nClouds

Joined the organization as CISO and Cybersecurity Practice Leader with a mandate to build and expand the Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) side of the business. Took on a challenging FedRAMP client project that was facing difficulties and successfully led it to achieve a positive Readiness Assessment Report. Played a key role in architecting and developing several crucial programs including internal security and compliance frameworks, vCISO (virtual Chief Information Security Officer) services, virtual compliance officer solutions, comprehensive security assessments, securing AI implementations, and a suite of FedRAMP offerings. Additionally, oversees internal compliance and security efforts, including initiatives aimed at enhancing corporate governance and strengthening the overall cybersecurity posture of the company.
⮚ Structure: Introduced a structured security program for internal corporate cybersecurity.
⮚ Thought Leader: Authored multiple white papers on ransomware, infostealers, and securing artificial intelligence (AI). Featured speaker at AWS events discussing AI security within the Fintech industry.
⮚ Trust: Joined nClouds following a leadership change, re-establishing trust with customers and sales, and exceeded expectations.

Chief Information Security Officer

FYR Cyber

Available for the role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), I bring to the table a unique blend of real-world experience as a former Law Enforcement (LE) SWAT Team Leader and entrepreneurial spirit as the founder of FYR Cyber. My expertise extends across a range of cybersecurity frameworks and standards, including CMMC, ISO, SOC, NIST, among others. With this diverse background, I am well-equipped to enhance your organization's cybersecurity posture and help foster robust cybersecurity hygiene to support your growth in an increasingly digital landscape.

Synoptek

CISO & Cybersecurity and Governance Practice Leader growing and serving the customers of Synoptek, a Managed Services Provider.  The CISO part of the position involves the internal corporate cybersecurity, governance, and risk for Synoptek. 

Security Operations:
 - Synoptek SECURES provides a fundamental security framework ensuring customers have the core functions and features to make them secure.
 - Providing SIEM, SOC, Antimalware, and Vulnerability Management to customers.

Virtual CISO Services:
 - Expert Cybersecurity staff on a fractional time basis serving customer's needs.

Security and Governance:
 - Virtual Client Compliance Officers provide compliance experts on a fractional time basis to assist customers with compliance goals
 - Specializing in the DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Levels 1-5, ISO 27001, SOC 2, and more
 - Providing readiness reviews and roadmaps to advance customer compliance programs

Chief Information Security Officer & Cybersecurity Practice Leader

BLENDABLE EDUCATIONAL BENEFIT AND PUBLIC SAFETY FOUNDATION

BLENDABLE Foundation is a non-profit public safety aviation driven organization.  We support a variety of aviation programs including providing a gyroplane airborne platform equipped for public safety and SAR operations.  Served as President from 2018-2019

Advisor

StratoZen, Inc. (a ConnectWise Company)

Nurture client partnerships for cybersecurity startup with 750 MSP and MSSP client companies worldwide. Orchestrate 24/7/365 cybersecurity function for cloud-delivered SIEM-as-a-Service, SOC-as-a-Service, endpoint and data protection solutions, and proprietary worldwide active threat feed. Member of Executive team with reporting lines to 80% of staff.

Highlights of accomplishments in this role include:

➥ Process Efficiency: 
          Shrank SOC processing time by 78%;  
          Increased cybersecurity inspection efficacy by 250%.

➥ Organization: Revamped cybersecurity analyst function into 4 personnel levels, designating progressive accountabilities and rates of pay at each level, supported by professional development and training opportunities as promotion incentive.

➥ Valuation: Spearheaded operations and greenfield improved processes for risk management and remediation that increased corporate valuation by over 175% in 18 months. 

“Within months of joining our company, Chris reconstructed our operations which led to significant gains in productivity and efficiency; in some circumstances, by 50% or more.”  -- CEO

VP, Development Security Operations

WeWork (Teem Technologies)

WeWork acquired Teem Technologies.

Supplied oversight for all aspects of information security for startup company and subsequent sale. Directed penetration testing of physical, virtual, and application layers. Maintained an active risk assessment and risk profile with mitigation steps. Collaborated with DevOps and QA teams to incorporate cybersecurity into delivery pipeline.

