Next Program - 22 October 2025 - Register Now!
Join us for the 4th Annual Cocktails & Codebreakers!
The evening will feature an engaging discussion between ADM Michael Gilday, USN (Ret.), 32nd Chief of Naval Operations, and Frank Cilluffo, director of Auburn University’s McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security. Admiral Gilday commanded multiple destroyers, led Carrier Strike Group 8, and directed operations for both U.S. Cyber Command and NATO’s Joint Force Command. He has been awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star. Frank Cilluffo brings decades of expertise in cybersecurity, national security, and critical infrastructure, ensuring a compelling and insightful discussion.
We are also thrilled to feature Tom Fanning, Retired Chairman, President & CEO of Southern Company, as our keynote speaker. Under his leadership, Southern Company advanced clean, safe, and reliable energy, launched the first new U.S. nuclear generation unit in a generation, and invested over $20 billion in low- and no-carbon energy. Fanning also serves in critical national security and cybersecurity roles, including co-chair of the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC) and member of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission.
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ADM Michael Gilday, USN (Ret.), 32nd Chief of Naval Operations -
Frank Cilluffo, Director - Auburn University’s McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security -
Tom Fanning, Retired Chairman, President, & CEO of Southern Company
Register today to join this exclusive evening of insight, conversation, and networking with leaders shaping defense, cybersecurity, and energy. Sponsorship opportunities are available to showcase your organization alongside this distinguished lineup.
Registration is open with individual tickets available at $225 per ticket. Several sponsorships options also remain available. Click the button below to register and to view available sponsorships.
Date: Wednesday, 22 October 2025
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm EST
Where: The Hotel at Arundel Preserve, 7795 Arundel Mills Blvd, Hanover, MD 21076
Please see below for links to recap pages for prior Cocktails & Codebreakers events.
THANK YOU to our 2025 SPONSORS!
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Carahsoft - Title Sponsor -
Google Public Sector - Bar Sponsor -
IBM - Goodbye Gift Sponsor -
Nightwing - Registration Sponsor -
Amazon Web Services (AWS) - Crypto Sponsor -
SIMS Software - Cyber sponsor -
Tower Federal Credit Union - Cyber Sponsor -
COPT - Cyber Sponsor -
MANTECH - Host Committee
Prior Cocktails & Codebreakers Events
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The 3rd Annual Cocktails & Codebreakers event - co-hosted by the National Cryptologic Foundation (NCF) and the Intelligence and National Security Foundation (INSF) celebrated "Men and Women in Cryptology" and featured a Fireside Chat with Mr. Harry Coker Jr., White House National Cyber Director and Gen Timothy D. Haugh, USAF, Commander, U.S. Cyber Command; Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service. A second Fireside Chat featured Mr. Montel Williams, military veteran/retired cryptologic officer (US Marines & Navy), actor & motivational speaker. Both Chats were moderated by Mr. Steve Scully, journalist and host & anchor of "The Briefing with Steve Scully" on Sirius XM POTUS 124. The program also included special awards for two NCF Ambassador Program educators and a book signing by National Cryptologic Museum Director Vincent Houghton, PhD. Click on the event title or photo for the Recap Page.
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The 2nd Annual Cocktails & Codebreakers event - co-hosted by the National Cryptologic Foundation (NCF) and the Intelligence and National Security Foundation (INSF) celebrated "Men and Women in Cryptology" and featured a Fireside Chat with guest speakers The Honorable Ronald S. Moultrie, Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security (USDI&S) and GEN Paul M. Nakasone, Commander, U.S. Cyber Command; Director, National Security Agency; Chief, Central Security Service. Our Fireside Chat was moderated by Greg Myre, NPR National Security Correspondent. Author Jason Fagone also joined us and signed copies of his book about Elizebeth Friedman. Click for the Recap & Photos page.
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The 2022 program honored women codebreakers and coincided with the U.S. Postal Service release of a special Women Cryptologists of WWII forever stamp. The event featured special guests Ms. Kemba Walden, the first Principal Deputy National Cyber Director, Office of the National Cyber Director and Mr. Bill Nye, an American science educator and inventor. See a full recap of the 2022 program - including photos and video.
Overview
In 2022, the National Cryptologic Foundation (NCF) and the Intelligence and National Security Foundation (INSF) co-hosted the inaugural Cocktails & Codebreakers event in Maryland. The goal of this special annual event is to pay tribute to cryptologists and codebreakers - acknowledging our rich cryptologic history and its impact on cybersecurity today.
