Cyber Fusion 2026

Virginia Military Institute will host the 9th annual Commonwealth Cyber Fusion and Virginia Cyber Cup Competition, a state-wide collegiate cyber security competition in Lexington, Va., from Feb. 20 to 21, 2026.

The annual invitation-only event, organized by VMI’s Center for Leadership and Ethics, and co-sponsored by the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) and Virginia Cyber Range, is open to Virginia colleges and universities that are designated National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.

Activities will include:

• Job fair and employer panel
• Industry speakers
• TechDuels debate
• Networking dinner
• Half-day capture-the-flag style cyber competition

The job fair and employer panel will take place on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.

Visit the Cyber Fusion 2026 website to learn more.

Keynote Speaker

Pat McShea, Executive Director for CACI’s Cyber Mission Operations, began his career in the Navy, where he discovered a passion for Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)—more specifically Electronic Intelligence (ELINT)—and spent a decade afterward as an NRO contractor, developing a passion for intelligence collection and data. He later stepped outside the intel community to join America Online during the dial‑up era, gaining valuable experience in analytics, software development, engineering project management, and early team leadership. 

He eventually returned to his roots in the intel community through a small consulting firm, where he refined the core skills of professional consulting: engaging clients, thinking critically, and solving problems with discipline.

For the past 12 years at CACI—10 of them as a program manager and now executive director—he has led a major cybersecurity program supporting the intelligence community. He manages a team of more than 200 talented professionals who consistently exceed expectations through their mission focus and can‑do mindset.

If you’re interested in being a sponsor at Cyber Fusion, contact VMI’s Kim Connolly at connollykv@vmi.edu.