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Work Background
AutoBridge SystemsAdvisor
Jan. 2025Analyze & Automate Government data powered by AI. Autobridge is an AI-Powered SaaS application designed to revolutionize the way you manage and analyze your accounting data. We empower businesses by providing accurate, timely, and insightful financial analysis. I provide strategic leadership and vision to drive innovation in smart bridge systems, infrastructure automation, and sustainable growth.
American Public Education, Inc. (APEI)CISO & Vice President Information Technology Service Management
May. 2022United StatesI am the senior executive responsible for safeguarding American Public Education, Inc.'s (APEI) information systems and data from cyber threats, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability. My role includes board of directors and trustee presentations, assessing and managing cybersecurity risks, developing security policies, and leading incident response efforts. I ensure privacy, data integrity, and protection of information assets by implementing robust organizational policies and standards. I also address cybersecurity matters to the Board of Directors, aiding C-level decision-making, and prepare and administer an annual IT budget to meet current and future needs. APEI is a mission-driven higher education provider managing units that confer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees, with a history of serving military, public service, and nursing communities through the American Public University System, Hondros College of Nursing, Rasmussen, and the Graduate School. Since August 2022, I have also served as Vice President of Information Technology Service Management (VP of ITSM), overseeing IT Operations Enablement. I work with partners to establish and continuously improve IT Service Management (ITSM) processes, overseeing the end-to-end program to define processes, upgrade the technology platform, and customize solutions. My experience includes software development, data science, product leadership, managing onshore and offshore teams, and deploying RPA, ML, and AI solutions. I excel in building teams, driving technology strategies, and delivering impactful enterprise software products.
American Public Education, Inc. (APEI)Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
May. 2021Focused on improving digital and systemic cyber risk in the organization and the corporate boardroom. I work with technology leaders, directors, and corporate boards to adopt and apply leading corporate governance practices that shape and secure the digital future. (credit digitaldirectors.network) Strategic, business-aligned Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) with 20+ years of experience advancing cybersecurity, GRC, and digital risk programs for publicly traded companies and complex organizations. I help leaders and boards improve systemic cyber resilience, apply modern governance practices, and secure the digital future. (credit: digitaldirectors.network) Recognized for building scalable, enterprise-wide security programs that align with business strategy, enable innovation, and protect stakeholder value. I’ve led organizations through cyber crises, digital transformation, regulatory audits, and M\&A—all while advising the boardroom on emerging threats, compliance, and trust. Deep expertise in secure implementation of AI, automation, and cloud, along with board-facing risk reporting and executive cyber strategy. Trusted to foster cultures of accountability, innovation, and performance while mentoring the next generation of cyber leaders. --- **Core Strengths & Achievements:** 🔐 Led enterprise security strategy for public companies; drove resilience, threat intelligence, and audit readiness.
⚖️ Built scalable GRC frameworks (NIST, ISO, SOC 2, HIPAA, SOX); improved risk posture and compliance.
🤖 Secured generative AI and ML rollouts; established governance to ensure ethical and safe adoption.
🚨 Managed major incidents, zero-days, and IR programs; developed playbooks and led C-suite tabletop exercises.
🏛️ Presented threat intelligence and KPIs to boards and exec teams; built trust and achieved strategic alignment.
🔄 Enabled secure M\&A transitions and cloud migrations while preserving agility and reducing risk.
Mednax, National Medical GroupChief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Feb. 2018 - Sep. 2020Sunrise, Florida, United StatesChief Information Security Officer (CISO) – Mednax, National Medical Group ($4.6B Revenue)
As CISO of Mednax, a $4.6 billion healthcare organization overseeing multiple subsidiaries, I led strategic initiatives to enhance cybersecurity, operational efficiency, and business growth.
Key Achievements:
• Digital Transformation: Embedded security into the enterprise culture, enhancing the cybersecurity and identity access programs, while integrating five acquisitions into a unified cloud cybersecurity framework, saving $2.5M annually.
• Strategic Leadership: Advised the Board of Directors on cybersecurity strategies and risk management, aligning a $20M annual IT budget with business objectives.
