Aaron Perkins

Aaron Perkins is a cybersecurity strategist, AI innovator, and former US Army Intelligence leader with over two decades of experience in technology, defence, and strategic communications. As the Founder and CEO of Market-Proven AI, he developed the transformative HUMAN Framework, designed to help organisations integrate artificial intelligence with empathy, clarity, and purpose. His work bridges the gap between technical innovation and human connection, making him a sought-after keynote speaker on AI, cybersecurity, and leadership. Known for his engaging and practical speaking style, Aaron empowers audiences to adopt security and technology strategies that strengthen both people and performance.

Aaron’s professional journey began in the United States Army, where he served as an Intelligence Operations Manager between 2006 and 2014, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. His military career instilled in him a deep appreciation for strategy, discipline, and collaboration—principles that continue to shape his leadership today. Following his service, he completed the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy and earned a Master of Science in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship from the University of Houston-Victoria. This blend of military insight and entrepreneurial acumen laid the foundation for his transition into the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

In his civilian career, Aaron has held several influential positions, including Director of Cyber Threat Intelligence at the Retail & Hospitality ISAC and Director of Communications at the Center for Internet Security. His experience spans work with major organisations such as Google and NTT Group, and he currently teaches as a cybersecurity instructor at North Carolina State University and the University of Chicago. His expertise in threat intelligence, AI applications, and strategic communication has positioned him as a trusted voice in the global cybersecurity community. In 2024, he founded Market-Proven AI, formalising his mission to promote human-centric AI adoption through practical frameworks and leadership engagement.

Aaron is regularly invited to deliver keynotes at major industry events, including the ISAC Annual Meeting, FS-ISAC FinCyber Today, the Southeast Cybersecurity Summit, and the CDSA Content Protection Summit. He is also the author of ‘RESOLVE: A Step-By-Step Guide for Veterans Seeking to Rediscover Purpose, Meaning, and Passion in Post-Military Life’, reflecting his ongoing commitment to service and mentorship. Organisations engage Aaron as a speaker for his rare combination of technical authority, emotional intelligence, and ability to translate complex cyber and AI topics into actionable, inspiring insights.