Ashish Khot is the founder and CEO of TechnoMile. A seasoned entrepreneur and skilled technologist, for more than 2 decades, Ashish has helped to create and grow successful technology companies. Prior to starting TechnoMile, he ran a successful consultancy tailoring Salesforce CRM to the needs of federal contractors. Before that, he co-founded and provided product and engineering leadership at uKnow.com (acquired by Bark Technologies) and Cruise.com, as well as served as a technology executive at buySafe, Inc.

Ashish holds an MS from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Mumbai. He has a passion for helping entrepreneurs and mentoring them to successfully launch and grow businesses.

Charles S. Phalen has five decades of security experience, including 16+ years leading programs at four agencies and a defense firm.

He was first director of DCSA (2019-2020), merging OPM's background investigation program with DOD's Defense Security Service into a ~12,000-person agency. He led the National Background Investigations Bureau (OPM), 2016-2019, overseeing vetting for 100+ agencies. From 2011-2016, he was VP of Corporate Security, Northrop Grumman, leading security worldwide.

Prior to 2011, in his 30 years of federal service he served as Director of Security, Central Intelligence Agency; Assistant Director, Security Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief, Protective Programs Group, CIA Office of Security; Executive Officer, CIA Office of Security; Center Chief, CIA Office of Facilities and Security Services; and Chief, Facilities and Information Security Division, National Reconnaissance Office.

Dave has over 39 years of diversified executive leadership and advisory experience in addressing complex and dynamic geo-political high risk operating conditions. He has overseen global security and protection operations, site security, executive protection, supply chain and aviation security, structural and aircraft fire protection, government and proprietary information security, strategic intelligence/Insider threat, international security, business continuity and disaster preparedness, crisis management, merger and acquisition security and risk management assessment and integration, security technologies and the Global Security Operations Center. He also has experience in environment health and safety, information technology and facilities management. Dave is the Chief Security Officer for CSA.

Donald Blersch has over 35 years of deep public sector experience, with 18+ years of  Senior Executive level experience, developing, implementing, and advising on technology-led programs to address the nation’s top global security challenges. With multi-agency experience, including NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Office of the Director of  National Intelligence (ODNI), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic  Security, he led the implementation of technology innovation while advising the executive leadership bench on a wide range of security disciplines, enabling the department to  meet vital national security responsibilities with a well-vetted and trusted workforce, hyperfocused on the protection of sensitive, classified information.

Stephanie Kostro became President of the Professional Services Council (PSC) on June 11, 2025, guiding PSC's strategy, advocacy, and member engagement. She previously served as EVP for Policy, leading PSC's policy team. With over 20 years in government and industry, she is a recognized executive, commentator, and policy expert on procurement, acquisition, and public-private partnerships.

Before joining PSC in 2021, Kostro was a Principal at a government relations firm, developing policy strategies for global clients, working with civilian, defense, diplomatic, and intelligence officials and congressional committees.

From 2010-2015, she was a senior fellow and director of the Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Program at CSIS. She was also a State Dept. contractor at U.S. Embassy Baghdad, then senior staff and policy director on the House Armed Services Committee (2005-2008). At the Pentagon (1998-2005), she worked across OSD, the Joint Staff, and overseas.