• Operational Resilience: Enabled a 100% remote workforce in one week during critical times, ensuring continuity of revenue collection and patient care.
• Compliance Excellence: Enhanced compliance programs (SOX, HIPAA, PCI/DSS, SOC2) with robust policies, staff training, and auditing, ensuring consistent regulatory adherence.
• Technology Innovation: Implemented DevOps/DevSecOps practices, reducing software development cycles from four months to three weeks. Modernized identity access management for 28,000+ employees, reducing cyber incidents by 12%.
• Growth Enablement: Designed security frameworks for new revenue-generating services such as telehealth, teleradiology, and infant hearing screening, supporting business scalability.
• Enterprise Modernization: Partnered with the CIO to revamp IT infrastructure, software development capabilities, and processes, driving agility and efficiency across the organization.
These efforts safeguarded sensitive data, reduced operational risks, and fostered innovation, positioning Mednax and its subsidiaries, including MedData and vRad, for sustainable growth in an evolving healthcare landscape. Skills: IT Project & Program Management, Vendor Management, Cyber Insurance, DevSecOps, Compliance Strategy, Business Relationship Management
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Jan. 2017 - Feb. 2018Washington, District of Columbia, United StatesA Healthcare entity with annual revenue of $4 billion comprises multiple business lines supporting Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services throughout the United States, staffed by 5,000 employees in 50 states. I set objectives and strategies for the IT department using a project management framework selecting and implementing suitable technology to streamline all internal operations and optimize their strategic benefits. I designed and customized technological systems and platforms to improve customer experience. Using project management and KPIs and OKRs, monitored business applications, infrastructure, cybersecurity technology solutions, and service desk across all functions. I managed an annual IT budget of $150M while implementing a technology strategy and roadmap for multiple business lines technologies. Ensured compliance with FISMA, CMS Section 912 Audits, and FITARA, steered records management and conducted privacy programs for the agency. I spearheaded organizational digital transformation goals for SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS. I analyzed potential threats and risks related to using, processing, storing, and transmitting information and data processing by leading a team of information security engineers and analysts.
DGSVice President
Jan. 2016 - Dec. 2016Spearheaded a groundbreaking startup venture focused on revolutionizing the data center market. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, particularly highly dense compute and storage solutions, the company has successfully developed a pioneering approach, condensing 90 credit card-sized computers into a compact 2U rack space using 1.5 KW power. This innovative design maximizes efficiency and significantly reduces physical footprint and energy consumption. The venture secured a substantial $30 million in venture capital to fuel this ambitious endeavor, validating the market potential and showcasing confidence in the team's vision and capabilities. As a key player in this venture, I played a pivotal role in strategic decision-making, fundraising efforts, and overall project execution, contributing to the company's rapid growth and positioning it as a disruptive force in the data center industry.
Philidor Rx ServicesDeputy Chief Information Officer & Chief information Security Officer
Sep. 2015 - Dec. 2015Horsham, PAPhilidor Rx Services is a specialty online pharmacy that mainly sold Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. drugs directly to patients and handled insurance claims on the customers' behalf. In 3 months, lead the turned around of problematic IT systems that went from daily outages to zero down time. Re-engineered CRM, logistics and database latency issues all contributing to the organization achieving the goal of $2B in annually revenue.
NOVA CorporationPresident, Innava Data Solutions (Commercial Data Center) & CIO for Nova Corporation
Jan. 2014 - Sep. 2015Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
NOVA CorporationChief Information Officer (CIO)
Sep. 2013 - Sep. 2015Albuquerque, New Mexico, United StatesFirst individual to be hire into the CIO role. Worked with colleagues to achieve Inc 1000 recognition. Helped to drive revenue from $50M to $200m booked. Assisted the CEO with strategies to create new lines of business. Took ownership of program to build commercial data center in ABQ, NM. Oversaw construction of electrical and mechanicals. Built our first 6,000 sq ft of 100,000 sq ft. Responsible for developing budget, marketing plan, and negotiating anchor tenant. Identified alternative streams of revenue while under construction. Lead to being promoted to President of data center.
