Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Cybersecurity Principal Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Principal Cyber Systems Engineer

US Navy

Provides expertise in cybersecurity, information technology, command and control, communications, networks and space systems through the planning, acquisition, operation, maintenance and security of systems.

Information Professional Officer

Responsible for establishing, monitoring, and maintaining radio frequency communication systems, as well as operating and maintaining global satellite telecommunications systems. Duties include transmitting, receiving, and storing all incoming and outgoing messages, managing and coordinating information systems security across platforms and fleets, and designing, installing, and operating wide-area networks, computer systems, and associated devices. Additional responsibilities include performing network system administration, maintenance, and training, managing network security, and installing applications while troubleshooting user issues. Tasked with providing training and assistance on computer hardware and software, writing programs to collect and distribute data, ensuring proper security and handling of communications materials and equipment, and performing diagnostics, data recovery operations, and maintaining logs.

Information System Technician

Responsible for installing, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing or replacing cryptologic networks, physical security systems, electronic equipment, antennas, personal computers, auxiliary devices, digital and optical interfaces, and data systems. Additional tasks include configuring, monitoring, and evaluating Information Operations (IO), Information Warfare (IW) systems, and Information Assurance (IA) operations. Expertise in performing hardware and software isolation and repairs for state-of-the-art electronics, computer and network equipment, and related systems using complex test and analysis equipment, diagnostic software, hand tools, and technical publications. Also tasked with maintaining fleet cryptologic permanent and carry-on direct support systems essential for special land, sea surface, and subsurface operations.

Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance)

Command Destroyer Squadron 21 (CDS 21)

Manages network and telecommunication activities to achieve global operations. Coordinates with global satellite, network and telecommunications service providers to obtain Internet Protocol services and to establish Service Levels of Agreement.

Information Technology Manager

Navy Information Operations Command Hawaii (NIOC HI)

Directed Computer Network Operations (CNO) teams in the planning and execution of Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO) supporting national objectives.

Cyber Warfare Officer

USS IWO JIMA (LHD-7)

Developed system Assessment and Authorization packages consisting of 50 systems under Risk Management Framework, implemented information assurance controls, documented risks and provided recommendations to leadership. Executed mitigation plan and developed Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M).

Information Systems Director

Naval Network Warfare Command (NNWC)

Provided command and control decision-making support and shared situational awareness of four global enterprise networks.

Global Network Operations and Security Center Manager

Command Destroyer Squadron 50 (CDS 50)

Provided critical Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) support to a staff of 40 overseas.

Navy Information Operations Command Georgia (NIOC GA)

Managed a 19-person, multi-service team responsible for the installation and maintenance of telecommunications and network infrastructure in support of 3,000 personnel.

Information Technology Division Supervisor

Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Groton and Pearl Harbor

Certified, installed and maintained communications and network equipment suites to include local/wide area networks installation, troubleshooting, operating system configurations (Linux, Unix and Windows) and associated network administration.

Fleet Electronic Support Maintenance and Installation Technician

M.S. Network Operations & Technology | Sec+, IAM I, IAT II | ITIL v3 | Navy IP Officer | Seeking Cyber, GRC and ISSM-related roles | Open to CO, CO Springs and remote roles | Active TS/SCI Clearance | Available 8/23

As a seasoned cybersecurity professional and career strategist, I bridge the gap between technical expertise and career development in the rapidly evolving security landscape. My journey spans multiple technologies, industries, and organizations, giving me unique insights into what drives success in cybersecurity roles.

Having successfully navigated my own transition from military service to civilian cybersecurity, I now dedicate myself to guiding others through their career journeys. I specialize in helping veterans leverage their military experience for cybersecurity roles, understanding that the path can seem overwhelming without proper guidance.

I take pride in demystifying cybersecurity careers through:
- Strategic career mapping and transition planning
- Certification and skill development guidance
- Resume optimization and interview preparation
- Professional networking strategies
- Personal brand development

When I'm not mentoring cybersecurity professionals, you'll find me on the golf course, pursuing fitness goals, or writing about industry trends. These diverse interests inform my holistic approach to career development – because success in cybersecurity requires both technical excellence and personal balance.

