Avascent's Stephen Ganyard and Christopher Meissner at the 9th US-Japan CIP Forum

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - Dec 9, 2013) - On December 4th, Stephen Ganyard and Christopher Meissner of Avascent participated in the 9th Annual US-Japan Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Forum, organized by the Vanderbilt University Center for US-Japan Studies and Cooperation.

Mr. Meissner, a Senior Associate at Avascent, opened the forum with a talk covering a US cyber incident case study. Focusing on lessons learned, Meissner discussed how they might be applied to protect industrial control systems, where few incidents have occurred, but where the threat is large. "The overarching lesson from the multitude of cyber incidents around the world is that international cooperation, like that between the US and Japan, has never been more important."

Mr. Ganyard, a Principal at Avascent, and a leading voice on Japanese-American cooperation in Aerospace and Defense helped to facilitate this event, and commented that "as cyber threats to both the Japanese public and private sector grow, this is an exciting time for industry as opportunities in the Japanese cyber market are set to greatly expand."

The forum took place on December 4-5 at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington, DC.

Christopher Meissner, Senior Associate at Avascent, specializes in growth strategies for technology companies operating in government driven markets. Chris has deep expertise in a range of high technology markets, including: cyber, intelligence and classified markets, data analytics, cloud computing, data center consolidation, border security and related defense and homeland security markets. In over 75 projects with Avascent, Chris has advised systems integrators, technology companies and their financial sponsors on identifying and capturing opportunity in these highly distinct markets. Chris' work played a key role in developing the growth strategies of over a dozen leading cyber providers in the federal market. Chris is a graduate of Georgetown's Walsh School of Foreign Service and The George Washington University (summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa).

Stephen Ganyard, Principal at Avascent, directs international market strategy development and execution, political strategy and risk management, as well as business development and capture support for Avascent's clients. His primary focus is on Asian markets. He previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs where he was responsible for a budget of more than $5 billion related to global political-military programs, strategic political-military planning, and cross-cutting political-military policy issues. A former U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilot, Ganyard is a graduate of Northwestern University and the Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).

ABOUT AVASCENT

Avascent (www.avascent.com) is the leading strategy and management consulting firm serving clients operating in government-driven markets. Working with corporate leaders and financial investors, Avascent delivers sophisticated, fact-based solutions in the areas of strategic growth, value capture, and mergers and acquisition support. With deep sector expertise, analytically rigorous consulting methodologies, and a uniquely flexible service model, Avascent provides clients with the insights and advice they need to succeed in dynamic customer environments.

For further information, contact: Ms. Christine Vargas at press@avascent.com.