Natural Gas Utilities – Cyber & Physical Security Landscape

Join us for an insightful presentation featuring AGA's Vice President of Security & Operations, Kimberly Denbow, Senior Manager of Security, Amanda Sramek, and DNG-ISAC Threat Intelligence Analyst, John Bryk. John will deliver a comprehensive, unclassified briefing on cyber and physical security threats in this session. At the same time, Amanda will delve into strategies for preventing field worker assaults and enhancing physical security measures. Additionally, we'll explore the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity regulations.  With security concerns evolving rapidly, it's crucial for critical infrastructure stakeholders, especially those in the natural gas pipeline sector, to stay informed and proactive. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and actionable solutions to safeguard your organization.

Kimberly Denbow is the Vice President of Security & Operations at the American Gas Association (AGA) with over 26 years of experience. She played a key role in building AGA's security program and establishing the Downstream Natural Gas Information Sharing & Analysis Center (DNG-ISAC), where she serves as Acting Executive Director. Denbow is a liaison between the natural gas industry and U.S. government-sponsored programs focused on physical and cybersecurity operations. She has testified before Congress on cybersecurity matters. She serves on various industry and government committees, including the Oil & Natural Gas Sector Coordinating Council and the Pipeline Sector Coordinating Council. Denbow holds a Bachelor of Science in marine biology from the University of Florida and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Michigan.

Amanda Sramek is the Senior Manager of security at the American Gas Association (AGA). She is the staff executive for the AGA Natural Gas Security Committee, Physical Security Subcommittee, Cybersecurity Subcommittee, and Field Operations Committee. As staff executive, Amanda engages with the natural gas industry’s leading security professionals and government partners to advance infrastructure security – from coordinating timely workshops to standing up information sharing briefings to facilitating topical work sessions. She also coordinates natural gas field operations leaders to help the industry develop leading practices in the field. In support of AGA’s safety initiatives, Amanda leads the AGA Executive Leadership Safety Summit, AGA’s premier safety event for natural gas utility executives and safety directors. In addition, she is responsible for the development and execution of the natural gas industry’s first national Natural Gas Exercise (NGX), which allows operators to test their physical, cybersecurity, and business continuity processes.  Amanda also supports cyber policy for the AGA Cybersecurity Strategy and Regulatory Action Committee and is actively engaged in the Oil & Natural Gas Sector Coordinating Council.

John Bryk, a retired United States Air Force colonel, boasts a 30-year career spanning various roles, including Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Combat Crew Commander and military diplomat at U.S. embassies. He also served as a U.S. intelligence officer and instructor for the Defense Intelligence Agency. As a threat intelligence analyst for the Downstream Natural Gas-ISAC, Col. Bryk focuses on safeguarding North America's natural gas cyber and physical critical infrastructure. He is renowned for his presentations on human intelligence and its intersection with cybersecurity, addressing audiences domestically and internationally.

Col. Bryk holds an impressive array of qualifications, including an MBA, an MS in cybersecurity, and an MA in business and organizational security. He is certified as a counterintelligence threat analyst and a cyber intelligence professional. Furthermore, he is a charter member of the Global Counter-Insider Threat Program and serves on the governing board of the McAfee Institute. Beyond his professional achievements, Col. Bryk is recognized for his talent as a Tiki artist, with his works displayed in buildings under the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Who's Attending?

Rachel Anderson, Avista Utilities

Michael Whitby, Avista Utilities

David McConkey, Canadian Gas Association

Abbie Krebsbach, Cascade Natural Gas

Ted McCammant, Cascade Natural Gas 

Chris Strow, Cascade Natural Gs=as

Christine Reid, IBEW77

Daniel Wilson, Kaiser Aluminum - United Steelworkers Local 338

Vicki Ganow, MDU

Robert Kumpf, New Jersey Resources

Raymond Edwards, NW Natural

Donald Kewley, NW Natural

Seth Root, Oregon State Legislature

Celina Russell, NW Natural

Amy Schulties, NW Natura

Tony Hoang, NW Natural

Tom DiChr, S&P Global Commodity Insights

Dennis Walters, STARS Technology Corp.

Jason Chen, TC Energy

Taha Gazaly, TC Energy

Colton Toney, TC Energy

Matthew Vollenweider, TC Energy

Kris Taylor, Western Energy Institute