Connect with me to discuss:
- Military to civilian transition strategies
- Breaking into cybersecurity
- Career advancement in security roles
- Professional development planning
- Building resilient security teams

I regularly share insights, trends, and opportunities in cybersecurity. Let's connect and build a stronger security community together.

Josh Hicks

Civil-Military Innovation Institute Inc.

Project Manager for U.S. Army units, leading programs and managing projects to enhance operational effectiveness by sourcing problems and collecting data directly from tactical-level Soldiers. Addresses critical needs through collaboration with academic and private sector partners. Establishes streamlined processes to identify and fulfill the requirements of Soldiers, leveraging resources from academic institutions and commercial entities to develop effective solutions. Oversees prototyping and programming by regional academic institutions and R&D incubators, ensuring alignment with Army and Department of Defense (DoD) standards.

Facilitates commercialization opportunities for technology prototypes and mentors entrepreneurs delivering innovative solutions tailored to Army needs. Supports the Pathfinder Program Manager in developing methodologies to enhance academic solutions for Army challenges, producing comprehensive reports and deliverables promptly. Builds strong relationships with U.S. Army units, adjacent military organizations, academic institutions, and commercial entities to foster collaboration.

Collaborates with engineers, subject matter experts (SMEs), and finance/business managers to identify technical interests and develop programs that enhance Soldiers’ skills. Partners with universities to create academic programs that align with Army needs and operational objectives. Works closely with Army stakeholders to devise strategies for transitioning successful prototypes into ongoing programs, enhancing mission readiness. Engages with other DoD entities, the Intelligence Community, foreign defense establishments, and industry leaders to collaborate on initiatives that mitigate risks and support new Army capabilities.

Warfighter Innovation Chief

Southern New Hampshire University

Creates a positive and safe climate for students, maintaining a growth mindset and a positive disposition. Provides extensive learner outreach by connecting regularly with students, and academic advisors to support their success. Utilizes business experience and content expertise to facilitate scenario-based learning that engages students with real-world applications.

Mentors learners in developing business solutions and encourages the use of innovative strategies to tackle business challenges. Creates opportunities for dialogue within the learning experience, allowing students to discuss and explore complex business strategies and concepts. Additionally, offers prompt and detailed feedback, clarifies assignments, and provides guidance on course resources to ensure that students are well-prepared for their academic and professional journeys.

Online Adjunct Professor of Business

101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army

Chief Innovation Officer / Executive Program Manager of the EagleWerx innovation program that creates solution approaches to current operational challenges using Soldier centered design and lean methodology; directly leads a team of six project managers.

• Comprehensive program manager which encompasses personnel oversight, cost analysis, scheduling, strategic planning, requirements management, organizing, and overseeing the administrative functions of the office; managed risks and integrated program efficiencies, leveraging annual resources exceeding $3M.
• Designed, equipped, negotiated procurement of facility, and staffed a fully functioning innovation makerspace complete with all necessary equipment to fabricate operational prototypes to solve user level issues resulting in solutions for over 50 issues. 
• Acted as liaison to parent organization for 9 months in Eastern Europe facilitating strong executive-level stakeholder relationships, serving as the program office's key representative in status meetings while spearheading the development of project scopes, milestones, and objectives, achieving a 100% approval rate for all initiatives.
• Collaborated with local universities and external research and development organizations to drive initiatives, optimizing operational efficiency and achieving cost savings exceeding $2M.

Executive Program Manager (Innovation)

Manages change and modernization for an Army division headquarters consisting of six brigades with over 23,000 personnel.

• Led change management and improvement initiatives for a regional Army division with over 23,000 personnel on frequent minor and 5 major organizational change projects.
• Established strategic external partnerships, resulting in the successful acquisition of $9.6 million in funding dedicated to facility enhancement projects spanning Eastern Europe, thereby facilitating improved infrastructure and operational capabilities for over 5,000 organizational personnel.
• Led requirements analysis, risk management, and restructuring proposals for 3 sub-directorates within the division, consolidating them into one entity to enhance structural efficiency across functional areas, necessitating extensive consensus-building and negotiation to garner executive approval.
• Orchestrated stakeholder analysis, risk management, and end-user readiness assessments, resulting in a seamless implementation of changes, thereby improving operational efficiency by 15%.

