Brett T. Williams is a retired Major General of the United States Air Force, renowned for his extensive leadership in cybersecurity and military operations. He served as the director of operations for U.S. Cyber Command from July 2012 to June 2014, where he led a team of over 400 personnel responsible for the defense of Department of Defense networks and the execution of offensive global operations. His military career is marked by significant roles, including director of operations at U.S. Pacific Command, where he managed a staff of more than 1,300 Airmen and civilians, and inspector general for Air Combat Command, overseeing all U.S.-based combat flying organizations.
Williams’s operational leadership is highlighted by his command of the 18th Wing in Okinawa, Japan, the largest combat wing in the Air Force. In this role, he was responsible for managing relationships with Japanese leaders and executing a budget exceeding $100 million to support over 25,000 U.S. service members and their families. As an accomplished F-15C fighter pilot, he has logged over 3,700 flight hours and participated in more than 100 combat missions across various operations, earning accolades such as the General and Mrs. Jerome F. O’Malley Award in 2009.
After retiring from the Air Force, Williams co-founded IronNet Cybersecurity, Inc., where he serves as president of operations, training, and security. His expertise in cybersecurity has made him a sought-after speaker, appearing on major networks like NBC and ABC, where he simplifies complex cybersecurity concepts for corporate leaders. He also conducts cyber-risk training seminars and serves on several advisory boards, including the Duke University School of Nursing.
As a leading voice in cybersecurity, Williams bridges the gap between technical teams and senior executives, empowering organizations to understand and address the evolving cyber threat landscape. His engaging presentations provide actionable insights, helping businesses implement effective cybersecurity strategies and fostering collaboration between technical and business professionals to combat cyber threats effectively.