Utilities form the backbone of public life in New York. Power generation, transmission, water systems, and energy infrastructure depend on highly available operational technology environments where cybersecurity is inseparable from public safety and economic stability. Leaders in this sector must balance IT modernization, OT protection, regulatory compliance, and real-time operational resilience.
Samuel Sanchez — Director of Cyber and Information Technology Security, RWE
Samuel Sanchez leads cyber and IT security at RWE, following prior leadership roles at Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses. His experience spans incident response, security operations, endpoint protection, vulnerability management, and risk assessment. With a background in both utilities and financial services, he brings a strong operational lens to securing renewable energy and clean energy infrastructure environments.
Kevin Gilbert — Chief Information Security Officer, National Fuel Gas Company
Kevin Gilbert is an experienced Chief Information Security Officer with expertise spanning cybersecurity, disaster recovery, crisis management, emergency management, and physical security. His multidisciplinary background reflects the reality of utility security, where cyber, physical, and operational risks intersect and must be managed cohesively to protect critical infrastructure.
Kenny Yau — Director of Cybersecurity Operations, Con Edison
Kenny Yau leads cybersecurity operations at Con Edison, bringing deep experience in incident management and security operations across utilities, aviation, retail, and consulting environments. His background includes global incident response leadership and cybersecurity assurance, reinforcing real-time operational defense capabilities for one of New York’s most critical energy providers.
Dan Wasley — Deputy Chief Information Security Officer and Senior Director of Cyber Security Operations, New York Power Authority
Dan Wasley has progressed through multiple security and real-time systems roles at the New York Power Authority, culminating in his position as Deputy Chief Information Security Officer. His experience spans security architecture, infrastructure monitoring, and cyber operations within power generation and grid environments—where operational continuity and system integrity are paramount.
Dave Aubertine — Director of Information Technology and Cybersecurity, Erie County Water Authority
Dave Aubertine leads IT and cybersecurity for the Erie County Water Authority, overseeing infrastructure and security for essential water systems. With a strong technical and architectural background, he combines operational leadership with deep problem-solving expertise to maintain resilient, secure municipal utility systems.
Teller-Kanzler Jeri — Director of Cybersecurity, AVANGRID, Inc.
Teller-Kanzler Jeri brings two decades of experience in information security, privacy, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. Her leadership emphasizes risk-based program development, strong governance frameworks, and alignment between cybersecurity strategy and enterprise objectives within complex energy and utility organizations.
Securing Critical Infrastructure for Everyday Life
Cybersecurity in utilities extends far beyond data protection. It safeguards grid reliability, clean water delivery, renewable generation assets, and industrial control systems that millions depend on daily. These leaders demonstrate how strong governance, disciplined operations, and OT-aware security strategies protect public trust and ensure uninterrupted essential services across New York.
Explore how cybersecurity leadership extends into talent development in our feature on Cybersecurity Leaders to Watch in the State of New York’s Professional Training & Coaching Industry.