Speakers
Tabice Ward, Executive Technology Strategist, ChoiceTel
Tabice A. Ward is a nationally recognized, certified Technology and Cybersecurity Executive with over 35 years of experience in theregulated electric and gas utility sector, working with leading Fortune 250 companies. A transformative leader known for her strategic vision, she brings a wealth of expertise in technology management, cybersecurity operations, cyber risk management, physical security, business continuity, regulatory compliance, and security policy. Tabice excels at cultivating trusted relationships and collaborating with business stakeholders and technology partners to address security risks and threats, develop strategic roadmaps, drive technology rationalization, and successfully deliver large-scale, multi-milliondollar technology and security related initiatives.In her current role, as an Executive Technology Strategist at ChoiceTel, she partners with organizations to develop innovative and transformative technology strategies that drive business enablement, strengthen security, and reduce cyber risk. She also serves as an Executive Advisor for Hush, a cyber tech startup, advising on strategy and product roadmap. In addition to her role with ChoiceTel and Hush, Tabice is an adjunct professor at the University of Detroit Mercy, where she teaches courses in computer information systems.Tabice's leadership experience includes her tenure as Area Vice President of Enterprise Security at Xcel Energy, where she led the transformation of the security risk function, scaling a team of technology and security professionals dedicated to advancing enterprise-wide security and technology capabilities including governance, risk quantification, supply chain and third party risk, asset management, identity management, vulnerability management, personnel security, and threat intelligence. Her leadership was instrumental in redesigning Xcel’s Operational Technology Security Program, strengthening the security posture of critical infrastructure assets. Tabice also collaborated with policymakers to shape emerging technology security regulations, advised senior executives on complex technology and security issues, and partnered with technology leaders to implement integrated service delivery models bridging IT and security functions.Prior to her role at Xcel Energy, Tabice served as IT Director and Chief Information Security Officer at DTE Energy, where she led the strategic direction and transformation of the cybersecurity organization, partnering with business unit leaders to develop and execute acomprehensive cybersecurity risk strategy across both IT and OT environments, implementing advanced cybersecurity capabilities and tools for email security, application security, cloud security, endpoint, data security, user behavior analytics, critical systems monitoring sensors, SIEM and case management, vulnerability scanners, identity and privilege access management, GRC, data security, incident response playbooks, penetration testing and drills. Her oversight included reporting on all cyber matters to the senior executive team and Board of Directors. Operating in a heavily regulated environment, Tabice demonstrated a strong commitment toadherence to industry standards while effectively managing cybersecurity risks enabling the company to leverage emerging technologies securely. Her visionary leadership and expertise make her a sought-after board member, speaker and paneliston topics ranging from cybersecurity best practices, emerging technology, and regulatory Tabice Ward Bio, Page 2compliance to resilience-building and leadership. She serves as a board member for CXO Forum and volunteer Advisory Board Chair for the non-profit Michigan CyberPatriot Program, a K-12 cyber education program. She has held roles as co-chair of other utility specific committees within the Edison Electric Institute, the American Gas Association, and the Electric Power Research Institute. Her work on the Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2) Working Committee and with government entities such as DHS, FBI, and DOE underscore her dedication to advancing security standards and fostering collaboration across the public-private sector.Tabice holds a master’s degree in Information Assurance from the University of Detroit Mercy and a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Wayne State University. She is certified as a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Security Officer (C-ISSO), and Project Management Professional (PMP). Her advanced education includes a CISO Graduate Certificate from Carnegie Mellon Heinz College, an executive certificate in cybersecurity from MIT, and completion of the FBI CISO Academy.Tabice has earned numerous accolades, including the RH Marshall Excellence in Cybersecurity Award and has been named among the Top Women in Cybersecurity and Top 100 CISOs in Fortune 500 companies. Her extensive professional affiliations, leadership roles, and contributions to industry standards and education showcase her commitment to innovation, technology enablement, security, and community impact. Her role in academia reflects her dedication to fostering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, sharing her industry knowledge and expertise to inspire the next generation of technology and cybersecurity professionals.