Recovery Accountability and Transparency BoardDeputy Assistant Director - Analytics and Decision Support
Jul. 2011 - Sep. 2013Washington, District of Columbia, United StatesMy responsibilities included:
1. Oversight of Accountability Programs
2. Investigations
3. Reporting and Communication
4. Training and Policy Development
5. Implement and manage team of Palantir SMEs performing financial fraud analytics using bleeding edge analytics capabilities. Achievements
• Realized Less than .05% fraud, providing nation visibility of $840B in contracts, grants, and loans by use of data warehouse concepts, geospatial information system, and business intelligence/analytics.
• Built the US Treasury “Do Not Pay” system to assign risk and reduce improper payments.
• Implemented data analytics tools to monitor and analyze spending patterns. Identify irregularities quickly and direct resources toward investigating potential cases of fraud or misuse. This approach set a new standard in government oversight, leveraging data for proactive monitoring.
• RATB’s oversight led to the identification of numerous cases of fraud and waste, preventing an estimated $157 million in potential fraudulent claims.
• Partnered with other agencies, including the Government Accountability Office (GAO), to ensure cohesive oversight. By sharing best practices and data with other agencies, RATB created a legacy of improved accountability that extended beyond the Recovery Act.
• Developed innovative tools like the Recovery Operations Center (ROC), which were instrumental in data integration and anomaly detection. ROC enabled the board to scrutinize large volumes of data for risk and helped other agencies to adopt similar approaches.
• Success influenced future government transparency initiatives, notably inspiring the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA Act) of 2014. The DATA Act built on RATB’s principles, requiring that all federal spending be reported and made available to the public.
U.S. Department of LaborSpecial Advisor to Deputy CIO
Jan. 2011 - Dec. 2011Served in a high-level support and advisory role, providing strategic insight and specialized expertise to assist the DCO in achieving organizational objectives. This position is often found in large organizations, including governmental agencies, corporations, or nonprofits, where it helps drive policy implementation, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. Key responsibilities of a Special Advisor to the DCO generally include:
1. Strategic Guidance and Policy Recommendations
2. Operational Support and Project Management
3. Liaison and Stakeholder Engagement.
4. Performance Monitoring and Reporting
5. Crisis Management and Problem-Solving
6. Research and Special Projects
7. Mentorship and Team Coordination
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)Director, Intelligence and Decision Support Systems
Jan. 2009 - Dec. 2011Washington, District of Columbia, United StatesResponsible for overseeing intelligence gathering, analysis, and decision-making support related to immigration enforcement, national security, and public safety. Ensured that ICE's operational and strategic activities are informed by accurate, timely, and actionable intelligence. Performed activities using Data Mining, Link Analysis, Entity Resolution, Big Data Analytics, GIS. Key responsibilities typically include:
1. Intelligence Collection and Analysis
2. Decision Support for Strategic Operations
3. Coordination with Federal and International Partners
4. Threat Detection and Risk Assessment
5. Oversight of Intelligence Programs and Compliance
6. Training and Capacity Building
7. Reporting and Briefing
8. Crisis Response and Rapid Intelligence Deployment.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Director, Enterprise IT & Cybersecurity
Jan. 2008 - Dec. 2009Oversaw IT and cybersecurity functions to ensure the security, resilience, and operational efficiency of DOE’s information systems, networks, and critical infrastructure. As a contractor, this role involves collaborating with DOE officials while aligning contract goals with the department’s broader mission. The position demands a strong focus on protecting sensitive energy data, ensuring compliance with federal cybersecurity regulations, and managing technology resources. Key responsibilities include:
1. Cybersecurity Strategy and Policy Development
2. IT Infrastructure and Network Management
3. Cybersecurity Threat Detection and Incident Response
4. Regulatory Compliance and Reporting
5. Collaboration with Federal and Industry Partners
6. Cybersecurity Awareness and Training
7. Project and Contract Management
8. Adoption of Emerging Technologies
9. Resource Allocation and Budgeting
10. Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Management
The Joint StaffMilitary Security Force Protection - Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff
Jun. 1990 - Jul. 1991Pentagon
US ArmyStaff Sergeant - Military Police
Oct. 1985 - Jan. 1994
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