Thought Leaders Conference 2025

Date:
October 28th, 2025 | 8:30am to 3pm CT

Location:

SHSU - The Woodlands Center: 3380 College Park Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77384

Registration Fee:
$49

Why Attend?

Join top minds in national security, business, and critical infrastructure protection at the IHS Thought Leaders Conference – Hall of Fame Speakers Series. This year’s theme, “Are CSOs and CISOs Really Prepared for Success?” challenges conventional thinking around leadership in high-stakes environments. Speakers will talk about challenges they faced during their tenure and ways they set their organizations apart from the rest in difficult situations.

From emerging threats to boardroom expectations, this event brings together executives and practitioners to explore what it truly takes to lead in the security domain of tomorrow.

What to Expect:

  • Inspiring keynotes from respected voices in security and leadership.

  • Expert discussions on real-world challenges and strategic foresight.

  • Networking opportunities with peers across public and private sectors.

  • Actionable insights you can take back to your organization immediately.

  • Sponsor Contact Email Address
    IHS@ihsonline.org

    Mohit Chanana


    Chief Information Security Officer

    Mohit Chanana Picture

    Mohit Chanana is the CISO in the Business Transformation organization at Chevron Phillips Chemicals. In his role, he oversees a comprehensive enterprise-wide information security program that spans governance, risk, regulatory compliance, and threat and incident response.
    Chanana has over 30 years of experience in the field of Information Technology, including cybersecurity and data privacy. Since joining CPChem in 2008 as a senior security analyst and advancing to his current position in 2011, Chanana has been a driving force behind the establishment and growth of a robust corporate cybersecurity program.
    Chanana considers one of his key accomplishments at CPChem to be transforming cybersecurity from a mere technical concern into a strategic business enabler. His ability to align security initiatives with core business objectives has garnered support from stakeholders across the organization, from the control room to the boardroom.
    Beyond his professional commitments, Chanana is an active member of esteemed organizations, including FBI InfraGard and the Cybersecurity Subcommittees of American Fuels &nmp; Petroleum Manufacturers and American Chemistry Council. He holds an active security clearance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and has been a distinguished guest lecturer and active speaker at security events, sharing his expertise with the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
    An academic at heart, Mohit holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from New Delhi, India, an advanced degree in computer science and a certification in project management. He is married to his beloved wife, Deepali, and together they have two children: an 18-year-old son, and a 16-year-old daughter. In his personal life, Mohit enjoys racket sports, has a passion for cooking and cherishes the art of teaching mathematics and computer science. A former professional badminton player, he brings a disciplined and strategic approach to both his professional and personal life.

    Dave Komendat


    Partner/Chief Security Officer
    Corporate Security Advisors

    Dave Komendat Picture

    Dave Komendat concluded his Boeing career as the vice president and chief security officer for The Boeing Company in 2022, a role he held for 14 years of his 39 years within the security profession. Komendat was responsible for the company’s global security and fire protection policy and procedures, site security, executive protection, supply chain and aviation security, structural and aircraft fire protection, government and proprietary information security, classified cyber security, strategic intelligence, international security, business continuity and disaster preparedness, Global Security Operations Center, and security background investigations.
    Komendat was also the lead Boeing interface for both national and international security policy engagement with government and industry advisory groups. He represented Boeing and the US private sector as past co-chairman and current Senior Advisory Group committee member for the Domestic Security Alliance Council, past president and board member for the International Security Management Association and served as a member of the Threats and Information Committee for the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
    Dave Komendat is now a partner and the Chief Security Officer for Corporate Security Advisors (CSA), a security risk management consultancy.
    Dave also holds board leadership roles with non-profit organizations whose missions are to protect people globally, including The Security Foundation and Hostage US. In 2018, Dave received the Director’s Award for Exceptional Public Service by FBI Director Christopher Wray and supports the FBI as a Special Engagement Advisor.
    Komendat graduated from California State University at Long Beach with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice specializing in industrial security and is a graduate of the executive development program at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

    Kirsten Meskill

    Kirsten Meskill Picture

    Kirsten has over 20 years’ experience in corporate security preceded by service in the US Army. She previously led the corporate security programs at Bed Bath & Beyond, BASF Corporation, Kraft Foods &nmp; Mondelez International, and served with the Philip Morris and Altria security departments.

