Donnie Wendt

Dr. Donnie Wendt is a cybersecurity expert, author, and educator specializing in the secure and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence. With more than 30 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity, he helps organizations understand how to safely integrate emerging technologies into real-world operations.

He currently serves as a Cybersecurity Lecturer at Columbus State University, where he teaches applied cybersecurity and AI security. Prior to academia, Wendt spent nearly two decades as a Principal Security Researcher at Mastercard, focusing on emerging threats, security automation, and AI-driven defense strategies in the financial services industry.

As the author of "The Cybersecurity Trinity: AI, Automation, and Active Cyber Defense and AI Strategy" and "Security: A Roadmap for Secure, Responsible, and Resilient AI Adoption," Wendt focuses on translating complex technical concepts into practical, real-world strategies. His work emphasizes what AI can do, where it can fail, and how organizations can manage the risks effectively.

Wendt’s presentations are known for being clear, engaging, and grounded in real-world experience. He equips audiences with actionable insights that help them confidently navigate AI-driven technologies while maintaining trust, security, and operational integrity.