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

Project RECCE CIO

As a Project RECCE Ambassador, "I will hold dear to my heart, through my actions, championed by me in the spirit of military service - of Integrity, Momentum, Respect, Excellence, Commitment, Comradeship and Ethics; that I also commit myself to the goals of aiding veterans to gain meaningful employment, to enable mental and physical well-being, to enable constructive transition to civilian life and to make my communities and environments better through the involvement of veterans in every aspect of their post military lives."

• I communicate nationally expanding awareness of the Project RECCE CIO mission, services, offerings and growing community.
• I Champion the adoption and use of the Employment Rendezvous (ERV) social media app for military veterans, service leavers, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and military spouses.
• I present a service leavers journey from the veteran perspective to cohort members of the "Pathways Into Construction" series of courses.
• I contribute time and experience to charity network growing and fundraising events to increase capability and sustainment of the organisation.

Ambassador

Beaufort

Develops and realises the commercial growth strategy for the Rotary-Wing / Non-Fast Jet category of products and services, and for contributing to raising the profile of Beaufort in Aerospace and Defence.

• Produced and delivered design proposal briefs to initiate 3 new survival flotation product pipelines, shortening the overall timeline from concept to full operational capable products available for distribution.
• Demonstrated product capabilities to Swedish Armed Forces at their training facility leading to acceptance and sales proposal above minimum order required units.
• Successfully presented product offerings to U.S. Army Aviation Programme Management Office driving demand of products for testing, trial and eventual procurement.

Category Manager - Rotary Wing & Non Fast Jet

Survitec Group Ltd.

Develops and realises the commercial growth strategy for the Rotary-Wing / Non-Fast Jet category of products and services, and for contributing to raising the profile of Beaufort in Aerospace and Defence.

• Developed initial global commercial growth strategy for products and services in the Rotary-Wing / Non-Fast Jet category for defence aviation survival equipment focusing on America, Australia and EMEA.
• Grew baseline global network of sales, manufacturing and service contacts in the Rotary-Wing / Non-Fast Jet sphere of influence to expand and promote awareness of products and services.
• Proposed MS 365 knowledge management architecture for future category archiving focused on ease of searchable documents reducing time sales teams use accessing necessary tools to meet customer demand.

Category Manager - Rotary-Wing & Non-Fast Jet

Prodactive Project Solutions

Prodactive help organisations maximise productive working and unlock unrealised business benefits through connected execution, delivery excellence and empowered teams, underpinned by process efficiency and technology.

I freelanced as the Programme Director for on-boarding registrants of the Smartsheet for Armed Forces Leavers Programme who have chosen to begin a self-paced learning journey.  This was accomplished through the use of the Smartsheet platform to organise and manage the associated workflows, data and displays.  To enable the learning journey, I created a lesson outline used by the cohort participants to gain knowledge and experience with Smartsheet.  During the learning journey, key performance indicators were gathered from cohort status updates and used to assess competency gained over time as well as continued use through transition and employment.

Smartsheet | Programme management | Consultancy | Business Development

Programme Director

Royal Navy, Commander United Kingdom Strike Force

• U.S. NATO officer embedded in Royal Navy staff. 
• Directed actions of the 9-person Maritime Air Operations Cell coordinating, synchronising and monitoring the execution of the Air Operations within the NATO Response Force sea-going battle force.
• Performed consulting, liaison and problem solving to Royal Navy planning teams interoperating within large NATO groups working in various global environments.

Director, Maritime Air Operations Cell

NATO Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS)

•	J5 Planner for a deployable joint headquarters capable of executing effective command and control over an assigned Joint Task Force.
•	Led a 70-member Joint Operational Planning Group executing operational planning processes to develop, revise and maintain major Campaign Plans, Operation Plans, and Contingency Plans including the development of Supporting Plans, Branch Plans and Sequels for joint operations and exercises/training events.

Operational Planner and Deputy Planning Team Lead (J5)

Directed the major programs and managed the strategic vision for the only overseas U.S. Naval Air Station, including Administration, Safety, Airfield Operations, Supply, Utilities, Recreation, Education, Communications and IT infrastructure, Human Resources (Personnel and Pay), Training, Security, Protocol, and Emergency Management and Response Services. Enforced installation rules, regulations and policies at strategically critical military base with Airport, Naval Pier, and Communications Station. Resolved conflict and supervised assignment of personnel including civilian hiring. 
Provided support for Mediterranean, U.S. Navy Central Command, U.S. Africa Command, U.S. FIFTH and SIXTH Fleet units, and 34 tenant organizations.

