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Introducing our 2025 Panel Breakfast Moderator and Panelists!

CISO Panel

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Marc Varner 

CISO, Lowe's 

Marc Varner is responsible for the global security strategy and program, ensuring all Lowe’s information assets and technologies are properly protected. He has over 25 years of experience in technology and has expertise in global
cybersecurity strategy, security architecture and process, information security governance and controls and regulatory compliance. Prior to Lowe's, he served as vice
president and global chief information security officer at Yum! Brands, where he was responsible for global cybersecurity and strategic cybersecurity planning. He previously served as vice president and global chief information security officer at McDonald’s. Marc is on the advisory board of a number of leading cybersecurity companies and serves as a global chair for the Cyber Security Collaborative, which he co-founded in 2012. 

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Eli Edelkind 

CISO, Cava

Eli Edelkind is a technology and cybersecurity Leader with over 20 years of experience building high-performance tech teams, delivering best in class solutions, reducing risk, and maintaining a high level of reliability. He is currently the Chief Information Security Officer for CAVA. In this role, he leads the team protecting the CAVA brand from cyber compromise and reducing the impact of cyber incidents, so they can continue to bring heart, health, and humanity to food. Previously he spent 8 years at Lowe’s Companies holding various cybersecurity roles, worked at L3Harris, and spent 12 years in numerous roles in the Marine Corps on active and reserve duty. He received a Bachelor of Science in information technology and national security affairs from the United States Naval Academy, an MBA, and a certificate in space systems operations. 

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Madison (Story) Slater

Director of Cybersecurity @ Tepper Sports & Entertainment (Carolina Panthers/Charlotte FC/Bank of America Stadium)

Madison is a cybersecurity leader with over a decade of experience and expertise in security operations, risk management, and strategic planning.  She serves as the Director of Cybersecurity for Tepper Sports & Entertainment, where she oversees cyber initiatives for the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte FC, and Bank of America Stadium.  Prior to this role, Madison served as an Executive Vice President for a cybersecurity and network security consulting firm where she was the head of both the cybersecurity defense (Blue) team as well as the security testing (Red) team.  Madison also spearheaded the company's incident response team, where she was able to help many organizations recover after a breach and implement a better security posture.   

With a strong background in cyber threat analysis, security controls, and incident response, Madison has successfully developed internal cybersecurity processes, led high-performing teams, and created strategic initiatives to help drive organizational success. Having initially decided to be an elementary school teacher, Madison's somewhat unconventional path to cybersecurity has helped her develop a unique approach in bridging the gaps between technical security measures and executive leadership to align cybersecurity strategies with business objectives.  

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John Scrimsher 

CISO, Kontoor 

John Scrimsher leads a global cybersecurity team responsible for developing strategies and executing all aspects of information and cybersecurity initiatives. With over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, John has built and led security organizations across global companies in the Technology, Automotive, and Retail industries, including iconic brands such as HP, Oracle, General Motors, and Wrangler & Lee Jeans
John has held the CISSP certification since 2004, obtained his MBA From Wake Forest University and is Directorship Certified by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD.DC)

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Dane Jones

CISO, Paycor

Dane Jones is a transformational cybersecurity leader with over 25 years of experience driving impactful change in business velocity and security. Respected for reducing security-related friction and modernizing legacy systems, Dane excels at building high-performing teams and creating cultures of excellence in information security. With a strong sense of accountability and ownership, Dane has a proven track record of leveraging technology to strengthen enterprise risk posture and optimize cybersecurity operations. He’s an expert in building scalable teams, products, and solutions while advising C-Level executives on strategy, mergers & acquisitions, and efficiency improvements.

Moderator

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James Kimble

Sr. Dir, Lowe's

James Kimble is an accomplished IT and cybersecurity leader with over 30 years of experience driving strategic security initiatives and operational excellence. As the Senior Director of Enterprise Security Architecture at Lowe’s, James leads a global team responsible for securing applications and infrastructure across one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world. He collaborates with executive leadership to align security strategies with business objectives, ensuring innovation while managing risk.

LKNITP is a non-profit organization committed to fostering technological growth and collaboration in the Charlotte Metro Area (CLT and Gaston). We work closely with our affiliates to create opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and tech professionals, helping them navigate the ever-evolving landscape of innovation.

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