July 8 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
This event will be recorded. By attending, you consent to being recorded and to the possible use of audio, video, and images for promotional purposes.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
- Time: 1:00-2:30 AZ time
- Location: Virtual (link provided upon registration)
- Cost:
- Free for Peoria Chamber Members
- $20 for Non-Members
Event Description
AI is moving fast—and businesses are under pressure to keep up.
But adopting AI without the right approach can introduce new risks, from data exposure to security gaps most organizations don’t even realize exist.
In this ACT Committee session, cybersecurity expert and educator Melanie Thomas an Adjunct Professor in the University of San Diego’s Master’s in Cybersecurity Operations and Leadership (CSOL) program, VP of Cybersecurity at Bridgepointe Technologies, will break down what AI really means for your business—and how to move forward safely.
This session is designed for business leaders, not technical specialists.
You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of:
- Where AI creates real risk (and where it doesn’t)
- How to adopt AI without exposing your business
- What practical steps you can take right now to stay secure
- How to balance speed, innovation, and protection
Why Attend
If your business is exploring—or already using—AI, this session will help you move forward with confidence instead of uncertainty.
Speaker Section
Melanie Thomas
Vice President of Cybersecurity, Bridgepointe Technologies
Adjunct Professor, University of San Diego (CSOL Program)
Speaker Bio
Melanie Thomas is an Adjunct Professor in the University of San Diego’s Master’s in Cybersecurity Operations and Leadership (CSOL) program. She also serves as Vice President of Cybersecurity at Bridgepointe Technologies, where she helps organizations strengthen their security posture while adopting emerging technologies.
At the University of San Diego’s Melanie teaches courses in blue team operations, cyber law and policy, enterprise security architecture, and secure software design.
A strong advocate for community impact, she serves in leadership roles with multiple nonprofits and sits on the Board of Directors for BSides San Diego, working to expand access to cybersecurity education and resources.
Host
Eric Noble
Chair, ACT Committee
Peoria Chamber of Commerce
Business IT Solutions Professionals
