Dr. Daniel Ford Joins CUGI as Peer-to-Peer Moderator: A Leader in Cybersecurity and Growth

The CU Growth & Innovation Summit (CUGI) is proud to announce that Dr. Daniel Ford, Chief Information Security Officer at Jovia Financial Credit Union, will be joining the event as a Peer-to-Peer Moderator. A respected leader in the cybersecurity space, Dr. Ford brings more than 20 years of experience in information security, risk management, and cyber resilience.

At a time when credit unions face growing digital threats, Dr. Ford’s session will offer attendees valuable insights on safeguarding financial institutions without sacrificing innovation. Join him at CUGI 2025 to gain actionable cybersecurity strategies tailored for credit union growth.

About Dr. Ford’s Session: Practical Cybersecurity for Growing Credit Unions
As credit unions expand digital services, they are exposed to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. The challenge? Securing institutions effectively without overextending resources.

Dr. Ford will moderate the peer-to-peer session, “Practical Cybersecurity Strategies for Growing Credit Unions,” where industry leaders will discuss real-world approaches to:

✅ Managing Cyber Risk While Scaling Operations – How to enhance security without restricting growth.
✅ Preventing Fraud & Cyber Attacks – Best practices for mitigating phishing, ransomware, and insider threats.
✅ Compliance & Innovation – How to integrate new AI-driven security tools and cloud banking solutions while ensuring regulatory compliance.
✅ Building a Cyber-Aware Culture – Training and leadership strategies to foster long-term cyber resilience.

This session is interactive, designed to encourage open discussions between credit union executives, security professionals, and compliance leaders. Attendees will walk away with practical, real-world strategies that can be implemented immediately.

About Dr. Daniel Ford: A Leader in Cybersecurity & Lifelong Learning
Dr. Daniel Ford isn’t just focused on today's cybersecurity threats—he's preparing for tomorrow’s challenges. His leadership philosophy is built on continuous learning, ensuring that his teams at Jovia Financial Credit Union remain one step ahead of evolving risks.

“If you classify yourself as a lifelong learner, you tend to retain 60%–70% of knowledge over time,” says Dr. Ford. “Additionally, if you classify yourself as a lifelong teacher, you tend to retain 90%+ of the knowledge.”

His Background & Expertise
Cybersecurity Leadership – Dr. Ford has worked with leading organizations like McAfee and Unisys, developing risk management and fraud prevention strategies for financial institutions.
Academic Excellence – Holding a Doctor of Science (DSC) in Information Assurance, a BS in Computer Science, and an MBA, Dr. Ford blends technical expertise with business acumen to build strategic, scalable security solutions.
Martial Arts & Discipline – A black belt in multiple martial arts and a one-stripe blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Dr. Ford applies the principles of discipline, adaptability, and resilience to his cybersecurity approach.
Entrepreneurial Spirit – Beyond cybersecurity, he co-founded Dragon’s Mouth Distillery, where he crafts award-winning spirits, and he runs a popular YouTube show, discussing leadership, security, and personal growth.
With over two decades of experience in cybersecurity, Dr. Ford’s mission is not just to secure organizations but to empower professionals to be better equipped for the future.

Join Dr. Ford & Other Industry Leaders at CUGI 2025
The CU Growth & Innovation Summit is the premier event for credit union executives, technology leaders, and security professionals looking to stay ahead of cyber threats and drive digital transformation.

📅 Date: April 1-2, 2025
📍 Location: Oak Brook, IL
🔗 Register Now: https://www.cugrowthsummit.com

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Dr. Daniel Ford and other top cybersecurity experts. Secure your spot today!