Sam Houston State University (SHSU), the Institute for Homeland Security (IHS), and the Organizing Committee of the Maritime Risk Symposium 2026 (MRS2026) announced that U.S. Navy Vice Admiral (Retired) T.J. White, Chief of Texas Cyber Command, will deliver a keynote address at this year’s event. MRS2026 will be held at LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas, U.S.A. (greater Houston-Galveston area).
Chief White, a decorated naval officer and cybersecurity strategist, brings decades of leadership experience in national security, information dominance, and cyber operations. His keynote will focus on assessing cyber vulnerabilities within maritime systems and implementing mitigation operations that ensure the continuity of global trade and logistics—even in the face of disruptions. As the maritime sector underpins the world’s economic engine, Chief White’s insights will highlight the urgent need for resilient digital infrastructures capable of defending against sophisticated cyber threats.
The MRS2026 convenes industry, academic, and government leaders to address complex challenges facing maritime infrastructure, logistics, and cybersecurity. The MRS2026 theme, Overcoming Maritime Vulnerabilities Through Private-Public-Academic Partnerships, underscores collaboration in advancing safer, more adaptable networks capable of withstanding both physical, cyber, and human factor risks within the maritime ecosystem.
“We are honored to welcome Chief White as a keynote speaker,” said Robert Crane, Co-Chair MRS2026 and Project Manager for SHSU/IHS.
“Chief White’s experience in cyber defense operations and risk mitigation directly supports our mission to keep the global maritime economy secure and moving, even when faced with potential disruption.”
