Experienced professional with over 30 years of extensive experience in technology strategy, development, delivery and management. Founder and Chief Strategist of Kizata LLC, specializing in virtual CISO and CIO services, cybersecurity advisory, and strategic IT consulting. Proven track record in managing large-scale IT projects, leading cross-cultural teams, and developing robust security frameworks. Holder of an MBA from Dartmouth College and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from UC Berkeley.

Kizata | Chief Strategist, Consultant, Virtual CISO and CIO

April 2023 – Present

• Provided strategic IT leadership and formulated strategic IT goals.
• Managed IT strategy to align with organizational goals.
• Conducted regular technology renovation meetings and provided ongoing IT support and planning.
• Assisted clients with cybersecurity program development and regulatory compliance.
• Evaluated and selected cybersecurity technologies for client implementations.

Nitro Software Inc. | Senior Director IT

April 2020 – March 2023, San Francisco, CA

• Led all corporate IT functions including applications, networks, remote access, governance, compliance, audit, and vendor management.
• Led IT compliance for ISO 27001/2 standard.
• Established NIST Cyber Security framework and managed full lifecycle API integration points for enterprise applications.
• Managed a global team with members in Ireland, Canada, Belgium, and the United States.

San Mateo Community College District | Adjunct Professor

2016 – Present, San Mateo, CA

• Developed and designed the Cloud Computing Certificate curriculum focused on AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platforms.
• Teach courses in software engineering and Internet of Things (IoT), alongside cloud computing.
• Recognized as a 2019 Cloud Ambassador by AWS Educate.

Courses Taught:

• Introduction to Cloud Computing: 7 semesters
• Database Essentials in the Cloud: 4 semesters
• Introduction to Computer Information Systems: 7 semesters
• The Internet of Things: 2 semesters
• iOS Programming: 3 semesters
• Introduction to Business Information Systems: 4 semesters
• Introduction to Object Oriented Programming: C++: 3 semesters
• Introduction to Computer Science: 3 semesters
• Computer Architecture and Assembly Language: 1 semester
• Computer Systems in Business: 3 semesters
• Business Information Systems: 3 semesters
• Introduction to Data Structures: C++: 2 semesters
• Introduction to Object Oriented Programming: Java: 1 semester
• Introduction to Business: 1 semester
• Introduction to HTML5 and CSS: 1 semester
• Introduction to Business Information Systems (Honors): 1 semester
• Business Communications: 1 semester

Kizata LLC | Founder & Principal

January 2010 – Present

• Offered virtual CISO consulting and launched Blockchain Education Association.
• Hosted the Talking Tokens podcast and participated in web3 and cryptocurrency-related seminars.

Dartmouth College | Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Class of 2002, Hanover, NH

University of California, Berkeley | B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Class of 1993, Berkeley, CA

California Alumni Association | President and Member of Board

Founded by UC Berkeley alumni in 1872, CAA is an independent 501(c)(3) with a global network of over half a million graduates.

2018 – Present, Berkeley, CA

• Lead the organization’s strategy and policy development, ensuring alignment with its mission and goals.
• 2023/24 Active member of the 14^th Chancellor Selection Team
• Oversee strategic initiatives, guide governance matters, and represent CAA in interactions with UC Berkeley and the alumni community.
• Duties include leading board meetings, facilitating strategic planning sessions, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders to enhance the association’s impact and reach.
• AAI (African-American Initiative) Scholarship Planning Team

Certifications:

• ITIL Practitioner
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
• Novell Certified Network Engineer (CNE)
• Competent Toastmaster (CTM) (Club founder)

Skills:

• Leadership: IT Governance, Infrastructure Security, Cloud Security, Systems Migrations, Team Management, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain, Risk Management, Stakeholder Communication, Technical Teaching, IT Strategy Planning
• Development: C++, Java, PHP and Swift