AFCEA INNOVATION SHARK TANK Series
March 6, 2019

---

AFCEA International is sponsoring a series of Innovation Shark Tank events where companies can pitch their capabilities to a panel of government and nongovernment technology experts. Topics can range from artificial intelligence to digital transformation to cybersecurity to any great idea. If you've nearly perfected an innovation or business process that would revolutionize technology procurement or you've thought about starting your own business, this is your chance to get advice from experts. Participating in the Innovation Shark Tank is a great way to hear from experienced entreprenuers and other business professionals as well as to gain visibility through the ongoing webcast on TV Worldwide. Each episode features six companies that each have five minutes to give their pitch.

---

Innovation Shark Tank Judges

Maria Horton	CISSP-ISSMP, Cloud Essentials, IAM Chief Executive Officer of EmeSec Cmdr. Maria C. Horton, USN (Ret.), is a recognized cybersecurity and compliance expert with hands on experience. She has presented information at conferences about cloud, FedRAMP, CUI, IoT and cybersecurity. She serves as a mentor to other small business start-ups providing real world feedback, encouragement and industry advice. Horton has published articles with Bloomberg News, SC magazine and the Huffington Post. In 2017, she joined Government Matters TV as a regular guest commentator addressing cyber, CUI and the due diligence implications for SMBs. Her company is one of 43 FedRAMP Third Party Assessment Organizations and holds four ISO certifications. EmeSec was awarded a Silver Stevie Award and a Gold Golden Bridge award for its #SimplifyCUIservices capability in 2017. While serving in the US. Navy, Horton was the CIO of the National Naval Medical Center, now known as the Walter Reed Military Complex. Read more...
Steve Rixse	VP Sales- Co Founder Ridgeback Network Defense Steve brings more than 25 years of demonstrated success in driving market expansion and revenue growth as a leader with large companies as well as startups (Digital Equipment, Sterling Software, Platinum Technology, GemStone / VMWare, Global Knowledge).  Over his sales career, Steve has delivered close to $100M in software enterprise sales, both in Commercial and Federal sectors.  Steve is well versed in selling cutting edge technologies to enterprises including His background includes in-memory processing, cyber, real time detection and mission critical system development. Steve holds a BS in Economics and MBA both from Virginia Commonwealth University and is an active member of the Hagerstown Community College cyber advisory board.  Steve is based out of Washingtion DC. Read More...
Bill Sheridan	NGA (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency)