I have over 20 years of IT/Cybersecurity experience in various sectors such as military/government, insurance, digital security, banking, and energy. I am a 22-year veteran of the US Army as both an enlisted soldier and officer. I have served in both combat arms (Armor & Cavalry) and as an IT/Cyber officer with multiple tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other foreign destinations. During my service, I received numerous awards and decorations including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star. I enjoy speaking and teaching in areas such as Cybersecurity and the compliance impact of laws and regulatory guidance on businesses. I am currently engaged to speak at several upcoming cybersecurity conferences in the next few months and have been working to complete several articles for publication.
I have earned a doctorate in information technology and cybersecurity with a specialization in the FFIEC cybersecurity testing. My dissertation was on the ‘Regulatory Cybersecurity Testing of Financial Institutions. using the FFIEC CAT’. I am a CISSP and have had numerous previous certifications in networking and server technologies.
I teach and design cybersecurity courses at the masters level for Hallmark University. I enjoy living in the beautiful city of San Antonio Texas and am married to the love of my life, Selda. Together we have 4 children: Michelle (21), Chris (19), Ceylin (10) and Mayra (8).