See It To Be It Spotlight

I got into cyber…while working at the National Security Agency, where I worked on both the intelligence and the defensive (cyber) missions for over 30 years.

For me, a positive cyber mindset is…curious, collaborative, probing, innovative, hopeful but realistic.

The work experience that helped me transition to a career in cyber was…two-fold. First, a tour in the defensive information operations organization at NSA whet my appetite for the potential for bad guys to get into networks and the importance of defending.

Then, a tour on the National Security Council at the White House sealed the deal for me. This is where I had the opportunity to work on cyber policies and initiatives for President Clinton and President George W. Bush. That is where I began to see the importance of cyber in the future (back then, we were chasing the I Love You virus – quite funny in retrospect, but that’s where we were!).

What I thought I wanted to be when I grew up…I thought I wanted to be a high school science teacher when I grew up. I never did that, but later in my career I began to teach cybersecurity, and ten years later I’m still doing so. I’m passionate about contributing to developing a cadre of cybersecurity professionals who will continue to reach back and teach others.

A favorite place of mine is…anywhere there is water (preferably the ocean) – to look at, enjoy the peace of, and marvel at the majesty of God’s creations.

What I most want to be remembered for is…being a strong, passionate, and capable leader who is laser focused on protecting and defending the things in this world that matter most.