David Epperson serves as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at H2O.ai, bringing a career that spans military service, federal cybersecurity leadership, and AI-driven security innovation. With experience in Homeland Security, cyber operations, and AI ethics, David now leads efforts to develop AI solutions that prioritize explainability, security, and trust, particularly for government and highly regulated industries. His work at H2O.ai focuses on making AI more transparent, accurate, and reliable in cybersecurity and beyond.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- How H2O.ai is making AI explainable and trustworthy
- The importance of third-party AI validation for ethical AI use
- Why AI in cybersecurity requires transparency and accountability
- David’s journey from military operations to AI security leadership
- Challenges in transitioning from federal security to the private sector
- How cybersecurity professionals can thrive in an AI-driven world
- The role of AI in government compliance and decision-making
In this episode…
David Epperson’s career has been anything but ordinary. After 20 years in the military and another two decades in federal cybersecurity, he transitioned into the private sector, bringing his expertise to H2O.ai, an AI company that emphasizes trust, accuracy, and security.
David shares how H2O.ai differs from traditional AI companies by focusing on open-source AI models, hiring the world’s top data scientists, and ensuring AI is explainable, which is a critical factor for government and enterprise adoption. He discusses the challenge of third-party AI validation, where competitors validate AI models to ensure fairness, accuracy, and transparency.
Transitioning from a structured federal environment to a fast-paced private sector was both exciting and challenging for David. He reflects on the differences in leadership, stability, and decision-making between government agencies and AI startups. He also highlights the importance of corporate culture in cybersecurity, explaining how great companies are defined not just by their products but by how they treat their employees and clients.
Finally, David shares valuable advice for cybersecurity professionals looking to navigate AI-driven security landscapes. He emphasizes that there is no single path to success in cybersecurity and AI, and that curiosity, adaptability, and integrity are key.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Matthew Connor on LinkedInCyberLynx
David Epperson on LinkedIn
H2O.ai Website
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