Director, McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security
cilluffo@auburn.edu

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Chief Operating Officer
nick.sellers@auburn.edu

Nick Sellers is Associate Director and Chief Operating Officer at the McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security.  In this role, he oversees the day-to-day execution of all McCrary Institute efforts including Applied Research & Services, Policy & Partnerships, Communications & Media and Finance & Administration.  

A 20-year veteran of the energy and electric utility industry, Nick joined Alabama Power in 2003 where he held executive management positions both at Alabama Power and Southern Company including leadership of Business Origination, Project Management & Construction, Division Vice President, and Vice President of External & Regulatory Affairs. Prior experience includes serving as Senior Advisor for Policy & Economic Development to the Governor of Alabama. 

After earning his undergraduate from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, Sellers went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the Birmingham School of Law.  

Project Coordinator – McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security
beadle@auburn.edu

Communications Director
bright@auburn.edu

Deputy Director for Research
jzc0105@auburn.edu

Jason Cuneo has operational experience as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer and technical expertise as a cybersecurity practitioner successfully developing and implementing cybersecurity solutions in support of organizational requirements. Mr. Cuneo has successfully managed numerous cybersecurity-focused teams supporting defensive cyber operations, cyber training, network security training exercises, system vulnerability identification and mitigation, and development of cybersecurity policy.

Mr. Cuneo has successfully supported numerous government organizations implementing technical and policy solutions including the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center, Missile and Space Intelligence Center, Software Engineering Directorate, Army Research Laboratory, Program Executive Office Missiles and Space, Redstone Test Center, and the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, National Computer Forensics Institute, Federal Transportation Authority, and Metropolitan Transportation Authority. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the United States Military Academy, a M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and an M.S. in Computer Science from Auburn University. He holds professional certifications including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CompTIA PenTest+, CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst+, CompTIA Security+.

Southern Company Executive in Residence for Electric Grid Security
McCrary Institute Senior Fellow
jeg0089@auburn.edu

Executive producer, McCrary Institute
dkauffman@auburn.edu 

Don Kauffman joined the McCrary Institute in 2024 as executive producer. After two decades in television news production and leadership roles, he now leads media production for the institute. Originally from Utah, Kauffman traded the mountains for Maryland’s green landscapes in 2018. Just before joining McCrary, he led a team of reporters covering policy and events at Capitol Hill, the White House and Pentagon. 

Kauffman studied communications at Brigham Young University and later earned an MBA there in 2016. Known for his adaptability and dedication to accurate reporting, Kauffman is a seasoned professional, applying those skills to deliver on the Institute’s vision of building awareness of the profound impact cybersecurity has on the world around us.

Executive Assistant, McCrary Institute
hjl0007@auburn.edu

Hudson Liverance graduated from Auburn University in 2017 with a major in Visual Media Studies and a minor in Music. He spent the next six years in Los Angeles interning for Conan O’Brien and working as an executive assistant at Paramount Pictures. At the beginning of 2024, Hudson and his wife, Tori, headed for the east coast and settled in Washington, D.C. He now serves as the executive assistant at the McCrary Institute, assisting the director and supporting the rest of the team.

His three greatest passions are film, music, and Auburn Tiger football.

Deputy Director, Applied Research and Services
tzs0062@auburn.edu

A native of Oxford, Ala., Tucker graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Software Engineering. Following graduation, Tucker joined the Depart of Defense (DoD) via Threat Systems Management Office (TSMO) as a Government Civilian serving as a Red Team Lead for Adversarial Assessments. After working for the Government, Tucker spent time as a DoD contractor in Huntsville, Ala. as a pentester/systems engineer. Tucker has also spent time as a Team-Lead for the Threat Intelligence Team at the National Cyber Security Operations Center (NCSOC) in Huntsville. Tucker joined the McCrary Institute in October 2023, coming from Quantum Research International, Inc. Currently, Tucker serves as the McCrary Institute’s Deputy Director, Applied Research and Services and enjoys conducting Threat Intelligence, OSINT, and Threat Hunting in his free time. He resides in Madison, Ala.

Kauffman studied communications at Brigham Young University and later earned an MBA there in 2016. Known for his adaptability and dedication to accurate reporting, Kauffman is a seasoned professional, applying those skills to deliver on the Institute’s vision of building awareness of the profound impact cybersecurity has on the world around us.

Michael is recent graduate from Auburn’s Harbert College of Business with a focus in Finance. He comes with experience working in the U.S. House of Representatives, Auburn University’s Board of Trustees Office and served as a student leader on the Student Government Association where he assisted with university wide initiatives, contracts, and policy.

Michael plays a key role in supporting the Institute staff, relations, outreach, and events.

Deputy Director, Policy & Partnerships
whitmjm@auburn.edu 

Dr. Joshua Whitman joins the McCrary Institute as Deputy Director of Policy and Partnerships, bringing over 20 years of public policy experience. In this role, he will oversee the Institute’s cybersecurity policy strategies, facilitate stakeholder consultations, produce policy publications, and establish strategic partnerships to further the organization’s mission. Dr. Whitman has led teams and spearheaded initiatives across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. A skilled relationship builder and communicator, he is well-equipped to collaborate across industries to advance the Institute’s policy influence. Dr. Whitman’s passion for the mission and diverse policy expertise make him a strong addition to the leadership team.

Senior financial administrator, McCrary Institute
kry0005@auburn.edu 

Kenneth Young serves as the senior financial administrator, managing financial compliance, administration, and resource allocation for all operations of the McCrary Institute.

Young earned his Master of Accountancy from Southern Utah University and is a licensed CPA. With prior experience working for the Utah House of Representatives, the Michael O. Leavitt Center for politics and public service, the Utah state auditor’s office, and the Auburn University controller’s office, Young has focused his career on governmental accountability and public service.