Events
GPI-BAU Talk Series: The Evolution of IT & Cybersecurity: Past, Present, and Future
On Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM (EST) the Global Policy Institute (GPI) and Bay Atlantic University (BAU) held a talk titled “The Evolution of IT & Cybersecurity: Past, Present, and Future” via Zoom and in-person at BAU.
Our guest speaker, Mr. Marshall Tracy, delivered a dynamic session exploring the evolution of IT and Cybersecurity, beginning with the foundations of information technology and moving through key milestones that have shaped the digital world as we know it. The discussion also looked toward the future, focusing on emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, current challenges in the field, and what lies ahead for the next generation of technology professionals.
Speaker
Marshall Tracy is a seasoned cybersecurity strategist and technology leader with over two decades of experience protecting digital environments and driving innovation in high-stakes settings. A two-time Chief Information Security Officer, he leads the development of advanced security solutions that integrate cutting edge technology with practical risk management strategies.
In addition to his executive roles, Marshall is committed to shaping the next generation of cybersecurity talent. He has served as a teaching assistant for courses in Security, Privacy, and Usability at Harvard and sits on the Board of Directors for the Maine Cybersecurity Cluster at the University of Maine.
Known for bridging deep technical knowledge with strategic vision, Marshall has built a reputation for turning complex challenges into actionable outcomes. As a passionate advocate for AI driven security, he offers valuable insights into how autonomous AI agents are poised to transform threat detection and response, making him a compelling voice for professionals navigating the future of digital defense.
Moderators
Dr. Zelalem Mengistu is a distinguished cybersecurity expert with over 18 years of experience in the field. He currently serves as a Senior Cybersecurity Advisor and Subject Matter Expert for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Since 2020, Dr. Mengistu has also been an Associate Professor of Cybersecurity at Bay Atlantic University (BAU) in Washington, D.C., where he teaches in the Information Sciences and Engineering Department. His significant contributions to cybersecurity include a robust portfolio of research publications, many of which have been featured in the prestigious ACM Journal.
Gregory Ching-Fai Liu is the Director of Distance Education at Bay Atlantic University and serves as an instructor in Information Technology and Cybersecurity. He holds a Master of Science in Information Technology and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Marymount University. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Information Technology, further deepening his expertise in the field.
With extensive experience in IT and cybersecurity, Gregory brings both academic and practical knowledge to his teaching. His focus includes Information Security Management and its broader applications within the cybersecurity landscape. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys reading and staying active through sports, both as a player and a fan.
