When budgets stall but cyber threats don’t, every decision matters. How do you push your program forward without opening new gaps?
In this live panel, cybersecurity experts Ross Youngdale of Phoebe Health and Stuart Samples of Northeast Georgia Health System will share their strategies for managing within budget constraints in their hospitals. Moderated by Fortified’s Russell Teague, the conversation will be candid, practical, and grounded in real-world experience.
You will also have the chance to actively participate in the discussion by asking your own questions and hearing directly from peers who are solving these challenges every day.
Inside the Discussion
- How hospital leaders are addressing budget constraints without creating new security gaps
- Real-world examples of low-cost strategies that strengthen programs and protect patients
- Peer insights with live Q&A in a candid, interactive discussion
About the panel
Russell Teague
CISO
Fortified Health Security
With over 20 years of experience, Russell Teague’s expertise spans Information Security across industries such as Healthcare, Pharma, Financial, Retail, Technology, and more. A U.S. Army Intelligence veteran, he has held senior leadership roles, including CSO and CTO, and worked with top cybersecurity service providers. Russell has consulted with the White House on the National Cybersecurity Healthcare Strategy, contributed to key publications, and has been a prominent voice at major industry events, including Blackhat, HIMSS, and CHIME.
Ross Youngdale
System Director of Technical and Security Services
Phoebe Health
With over 32 years of IT experience, including 25 years in healthcare, Ross Youngdale leads technical and security services at Phoebe Health. A former US Marine Corps Sergeant and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Ross has a deep understanding of healthcare IT systems. He holds an MBA in Healthcare Administration and is dedicated to advancing cybersecurity in healthcare.
Stuart Samples
CTO
Northeast Georgia Health System
Stuart Samples serves as CTO at Northeast Georgia Health System, where he oversees systems architecture, IT security, cloud, communications, and biomedical device teams. He leads technology strategy to strengthen resilience and advance patient care across NGHS’s five hospitals and 100+ clinics. Stuart holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of West Georgia and founded Alpha Team K9 Search & Rescue, where he also serves as Chairman of the Board.