Debate: Do You Need Technical Expertise to Lead in the Security Industry?
Speakers
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Sarah CasswaySystems Engineer
M.C. DeanSarah Cassway is a systems engineer with M.C. Dean’s Security & Electronic Systems business unit, where she leads research and development on applying artificial intelligence to transform security operations centers. Since joining M.C. Dean in 2021, she has advanced from operations analyst to systems engineer, supporting enterprise-scale security systems and delivering solutions that improve performance through data, design and training.
Cassway now leads a startup-style team building an innovative AI product for security operations. Her team prototypes, tests and refines capabilities in close partnership with customers, using an iterative approach that ensures technical innovation translates into measurable operational impact.
In addition to her engineering work, Cassway has strengthened pathways for women in engineering and technology through her leadership in the Women at M.C. Dean affinity group. She is recognized for her creativity, collaborative leadership and commitment to advancing the security industry.
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Ryan KaltenbaughGlobal Sales Leader, Security and Electronic Systems
M.C. DeanRyan Kaltenbaugh leads global sales for M.C. Dean’s Security & Electronic Systems (SES) division, driving customer growth, partner development and the expansion of cyber-physical solutions across government and commercial markets. Appointed global sales leader in March 2025, he brings more than 30 years in the security and fire/life safety industries.
Prior to joining M.C. Dean, Kaltenbaugh served as senior vice president of sales for the Americas at LenelS2, leading a team of more than 100 people across North and Latin America and guiding the business through major corporate transitions, including the UTC-to-Carrier spinoff, the S2 Security acquisition and integration into Honeywell. He also held leadership roles at AMAG Technology and videoNEXT Federal, with additional experience in system integration spanning business development, operations and security software sales.
Kaltenbaugh serves on the board of the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST), where he founded National Security Technician Day in 2022. He previously served on the board of the Security Industry Association (SIA), chaired multiple committees and received the 2023 SIA Sandy Jones Volunteer of the Year Award.
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Derek MartinezGlobal Enterprise Account Executive
Konica Minolta Business Solutions USADerek Martinez is a distinguished technology executive and recognized public figure at the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital transformation and human–technology convergence. He specializes in artificial intelligence computer vision and the Imaging Internet of Things, helping leaders reimagine how data, machines and people work together in complex environments.
Martinez serves as an advisor for the Forbes and Harvard Business Review magazines, with affiliations spanning NIST Cybersecurity Education, World Economic Forum Digital Transformation, NASA AI/Machine Learning and the Oxford University AI Society.
