One of Mr. Church’s primary practice areas is civil rights claims and government defense. He has successfully defended municipalities and their employees against: Constitutional claims, employment disputes, personal injury accidents, land-use appeals, and premises liability claims (“slip and fall”). In addition, Mr. Church provides training to governmental entities and their officers regarding the Utah Governmental Immunity Act, Section 1983 claims, and other liability related topics.

With over 25 years’ experience defending government entities against personal injury claims of all kinds, Heather has a particular passion for defending police officers against complaints asserting the deprivation of civil rights. These matters include premises liability involving roads, sidewalks, water meters, swimming pools, cemeteries, playgrounds, or recreational centers.

Mauricio Velásquez is the President of Diversity Training Group (DTG) in Herndon, VA. Mauricio serves as a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) strategist, consultant, trainer, sexual harassment prevention trainer, respectful workplace/toxic employee trainer, employee engagement/trust trainer, executive coach, mentoring trainer, expert witness, and assists organizations with “winning the war for talent” and “being employers of choice.” He is a leader in the risk-management, culture-change business. 

Agent Scott Pugmire began his career with the Utah Highway Patrol in 2009. He worked as a trooper in Utah County and at the Utah State Capitol. At the beginning of 2015, he transferred to the Utah State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and worked on the Alcohol Enforcement Team. Later in 2015, he transferred to the SBI Cyber Crime Unit which is embedded with the Salt Lake City FBI Cyber Task Force. Agent Pugmire has been full-time on the FBI Cyber Task Force since 2015. Agent Pugmire investigates various kinds of computer-enabled crimes including business email compromise, cyberstalking, and computer intrusions. Agent Pugmire graduated from Weber State University with a master’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2014.

Debbie Johnson is an IT Project Manager for the Utah Department of Operations Technology Services Division where she works in the Cyber Center on the City/County Outreach Team. She works to inform local entities of cybersecurity resources available to them and with legislators to address the needs in addressing cybersecurity for the state and locals. She previously worked for the Utah Department of Public Safety as legislative liaison where her work included addressing issues related to cyber crimes. She most recently worked for the Utah Division of Purchasing where she was a liaison to local entities and vendors who were on state contract.

Mallorie Nielsen is a Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst with the Utah Statewide Information and Analysis Center (SIAC). Mallorie has worked in the intelligence field for over 14 years and enjoys being able to work with both the public and private sector. The SIAC acts as a liaison between local and federal partners to facilitate information sharing about cyber threats facing Utah. Mallorie also works on the Governor’s Cybersecurity Commission, which seeks to promote cybersecurity awareness, information sharing, and provides resources to Utah-based entities. She is certified in Security+ and has the GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence certification as well.

Brandon Crowther Presentions