NAWC Announces Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery as Keynote Speaker for Cybersecurity Symposium

August 14, 2025
Distinguished National Security Expert to Address Cyber Resilience for Nation’s Water Systems

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 14, 2025) – Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, a renowned national security and cyber policy expert, will be the keynote speaker at the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC)’s upcoming virtual Cybersecurity Symposium. The symposium will be held on September 11, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET.

Rear Admiral Montgomery serves as the Senior Director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation and is a Senior Fellow at FDD. He is also the Executive Director of Cybersolarium.org, a non-profit that works to implement the recommendations of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, where he was Executive Director from 2019 to 2021. He previously served as Policy Director for the Senate Armed Services Committee under the leadership of the late Senator John S. McCain. His distinguished 32-year career in the U.S. Navy included assignments as Director of Operations at U.S. Pacific Command and Commander of Carrier Strike Group 5.

“The security of our nation’s water systems is a matter of economic and national security, and NAWC members are deeply committed to protecting this vital resource,” said Robert F. Powelson, NAWC President and CEO. “We are honored to have Rear Admiral Montgomery, a distinguished expert with decades of experience, share his perspective with our members. His keynote will undoubtedly be a highlight of our Cybersecurity Symposium as we work collaboratively to tackle the most pressing cyber challenges facing our industry.”

The symposium will bring together industry leaders to address the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the critical importance of safeguarding the water and wastewater systems that are vital to communities across the country. As the Senior Director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), Rear Admiral Montgomery will provide invaluable insights into the practical steps needed to strengthen cyber resilience across America’s critical infrastructure.

Event Details:

  • What: NAWC Cybersecurity Symposium
  • When: Thursday, September 11, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET
  • Where: Virtual Event
  • Registration Link