Joel Scharlat is an XR and cybersecurity executive with over 20 years of leadership and management experience. Joel currently serves as the Director of Operations for Cyber Bytes Foundation, a nonprofit based in the DC region, and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of IVEA Consulting. For the Foundation, Joel works closely with the Board of Directors to set the strategic vision and strategy of a start-up organization focused on education, innovation, and outreach programs for cybersecurity and emerging technologies like XR, 5G, AI, and Zero Trust. IVEA Consulting focuses on providing cybersecurity services to companies with AR and VR technologies, services, and infrastructure. He is the Principal Investigator on a grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop natural authentication methods for First Responders using AR headsets. He holds a Master’s of Science degree from The Naval Postgraduate School where he researched using immersive virtual environments to influence people’s behaviors. He continues to research influence operations, privacy, and security issues associated with immersive environments. Joel is retired from the United States Marine Corps after 20 years of service.