Meet the Speakers at ACS


Thomas MatyókDr. Thomas Matyók

Associate Professor in Public Safety at MGA

Dr. Matyók is an Associate Professor in the Doctor of Science in Public Safety graduate program and executive director of the Joint Civil-Military Interaction (JCMI) research and Education Network. Tom has taught Conflict Prevention, Management, and Resolution at universities in the United States and Germany. Dr. Matyók has also taught military peace leadership in Professional Military Education settings at Army and Air Force senior service colleges. He has led seminars in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. Prior to academia, Tom was a career Infantry officer with assignments throughout the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. He is presently a Professor of Human Security at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies where he leads advanced leadership seminars.

Dr. Matyók conducts high-impact, policy-relevant studies regarding the strategic environment, its principle strategic challenges, and the relative balance of national, regional, and human security. Tom was a Fulbright Senior Scholar at the University of Konstanz in Southern Germany, a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the U.S. Army War College, and a visiting research professor at the U.S. Army Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI). His research and outreach responsibilities at PKSOI were in the areas of strategic policy and securing U.S. interests in an era of persistent irregular and hybrid conflict. Dr. Matyók served as executive director of the U.S. Air Force Negotiation Center (AFNC). While at AFNC, Dr. Matyók researched the role of negotiation in the military across the Interagency and introduced the concept of Military Negotiation. Most recently, Dr. Matyók taught Military Peace Leadership at the Ivan Chernyakhovsky National Defense University of Ukraine.


Adam HamAdam Ham, CISSP

Chief Technology Officer - Georgia Public Safety Training Center

Adam Ham is the Chief Technology Officer at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC). With over two decades of experience, Adam has worn many hats, starting as a database administrator and working his way up to his current role. Leading a team of IT professionals, Adam focuses on the smooth operation of various technical aspects, including applications, infrastructure, audio-visual systems, and printing services. His journey from the ground up reflects his dedication to the Training Center's mission of delivering innovative public safety training.

Adam has survived multiple cyber attacks during his career and is working to mature the cyber security program at GPSTC. Adam recently obtained his CISSP certification and is currently studying for his CEH certification. Adam's strategic vision and hands-on experience enable him to guide his team in effectively supporting the diverse technological needs of public safety.


Christopher HarveyChristopher Harvey

Element Chief, 402 SWEG/MXDXXB at RAFB

Christopher D. Harvey currently serves as Element Chief with the 402nd Software Engineering Group (SWEG) at Robins Air Force Base. With over 15 years of experience in software engineering, cybersecurity, and program leadership, he has successfully guided multi-million-dollar F-15 and C-17 operational flight program initiatives, managed complex cybersecurity compliance efforts, and implemented process improvements that optimize mission execution.

Mr. Harvey holds a Master of Science in Software Systems from Mercer University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Albany State University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Science in Information Technology at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø. His professional credentials include APDP Level 3 – Engineering, ISC² Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP), and CompTIA Security+. A multiple recipient of Performance and Notable Achievement Awards, he is recognized for his ability to deliver robust, cost-effective solutions that strengthen warfighter readiness and advance Air Force capabilities.


Will HarpWill Harp

IT Director - Jones County Government

Will Harp has served as the Director of Information Technology for the Jones County Board of Commissioners since 2009, following his initial appointment to the county in 2007. A native of Macon, Georgia, Will earned his Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Macon State College in 2007.

With a strong foundation in network administration, Will has led numerous initiatives to modernize and secure the county’s IT infrastructure. In 2019, he further advanced his professional development by completing the Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) program through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, equipping him with specialized knowledge in public sector IT leadership and governance.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Will enjoys spending time outdoors and actively supports his two daughters in their various activities, alongside his wife, Amy. His dedication to both his career and family reflects a balanced commitment to service, leadership, and community.


Karen OchoaDr. Karen Ochoa

Assistant Professor in Teacher Education at MGA

Karen Ochoa is an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø, where she also serves as the Assessment Coordinator for the Teacher Education program. With over 20 years of experience in the field of education, Dr. Ochoa brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to preparing future educators. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Research and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master’s in Elementary Education from William Carey University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies/Pre-Law from the University of West Florida. Her interdisciplinary academic background enriches her approach to teaching and research, blending analytical rigor with a deep understanding of educational practice.

Now in her third year at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø, Dr. Ochoa continues to contribute to the advancement of teacher education through innovative curriculum development and strategic assessment practices. She is a member of the state-level task force working to create an Artificial Intelligence for Educators Endorsement in Georgia, reflecting her commitment to integrating emerging technologies into educational frameworks. Her leadership and forward-thinking initiatives position her as a key figure in shaping the future of teacher preparation in the region.


Ben HubbardBen Hubbard

Manager of Technology Infrastructure, Flint Energies

Ben Hubbard serves as the Manager of Technology Infrastructure at Flint Energies, where he oversees the strategic planning, implementation, and maintenance of the organization’s IT systems. With nearly 13 years of experience in the Information Technology field, Ben brings deep expertise in systems administration, networking, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.

Throughout his career, Ben has earned several respected industry certifications, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) from ISC2 and the Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) from EC-Council. These credentials reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of security and ethical responsibility in the digital space.

In addition to his role at Flint Energies, Ben is an Adjunct Instructor at Central Georgia Technical College’s School of Business and Computer Technologies. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of IT professionals and sharing his real-world experience in the classroom.

Ben is dedicated to continuous learning and innovation, and he remains actively engaged in advancing technology solutions that support operational excellence and cybersecurity resilience.


Siggy TettehSiggy Tetteh

Chief Technology Officer - Robins Federal Credit Union

Sigismund (Siggy) Tetteh has over 28 years in the Information Technology (IT) field, 22 years in HealthCare IT. In March of 2021, he joined Houston Healthcare’s executive leadership team as the Vice President and Chief and Information Officer. He is responsible for the oversight and management of the health system’s (IT) areas in planning corporate growth and coordinating the strategic plan with the development of IT systems. This includes:

  • Developing state of the art comprehensive information strategy.
  • Collaborating with the medical, nursing, and administrative leadership to develop and implement systems/programs that support operations, and improve cost effectiveness, service quality, and business development.
  • Overseeing telemedicine, the telecommunications and network services, and all clinical and financial IT systems.
  • Meeting all regulatory guidelines for information management and proactive identification of strategies to meet future needs of the health system.
  • Serves as the HIPAA Security Officer over all Cybersecurity.
  • He also serves on several boards including three college IT advisory boards and the Boys Scouts of America’s Explorer board.

Siggy enjoys road cycling, playing ping pong and tennis, listening to audiobooks, volunteering, and traveling with his family in his spare time. He has a BBS in Information Technology from 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø and an MBA from Georgia College & State University’s J. Bunting College of Business. He is a member of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) - Certified Healthcare CIO and Certified Digital Health Executive (CDH-E). He is also a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt for Healthcare.


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