•	Chief of staff to departments and supporting organizations with $2.1B in facilities and infrastructure.
•	Managed programs sustaining preparedness of military operations and life support for military airport and supporting community/customer base of over 6,000; significantly aided evacuation of U.S. Embassy, Libya as a reception and onward processing station.
•	Forged, maintained and extended relationships with key military and civilian authorities by learning Italian, bridging cultural differences, and engaging on a variety of topics to build trust.
•	Championed energy conservation and infrastructure upgrades reducing overall consumption cost by 20%. Received Regional Energy “Biggest Loser” Award, greatest cost reduction, fiscal year 2015.
•	Sponsored base dining facility to increase quality and patronage through renovation, advertisement, and customer survey actioning. Results: 2017 1st Runner-Up for prestigious Ney Award. 2018 Win.
•	Interacted directly with U.S. Embassy, Rome, Presidential movement and security staff, and Air Force ONE planners to coordinate 2016 President of the United States visit. POTUS recognition letter.

Executive Officer/Installation Manager, Naval Air Station Sigonella

•	Director of the cell gathering Key Performance Indicators with subsequent developing and tracking Measures of Effectiveness and Measures of Performance specific to and applied over several planning processes for Commander Chief Operating Officer.
•	Lead Contingency Planner, developing Crisis Response Options for the Commander / Chief Operating Officer as well as pre-planned responses and daily tracking of capacities in support of U.S. FIFTH Fleet / Corporate strategy.

Lead for Operational Assessments and Crisis Response Planning

NATO

•	Coordinated and managed the military relationships between the NATO Southern Headquarters and Partner (and other) nations within the command area of influence, including Partnership for Peace engagements, mentoring, interoperability, NATO accession and NATO integration.
•	Served as Kosovo Desk Officer, the chief liaison between NATO and the agency monitoring and programming the Kosovar establishment of governance and accountability.
•	Instrumental in the review of Kosovar Emergency Management programme development and implementation, and subsequent inspection of programme.
•	Regional Coordination Section Chief, directing the planning, preparation, and budget associated with NATO regional outreach and training support to nations comprising the Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative.

J9 Executive Officer/Assistant Director for Military Partnership

Naval War College

•	Awarded a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies (International Relations) with Distinction.
•	Thesis: "Cultural Comprehension: A Prescription for Prevention".
•	Curriculum focused on the European studies track (European Union, Nuclear Strategic Deterrence, World War II in Europe).
•	Engaged with International students and alumni from a wide range of countries.

Naval Command and Staff College, Graduate Student

Programme Director | Charity Ambassador | Risk Manager | Strategic Planner | Navy Veteran

Former Naval Aviator based near Bicester, sharing my skills and experience to enable service leavers and veterans (often over looked and untapped force multipliers in business) in navigating their own success story. I value every interaction as special. I know we all have a story... Where those stories meet is where the magic happens. Let's chat and find out where ours meet. Then, let's work to make the world better.

During my career, I have succeeded in building solid relationships and teams, led personnel across government and civilian agencies in fast-paced international environments and improved processes, initiated change and managed transformation.

How:

➢ Helping others to succeed through mentorship, coaching and providing opportunities to shine through engaged leadership

➢ Managing / directing programmes and people

➢ Developing and nurturing stakeholder relationships

➢ Developing programme and people knowledge first, collaborating to eliminate waste and increase efficiency while tracking toward goals

➢ Conducting comprehensive planning to chart vision of success within defined timelines, accounting for external influence and change

➢ Solving problems and developing solutions by leveraging knowledge, skills and experience

➢ Considering the influences of data and trends through analysis

➢ Evaluating and managing risk to define limits driving mitigation

➢ Managing human, fiscal and material resources using analysis of key performance indicators, benefits, loss of efficiency and results

I view detailed planning and relationship building as key enablers to success. This worked well while serving over 8 years within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) as a strategic and operational planner, international communicator, coordinator, consultant and negotiator.

I listen and mediate.

Aviation core competence drives the attention-to-detail infused in my work. I'm also adamant that legacy effects of actions and applied solutions are always considered and explained to customers.

Who am I?.. I'm the person who helps when nobody else will. I step forward. I take a stand. I ask questions and get to problem genesis then work out solutions.

taplio

The Battle

Josh Hicks

Charles McKinney

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