We are pleased to have assembled some of the top talent in the security field to personally instruct your chosen courses, guide you on your career path, and give you live presentations of hacking techniques, security concepts and more. Here is just a small sampling of the talent being showcased at ChicagoCon 2007:

• Carol Balkcom - Carol has 15 years in software marketing and development, starting with computer games and NEC’s cool but short-lived TurboGrafx-16 videogame system in the late ‘80’s. In recent years she moved to the computer-based testing business, and is currently Product Manager for the CompTIA Security+ and RFID+ exams. Her presentation about CompTIA’s annual security research, while describing the key findings, is also designed to engage participants in open (anonymous) dialogue about how security policy is, or is not, preached and practiced in their own organizations.

• Evan Blomquist - We're excited to have Evan teaching you the fundamentals of Linux. Not only because Linux is important in the security field, but also because Evan literally wrote the book on the subject, Linux for Dummies (Now on v7 for which he is a contributor). Evan Blomquist started his IT career in 1983 as a programmer. In the mid 90's he was introduced to the Linux operating system and subsequently became a passionate advocate in the use of free/open source software for corporate IT solutions. He went on to earn recognition as the worlds first Certified Linux Trainer (SAIR Linux Certification), developed, reviewed, and edited many Linux courses, and conducted classes for technical instructors worldwide on best practices for Linux training.

• David Bonewell, CISSP, CISA, ISSEP - David A. Bonewell is an information security trainer and consultant, drawing upon 29 years of experience in information systems management, project management, and physical and information security training. He is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and an Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (ISSEP). He has held positions with the US Army Special Operation Forces, Booz│Allen│Hamilton, AT&T, Teradata /NCR Corp and Deloitte & Touche LLP. He complements these capabilities with years of experience as a physical security specialist, gained during his time with the US Army Special Forces. He recently contributed to the book, Information Security Management Handbook.

• Matt Brussel, MCSE 2003, A+Net+ Instructor - Matt Brussel has been an IT consultant for over 20 years and a technical trainer for over 10 years. In addition to leading the actual training, Matt also contributes to the course content and exam prep study guides. Before his training career, Matt worked as an IT consultant in Portsmouth, RI. He current has over 60 Technical Certifications including Microsoft MCT, MCSE 2003, Novell Master CNE Novell / NT Integration, Novell CNE and CNA NetWare 5.0/4,11/3.12 Cisco CCNA, CompTIA A+, Network+, I-Net+, CTT+ (Written).

• Brian D'Andrea, MCSE 2003, Security+, CCNA, CCDA - Brian worked for Hewlett Packard as the Senior Advanced Configuration Specialist and Team Lead. As a consultant Brian also was a Senior Support Specialist for Customer Premise Equipment for FIRSTUSA Bank, Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania, and University of Pennsylvania Hospital. Over the past 4 years, Brian has been instructing students on the knowledge to start new careers as Computer & Network support specialist and helping them better their lives.

• Richard Deal - Richard teaches many classes and has over 15 years of experience in the computing and networking industry, including networking, training, systems administration, and programming. Richard has written the following networking books: CCNP BCMSN Exam Cram 2; CCNA Secrets Revealed!; Cisco PIX Firewalls; CCNP: Remote Access Exam Prep; CCNP: Switching Exam Cram; CCNP: Cisco LAN Switching Configuration; and Cisco Router Firewall Security. See all of his books here.

• Donald C. Donzal, CISSP, MCSE 2003, CEH, Security+ SME - Founder of the Digital Construction Company and Editor-In-Chief of the Ethical Hacker Network (EH-Net) and Certified Security Professional(CSP Mag). He is also the creative force behind ChicagoCon.

• Keatron Evans, CISSP, MCSE:Security, CEH, CHFI - With more than 11 years experience in IT security, Keatron has worked in several capacities in the IT security industry. He regularly engages in consulting and training for several intelligence community agencies. He recently received the EC-Council Instructor Excellence award. Keatron has attained several industry credentials including CISSP, CEH, CHFI, CWNA, MCSE:Sec, and several other government specific certifications. Keatron is currently President and Chairman of a Chicago based Security Consulting firm. His work in E-voting security is considered cutting edge.

• Chris Gates, CISSP, CEH, CPTS, GCIH  - Ethical Hacker Network Columnist and Operations Manager for http://www.learnsecurityonline.com/ and consultant for Aura Software Security. He also serves as a student mentor and course developer for LSO. Chris has over six years of experience with telecommunications and network security serving in various jobs in the U.S. Military.

• Daniel V. Hoffman, CISSP, CEH, CWNA - Affectionately known as the Wireless Guru, Dan has vast experience designing and implementing mobile workforce security solutions for Fortune 1000 companies as well as small to medium sized businesses.  He is also a respected presenter at various computer security events where he is known for his live hacking demonstrations. His first book, Blackjacking, was just published by Wiley.

• Steve Kalman, CISSP - Author of the Cisco Press book, Web Security Field Guide, Mr. Kalman is a seasoned professional with over thirty years experience. Since so much of Computer Security is based on law or forensic evidence’s requirements, his main strength is his combination of legal and technical skills. Mr. Kalman is widely sought after as an author, instructor, forensic examiner and expert witness.. He teaches courses on Cisco, Microsoft, ECH, CHFI et al. He was recently featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer for his teaching acumen.

• Jack Koziol - Senior Instructor and Security Program Manager at the InfoSec Institute and a provider of advanced ethical hacking training. He regularly is called upon to train members of the United States intelligence community, military, and federal law enforcement agencies. Additionally, Jack provides training for Fortune 500 companies, such as Microsoft, HP and Citibank on how to better secure their networks and applications.  Jack has appeared in USA Today, CNN, MSNBC, First Business and other media outlets for his expert opinions on information security. Jack is the lead author of The Shellcoder's Handbook.

• Andrew Whitaker, CCSP, MCSE, CEH et al - Director of Enteprise InfoSec and Networking for the Training Camp, where he performs penetration tests and teaches ethical hacking and Cisco courses. He has been working in the IT industry for more than 10 years, specializing in Cisco and security technologies, and has performed penetration tests for numerous financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies. Andrew is the lead author of Penetration Testing and Network Defense by Cisco Press.
• Brian Wilson - With over 12 years experience in IT starting with a tour in the United States Army, this Ethical Hacker Network Columnist has worked in and out of the US Government in many different organizations and technical roles including a stint as a Cisco Certified Instructor. Currently he works for one of the largest US broadband providers (ISP) as a Senior Data/Voice Engineer supporting over 3 million High Speed Internet/ VoIP subscribers. He has attained a number of industry credentials covering many aspects of IT including CCNA, CCSE, CCAI, MCP, JNCIA, Network+, Security+, and many DoD Certifications. He also uses his knowledge of IT to benefit a number of charitable organizations.
• D’Sunte L. Wilson, CCNA, PMP - After receiving the Chapter Member of the Year at University of Buffalo National Society of Black Engineers, D'Sunte went on to become an expert in many programming languages and database platforms. He also formed a successful business that is rated among the top ten Minority Business Enterprises in Los Angeles County in information technology. He now does a number of training projects for such high profile clients as Boeing, Unisys, and Xerox. BTW - You better to be ready to work as he also finished the Rhode Island Marathon.