ASIS NSW International Women’s Day Lunch

Dr Sarah Morrison, Director and Co-Founder, Morrisec 
Sarah’s background in cybersecurity is both extensive and diverse. Commencing her career as a developer, Sarah has a background in Criminology, has served as an investigator in fraud and corruption for government agencies, managed IT and security risk as part of her tenure at one of Australia’s top 4 banks, provided cybersecurity services to a multitude of clients and managed teams responsible for GRC consulting. Most recently, Sarah served as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Australia’s largest ASX-listed cybersecurity company before opening her own cybersecurity company, Morrisec, in February 2023 where she sits as Co-CEO.
In addition to her industry experience, Sarah has contributed to the advancement of the field through her university research and continued teaching in cybersecurity and data transformation as part of MBA degree programs.
With a PhD in Russian Information Operations, Sarah has a deep understanding of threat actors and their motivations. This knowledge, coupled with Sarah’s extensive real-world experience, spanning over two decades, gives her a deep understanding of how different types of threat actors can affect your business, their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), and how to protect against them.

Annalese Ryan, Protective Security Risk and Governance Manager, Ausgrid
Annalese began her career as a NSW Police Officer, before transitioning to the security industry in 2022.
Beginning her security journey at Australia’s most iconic location, the Sydney Opera House, Annalese held the position of Security Risk and Resilience Manager. In this dynamic environment, she was incredibly supported to learn, build, and grow, with access to numerous opportunities that allowed her to develop both personally and professionally. Mid last year, Annalese was approached in relation to an exciting opportunity at Ausgrid. After careful consideration, the opportunity aligned perfectly with her career goals, and she commenced a new role as Protective Security Risk and Governance Manager. Annalese has been focusing on all aspects of the security of critical infrastructure in this new role. An avid learner, Annalese holds a Master Degree in Security and Counter Terrorism, a Master Degree in Intelligence Analysis, and Graduate Diploma in leadership and Management.
Outside of her professional life, Annalese is a busy mum to two energetic boys who share her love for travel, beach days, football, and maintaining an active lifestyle. Annalese shows that with determination and purpose, women can thrive both personally and professionally. Her journey serves as a reminder that embracing change can lead to incredible development and success in all areas of life.

Tamara Davies, GM, Head of Compliance, Certis Security
Tamara is an Executive with over 20 years experience in driving culture change across governance, legal, risk, compliance and WHS.   Her Executive experience has been in both Privately owned and multinational companies.  She has a deep understanding of how to take any business on a journey of governance and transformation in risk and governance.  Tamara reduces the risk for businesses through culture change.  For Tamara, it is not about a checklist or desk top exercise.
She is an accomplished Executive and a proven sound board to CEOs and an active Board member over her 20 years.  Tamara remains active in advising and consulting Executive stakeholders and clients at the CEO level pro-bono.  Through Executive leadership positions and as a qualified lawyer she has delivered measurable outcomes and significant risk reduction within business and through mergers and acquisitions

Georgia Elias, Graduate Associate Consultant, Mercury Information Security Services
Georgia is an Associate Consultant in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) at Mercury Information Security Services rapidly making her mark in the security industry. With a Bachelor’s degree in Security Studies from Macquarie University, her journey has been defined by determination and a proactive approach to the field. Passionate about fostering the next generation of security professionals, Georgia actively participates in industry discussions aimed at breaking down barriers for young talent. She advocates for hiring practices that look beyond experience, emphasising the value of investing in emerging professionals who will shape the future of security.
Driven by a strong interest in conflict and international security, Georgia is dedicated to strengthening both national and cyber security. She has already demonstrated leadership potential by driving internal process improvements and continuously expanding her expertise through industry challenges and events. She has attended key security conferences, including BSides and the Australian Cyber Security Summit, and recently spoke at the PSG Conference on the importance of empowering the next generation in security.
An active member of professional organisations such as ASIS International NSW Chapter, Georgia is committed to mentorship and innovation in the field. Her forward thinking approach and dedication to continuous learning position her as a rising leader, ready to make a lasting impact in the evolving security landscape.