experience in the technology industry.Lane's book "CASP+ CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner Certification All-in-One Exam Guide" is published by McGraw-Hill. It was a #1 new release on Amazon in security and networking categories, and has the highest average review score of all CASP+ books.For 14 years, Lane has been delivering EC-Council, Microsoft, and CompTIA training courses for New Horizons Learning Group. He also teaches at military bases, and has taught the FBI, DoD, United Nations, and Fortune 500 organizations. Lane is annually recognized as one of the top New Horizons technical instructors in the world.He recently delivered two technology presentations for CompTIA's ChannelCon event at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.Certifications: CISSP, CEH, CASP+, CySA+, CFR, CEI, Security+, MCT, MCSE, MCITP, MCSA, MCTS, MCP, A+, Net+, Cloud+, Cloud Essentials, SMSP, UKICI, Healthcare IT technician.
Technical Program Manager, Cybersecurity I Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
Nick Lane (TheSecurityLane) is a cybersecurity author, public speaker, trainer, practitioner, blogger, tech editor, and practice test designer with 20 years of experience in the technology industry.Lane's book "CASP+ CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner Certification All-in-One Exam Guide" is published by McGraw-Hill. It was a #1 new release on Amazon in security and networking categories, and has the highest average review score of all CASP+ books.For 14 years, Lane has been delivering EC-Council, Microsoft, and CompTIA training courses for New Horizons Learning Group. He also teaches at military bases, and has taught the FBI, DoD, United Nations, and Fortune 500 organizations. Lane is annually recognized as one of the top New Horizons technical instructors in the world.He recently delivered two technology presentations for CompTIA's ChannelCon event at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.Certifications: CISSP, CEH, CASP+, CySA+, CFR, CEI, Security+, MCT, MCSE, MCITP, MCSA, MCTS, MCP, A+, Net+, Cloud+, Cloud Essentials, SMSP, UKICI, Healthcare IT technician.
Open Mic...
If you are a professional speaker and have expertise on a relevant topic or session, you are invited to submit your information. All ideas are welcome!