CMMC-PNW 2026 Speaker
Michael Brooks is Director of Strategy and Engagement at A-LIGN, one of the largest C3PAOs in the CMMC ecosystem. A Lead CMMC Certified Assessor (LCCA), Cyber AB Provisional Instructor, and Cyber AB Accreditation Committee member, he has completed 100+ NIST 800-171 assessments spanning large primes with complex CAGE code environments, enterprise organizations, and small business suppliers.
A retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and Cyber Operations Officer with two prior CISO roles, Michael brings a rare combination of operator perspective and ecosystem visibility. As a Cyber AB Provisional Instructor, he teaches inside the official CCA and CCP curriculum, keeping his guidance aligned with the accredited body of knowledge. As an Accreditation Committee member, he has a forward view into where the program is heading next, not just where it stands today.
Michael also authors the “CMMC 2026: Year of Affirmation” newsletter for Affirming Officials and Defense Executives navigating the next era of CMMC, reaching a growing audience of leaders accountable for their organizations’ attestation decisions.