IIC USA Chapter – Submarine Cables: Security, Resiliency, Investment and Innovation to Support Global Connectivity

Bryce R. Schoenborn serves as the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Security and the Director of Economic Security Policy at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In these roles, he leads the Department’s work safeguarding U.S. national and economic security against foreign threats arising in the context of foreign investment and involvement in critical supply chains. His team manages all aspects of DHS participation in both the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and Team Telecom. In addition, Bryce leads DHS efforts to ensure the security and resilience of subsea fiber-optic communications networks, protect advanced U.S. technology from foreign adversary exploitation, and address emerging threats against critical ICT supply chains.

Prior to his federal service, Bryce worked in the private sector as a national security risk analyst supporting both DHS and the Department of Defense on CFIUS and Team Telecom. Bryce received his bachelor’s degree in international studies from Dickinson College and holds a master’s degree in international politics from American University.

Evelyn Remaley is a recognized leader in the government and private sectors, leading efforts focused on the intersection of technology and national security policy, broadband expansion, cybersecurity, and spectrum management.  Evelyn advises her clients on strategy, program management, and advocacy, transforming complex technical and regulatory matters into actionable solutions.  Her decades of experience provide unique insight to communications and technology companies attempting to navigate today’s evolving legal and regulatory environment.

Evelyn is a Partner at Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP.  Prior to joining WBK, Evelyn served as Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and Acting Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.  At NTIA, Evelyn led a team of experts providing senior policy guidance to the Secretary of Commerce and the White House on government priorities, including broadband funding to close the digital divide, supply chain risk management, privacy, the free flow of information, encryption, spectrum, and the Internet of things.  As a leader in government, she helped to advance access to innovative communications services and enhance trust and safety in the digital economy.

Prior to her work within the federal government, she led a Cybersecurity and Internet Policy Team at Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, VA.  Evelyn also worked for a leading Internet service provider in its Internet Privacy and Security Federal Practice and spent time deploying the Internet across communities through her work with public libraries. She has a B.S. from Carnegie Mellon University and a J.D. from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.

Bio coming soon …..

Ian Dillner is an Associate General Counsel at Verizon with over 25 years of experience on telecommunications regulations. In his various roles at both Verizon and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), his professional work has included substantial focus on consumer issues, broadband, and FCC international licensing matters.

Johannes Bahrke is Counselor for Digital Policy at the EU Delegation to the United States in Washington DC. Prior to his posting, he was European Commission Coordinating Spokesperson for digital policy, research and innovation in Brussels. He accompanied notably the proposal, negotiation, and implementation of the Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act, the Artificial Intelligence Act, and the EU Chips Act. Before joining the EU Institutions end-2014, Johannes worked as a managing editor for German national TV ZDF. Johannes studied media and communications in Siegen, Germany, and London, UK, and holds an MA in European political studies from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium.

Savannah P. Schaefer is a Partner at Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP in Washington, D.C., where she advises clients on complex issues at the intersection of telecommunications, cybersecurity, and digital policy. With a deep understanding of emerging technologies and regulatory frameworks, she helps organizations navigate evolving legal landscapes related to supply chain risk management, data governance, and critical infrastructure security.

Prior to joining the firm, Savannah served as Senior Director for Advocacy at a prominent technology trade association, leading national policy initiatives on cybersecurity and supply chain security. She has also played a key role in government-industry collaboration, serving as Secretary of the Information Technology Sector Coordinating Council, a member of the Communications Sector Coordinating Council, and co-chairing a working group within the Department of Homeland Security’s ICT Supply Chain Risk Management Task Force.

Savannah earned both her J.D. and B.A. from the University of Colorado. She brings a strategic, forward-thinking approach to her work, helping clients stay ahead in a rapidly changing digital environment.