Highlights of accomplishments in this role include:

➥ Compliance: Developed information security and data privacy programs aligned with international, domestic and state regulatory requirements. Led preparations for SOC 2 audit, Types I and II.

➥ Training: Formulated and delivered holistic cybersecurity curriculum for startup company, breaking down barriers to instill a culture of accountability and connection across a multi-generational workforce.

➥ Strategy: Established comprehensive solid systems for mitigating risk that played an important role instilling confidence during acquisition deal with We Work. 

Director Information Security

ACA Aponix

Virtual consultant role for private equity firms and portfolio companies in finance and insurance arenas. Conducted internal and external vulnerability assessments using Nessus and Qualys tools. Supplied governance leadership, consulting with senior executives over data classification and use. Coordinated employee cybersecurity training focused on proactive protection against threats.

Highlights of accomplishments in this role include:

➥ M&A Activity: Performed due diligence on Florida-based conglomerate and reported findings to the Board of Directors. Helped kill $4M high stakes deal after discovering HIPAA breach in progress.

➥ Reporting: Authored detailed cybersecurity reviews for SEC Mock Exams, NYS DFS 500, PCI, and other regulatory compliance in State and Federal Cybersecurity laws and frameworks (NIST, ISO).

➥ Best Practices: Developed and documented processes that scales security policies, incident response plans, business continuity plans, and root cause analysis findings reports.

CyberSecurity Senior Principal Consultant

Jet.com, a Walmart Company

Jet.com was acquired by Walmart.

Championed infrastructure security for fast-growing startup eCommerce company with 2,000 employees nationwide. Managed geographically dispersed systems administration and help desk teams. (Acquired by Walmart for $3.2B).

Highlights of accomplishments in this role include:

➥ Compliance: Created cybersecurity infrastructure and ensured payment card industry compliance, instituting PCI training for 600-person call center with focus on data privacy.

➥ Communications: Primary point-of-contact for on-site information security, conducting investigations and threat mitigation and providing briefings with status reports to executive leadership team.

➥ Technologies: Utilized JIRA AGILE project management and ZenDesk help desk installation. Managed Microsoft Azure Cloud infrastructure securing privacy for 400+ servers with 2,000 endpoints. Oversaw rollout of Microsoft SCCM and System Center Endpoint Protection.

Associate Director, Infrastructure Engineering

Air Medical Resource Group

Provided oversight of all IT functions supporting air medical transportation conglomerate with 200 aircraft. Managed ERP rollout and upgrades and conducted penetration testing for HIPAA & PCI compliance.

Highlights of accomplishments in this role include:

➥ Systems: Green fielded automated tracking system with 24/7 monitoring capabilities for all aircraft, ensuring FAA compliance, improved safety standards, and efficiency with reduced errors. 

➥ Security: Partnered closely with C-suite to establish a nimble information security policy and framework that adapted seamlessly through multiple mergers and acquisitions, growing portfolio from 5 to 13 companies during tenure.

➥ Networks: Addressed connectivity challenges in rural areas by installing microwave device for point-to-point communications. Eliminated DDoS telephony attacks after network analysis and investigation.

Director of Information Technology

Sector Training & Consulting Group

Provided technical, consulting, and development expertise in the full project lifecycle for technology and business process engineering client engagements. 
•	Led and managed a development operation that embedded developers directly with law enforcement officials during the requirements gathering stage. 
•	Developed custom applications that reduced law enforcement encounter engagement time by 50%.

Chief Technology Officer

With over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity and law enforcement, I am a seasoned Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). I leverage my diverse background and credentials to enhance the cybersecurity posture and governance aligning with business goals and objectives.

My core competencies include implementing and managing various cybersecurity frameworks and standards, such as FedRAMP, StateRAMP, CMMC, ISO, SOC, NIST, among others, as well as providing security operations, virtual CISO services, and security and governance solutions. I also excel at leading and motivating teams, fostering a people-centric environment, and facilitating change in perceptions and actions. Additionally, I advocate for "green fielding," or creating new environments tailored to actual work processes, rather than applying preconceived strategies. I believe in innovating how cybersecurity investigations are conducted, ensuring resilience against risks and compliance with regulations.

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