    Scott Whelchel


    Chief Security Officer, Global Director ES&S

    Scott Whelchel Picture

    Scott Whelchel is the Chief Security Officer & Global Director for Emergency Services and Security (ES&S) at Dow, a position he assumed in May 2017. Scott leads the Corporate Crisis Management System and crisis prevention efforts. He serves on the Dow Operations Leadership Team, Manufacturing Cybersecurity Steering Committee, Enterprise Architecture Review Board, is managing sponsor of Dow Veterans' Network, sponsor of the Global Site Leader Network, Past-Chair of the Chemical Sector Coordinating Council and Vice Chair of the Critical Infrastructure Cross-Sector Council.
    Whelchel joined Dow in 2012 as the site ES&S leader at St Charles Operations and joined Dow’s ES&S expertise team to focus on corporate crisis management team support and planning, key personnel and special event security, and Dow compliance with regulations established by the US Department of Homeland Security and US Coast Guard Maritime Transportation Security Act.
    Prior to joining Dow, Whelchel was the Director for St. Charles Parish Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Whelchel worked in the U.S. Intelligence Community for over 24 years in both a military and civilian service capacity. During his intelligence career, Whelchel served as Senior Intelligence Officer for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and Counterintelligence Officer for the Department of Defense in the Federal Civilian Service in Washington, DC. Whelchel's military service assignments included Counterintelligence Operations Officer and Special Agent-in-Charge during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, High-Yield Explosive (CBRNE) Operations Officer and Intelligence Officer/Analyst.
    Whelchel is a member of the International Security Manager's Association, the FBI/DHS Domestic Security Alliance Council, and ASIS. He is Past-President of the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Association and member of the National Guard Association of the United States. He holds a bachelors’ degree in anthropology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and has completed The Wharton School/ASIS Security Executive Development Program at the University of Pennsylvania and the FBI Domestic Security Executive Academy.

    Dr. William Wilkins


    Executive Director Project Execution & Maintenance

    Dr. William Wilkins Picture

    Dr. William Wilkins began his security career as a USAF K-9 law enforcement officer, assigned to U.S. Secret Service Presidential support missions and U.S. Customs counternarcotic operations. He later served as NCOIC of Investigations and supported Air Intelligence operations – specializing in threat analysis and security vulnerability assessment modeling. A decorated serviceman, he received multiple commendations to include an Air Force Achievement Medal for heroism.
    Dr. Wilkins has worked at Valero Energy for over two decades and served in virtually every security role. Starting his career as a Security Services Officer, he was promoted throughout the organization – working in business intelligence, technical projects, regional security operations, commercial construction, and international security before assuming the role of Executive Director, Global Security & Construction Management. Today, as the head of Project Execution & Maintenance Dr. Wilkins is responsible for establishing, promoting, and directing project/program initiatives representing over $60MM in annual capital. With over 30 years in the security field, Dr. Wilkins is a court-certified subject matter expert in security policy development, technology deployment, and regulatory compliance. Dr. Wilkins graduated with honors with a B.A. in Justice Administration, followed by an MBA in Project Management, and completed his Doctorate in Organizational Management at Wayland Baptist University, where he continues to serve on the Advancement Council Board. A prolific international speaker and writer, Dr. Wilkins has provided industry and university lectures on subjects ranging from security technologies, international supply chain risks, and project management. William currently serves as the Chair Emeritus of the U.S. State Department’s Overseas Advisory Council Energy Security Committee and supports several non-profits throughout San Antonio focused on the arts and education.