#174: Jack McCain & Tim Roemer - National Security from State to Local Governments
In this never-before-seen, closed-door only recording from the 2024 TechTables Phoenix Live Podcast, Navy veteran Jack McCain, CEO of Blue Sky Vantage, and former Director of Homeland Security and State CISO Tim Roemer & Chief Security Officer at GMI, reveal the alarming reality of how hostile nations are targeting our local communities with cyber attacks.
You'll learn practical steps your agency must take now to avoid devastating consequences when an attack inevitably strikes.
Don't miss this powerful episode on safeguarding your citizens from growing nation-state actors.
------
Before we get into this week’s podcast, I wanted to give a special shout-out to TechTables podcast sponsors: SentinelOne, Verizon, and SAP.
SentinelOne: Transforming state security with AI-powered solutions. Protecting 15,000+ endpoints across 25 agencies.
Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure or click here: https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers
Verizon Frontline: The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.
Check out the solutions built for first responders or click here: https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/
SAP: Driving digital transformation in cities like Copenhagen. See how they’re making digital strides.
Download the Case Study Now or click here: https://www.sap.com/documents/2021/02/10c410bc-cc7d-0010-87a3-c30de2ffd8ff.html
🔖 Timestamps
00:35 - Jack McCain's journey from Navy helicopter pilot to CEO of Blue Sky
01:20 - How Blue Sky connects allies with strategic US industries
01:50 - Tim Roemer’s background in cybersecurity and homeland security
05:52 - The motivations behind Jack and Tim's service
07:03 - Insights from Vicki Mayo on rescuing Afghan women during the U.S. withdrawal
08:30 - Jack and Tim discuss the biggest international threats to public safety
09:58 - The impact of nation-state actors on local cybersecurity defenses
12:14 - Proactive steps to mitigate cyber threats in local and state governments
16:06 - How Blue Sky and GMI are aiding governments with secure technology solutions
20:01 - The interplay between global threats and local cybersecurity measures
21:10 - Leadership principles from Jack McCain's expansive career
23:41 - Quick-fire questions: Final Four predictions, leadership book recommendations, and best local Mexican cuisine in Arizona
⭐️ Leave a Review
If you enjoy listening to the podcast, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and let us know who you want to see next on the podcast in your review. Thanks!
You can also Tweet us on @thejoetoste and tell us what lessons you learned from the episode so we can thank you personally for tuning in 🙏🙏
🔗 Connect with TechTables
- LinkedIn TechTables https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/
- LinkedIn - Connect with Joe! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/
- Twitter https://twitter.com/thejoetoste
- Website https://www.techtables.com/
To hear more, visit www.techtables.com
🎥 Upcoming Live Podcast Tours
1. 2026 IGNITE Powered by Info-Tech LIVE - Austin, TX - Sept. 17th-18th
If you’re an IT leader in Austin, Houston, or nearby, Info-Tech’s got complimentary tickets with your name on them (just DM me I’ll be there). IGNITE is getting past the AI hype and into the real questions CIOs are wrestling with: how to get your people actually using AI, what the shift from “employee in the loop” to “employee on the loop” looks like, and how to budget when the costs keep moving up.
→ Ready to join the conversation in person? Email joe@techtables.com
2. 2026 EDUCAUSE - Denver, CO - Sept. 30th - Oct. 1st
Returning for a third year in partnership with Carahsoft, and we could not be more excited. TechTables heads to Denver to celebrate the leaders, the stories, and the work shaping the future of higher education!
→ Ready to join the conversation in person? Email joe@techtables.com
Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:
1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter
Thanks for reading TechTables! Get early access to new episodes, insights, upcoming events, and more — straight to your inbox.
Join now: https://www.techtables.com/
2. 🤝 Are you a local government CIO who wants to become a better leader?
Check out our high-trust, vendor-free peer group built for local government CIOs tackling real challenges, honest conversations, and an authentic desire to become a better leader — our next retreat is November 4th-6th in Austin, TX!
Learn more → https://techtables.com/communities-local-government
3. 🤝 The Better Together Series
The narrative-driven series bringing together industry partners and public sector CXOs. Discover the compelling stories that unfold when we stop working in silos and start building together.
»»» Email joe@techtables.com to learn more.