Change Management Director

1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) - US Army

• Orchestrated the capability development strategy for all Army Special Forces, overseeing ten regional directorates comprising over 25,000 personnel.
• Directed comprehensive capability assessment, identifying gaps, proposing solutions, prioritizing through risk analysis, briefing executives, defining project scope, and managing resource outputs, culminating in the initiation of 4 new programs and bolstering operational readiness.
• Spearheaded a transformative organizational restructuring initiative, optimizing personnel allocation by 13% for heightened operational readiness, effectively aligning manpower with mission requirements and bolstering agility, while carefully analyzing and mitigating project risks.

Project Manager (Capability Development)

U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC)

• Led all Army personnel recruiting operations across the southeastern Virginia region, overseeing a territory spanning nearly 1,000 square miles while achieving more than 30% increase in new hires and maintaining a 90-day retention rate of over 96%.
• Provided comprehensive coaching and training for six Department Team Leads, covering aspects such as brand awareness, prospecting, lead qualification, interviewing techniques, lead conversion, and onboarding procedures, significantly enhancing brand awareness and expanding prospect access across 50% of the region.

Department Manager

173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team

• Managed a team of over 250 full-time employees in functional areas including human resources, medical care, operations, logistics, and information technology across diverse projects in a matrix style organization, ensuring timely delivery of all objectives while maintaining strict adherence to budgetary constraints.
• Implemented a strategic equipment divestment project, optimizing resource allocation and enhancing operational efficiency, resulting in the streamlined disposal of over $1M worth of obsolete assets.

• Oversaw all operational directives and correspondence for 34 departments within a 4,000-person directorate, resulting in a notable 10% improvement in operational efficiency.
• Orchestrated a high-profile capability demonstration for Eastern European dignitaries showcasing international partnership in national defense, coordinating with multinational planners, and ensuring alignment with project objectives, timelines, and resource allocation, while providing regular updates to senior executives.
• Fostered collaboration with both internal and external partners to synchronize intricate, distributed global operations. Expanded risk management processes to capture risks more effectively, contributing to a more robust and resilient operational framework.

Chief of Operations

82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army

Oversaw all department vehicular maintenance, scheduled and resourced all departmental training, and maintained accountability of all physical resources in a 140 person department. Provided regular mentorship and team building to four department team leaders.

Assistant Department Manager

Led an operations team of 40 personnel in the service industry. Trained and mentored four functional team leads.

Operations Team Lead

XVIII Airborne Corps

Artillery team member, Forward Observer, NCO Academy Instructor, Combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Operations Leader and Instructor

McGee Brothers co inc

Served as a professional brickmason and managed a crew of four to seven people in residential masonry construction.

Masonry Foreman

C/1-113th Field Artillery BN

Cannon Crewmember

I talk about overcoming self-limiting doubts from lived experience

Project Manager and Online Adjunct Business Professor. 

In my project manager role, I source user-level problems and build solutions with academic and industry performers. 

Key aspects: 
- User centered design
- Local, small business performers
- University and student led solution approaches
- Solving team level problems with enterprise scalability

In my online adjunct professor role, I draw on over 25 years of business leadership and management to bring concepts to life for students. 

Key aspects: 
- Guiding students to resources
- Creating a safe environment for learning 
- Providing timely and detailed actionable feedback
- Bring current, relevant industry insights into the classroom

Previous experience leading teams of up to 140 personnel and senior level staff for organizations up to 25,000 personnel. Certified as: Project Manager, Agilest, Scrum Master, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. 

Expertise in residential construction, organizational management, software integration, and leading people. 

Current active TS/SCI.

*All views expressed here are my own and not those of any company or entity.*

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Josh Hicks

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