FBI Top Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence Expert to Speak at NCTA Five Pillars Security Conference.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA) is pleased to announce that Associate Executive Assistant Director of the National Security Branch of the FBI Philip Mudd will contribute his expert knowledge and experience in counterterrorism, counterintelligence and national security at next week's Five Pillars of Executive Leadership in a Non-Secure World conference in Charlotte.

This unprecedented conference will be held on Thursday, Feb. 8, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Hilton Charlotte Center City and assembles experts in the areas of contingency planning, cyber security, intellectual property protection, physical security and protecting people. Mudd will share his expertise in intelligence operations, economic espionage, as well as in-depth knowledge of international terrorism.

"Mr. Mudd's expertise is unmatched and respected throughout the world," says Joan P. H. Myers, President and CEO of NCTA. "We are honored to have him engaged with our business leadership from across the state and to help us expand our collaborative efforts in protecting corporate and national security assets."

Mudd was appointed to his current position by FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III in August 2005. Prior to his arrival at the FBI, he served in high-ranking capacities with the CIA and was Deputy Director of the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) Counterterrorist Center, where he was responsible for overseeing operational, analytical, and support programs. Mudd was recognized with the Director's Award in July 2004 for his leadership, extraordinary fidelity, and essential service by the Director of Central Intelligence. He also has received the William L. Langer Award for his deep substantive expertise and outstanding talents as a leader, the CIA's Distinguished Intelligence Medal and the George H. W. Bush Award for Excellence in Counterterrorism.

Other featured speakers at the conference include international espionage expert and best-selling author H. Keith Melton; David Szady, senior vice president, Perot Systems Government Services and former assistant director for counterintelligence for the FBI; Chris Swecker, senior vice president, global security executive for Bank of America; Gary Gardner, director of security of NASCAR; Steve McOwen, senior manager security systems, Cisco Systems; Microsoft Corporation's Senior Security Strategist Kai Axford; Dr. Bill Chu, chairman of the Department of Software and Information Systems at UNC-Charlotte; N.C. Public Health Preparedness Director Dr. Julie Casani; Mecklenburg County Health Director Dr. Wynn Mabry; Special Agent in Charge Russell Nelson, of the Secret Service; and Nate Gray, Special Agent in Charge-FBI Charlotte, will give opening remarks.

About NCTA: The North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA) is a not-for-profit, membership-driven trade association and the primary voice of the technology industry in North Carolina. NCTA is the intersection of leadership and technology, fueling the growth of North Carolina through Executive Engagement, Public Affairs, and a Knowledge Workforce. For more information, visit our website at www.nc-tech.org.