Dr. Faisal Kaleem, a distinguished Professor of Computer Science and Cybersecurity at Metro State University, is a nationally recognized leader in cybersecurity education, research, and workforce development. With a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Florida International University, he has over 25 years of experience as an educator, researcher, and advocate. As the founder and Executive Director of MNCyber, Dr. Kaleem has positioned Minnesota as a hub for cybersecurity innovation and collaboration. He has secured multi-million-dollar grants from organizations such as the NSA, NSF, and DoD to advance cybersecurity education and research, while also shaping national standards as a mentor for the NSA’s NCAE-CD program and an ABET evaluator. Dr. Kaleem’s contributions, including the establishment of the MN Cyber Range and Metro State Applied Innovation Institute, have significantly enhanced Minnesota’s cybersecurity landscape. An award-winning educator and visionary leader, Dr. Kaleem brings his expertise to the MN National Security Ecosystem board, where he is committed to addressing emerging cybersecurity challenges and fostering a resilient, diverse workforce.