Adriana Ippolito
Cybersecurity & Risk Executive | Cyber Program Transformation Leader
Tampa,FL
Summary
Transforming Cybersecurity Challenges into Strategic Opportunities for Fortune 500 Leaders
Accomplished cybersecurity executive with a proven track record of leading enterprise-wide security transformations and risk management initiatives for Fortune 500 companies. Expertise in developing and executing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, managing multi-million-dollar transformation programs, and advising C-suite leaders on critical cyber risks and business impacts. A recognized innovator in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) driven solutions to enhance security operations, streamline assessments, and optimize program management, while driving business growth and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
2
2
Certificates & Awards
2
2
Languages
25
25
+ Strategic cyber solutions delivered across multiple industries
50
50
+ Cybersecurity projects led, generating over $15m in revenue
20
20
+ Professionals mentored, fostering high performing teams
Work History
Senior Manager & Executive, Cybersecurity Consulting
ERNST & YOUNG
06.2022 - 07.2024
- Led comprehensive cybersecurity program assessments across clients’ cloud, enterprise, and operational technology environments, developing roadmaps and implementation plans to address risks across multiple security domains (IAM, TPRM, Incident Response, BCP/DR, etc.). Partnered with cross-functional teams to implement remediation strategies, improving compliance and reducing risk exposure by 30%.
- Managed cyber transformation and implementation projects with a combined annual revenue exceeding $3 million.
- Provided strategic cybersecurity counsel to C-suite executives, delivering industry insights and tailored solutions that addressed complex organizational needs and priorities.
- Worked closely with senior executives to design governance frameworks aligned with industry standards, supporting decision-making and improving audit outcomes.
- Secured a $2 million contract expansion by developing and presenting a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for a major Consumer Products & Retail company.
- Led the seamless transition of identity and access management program and IT infrastructure for a Consumer Products & Retail spin-off company, ensuring robust cybersecurity standards and operational continuity.
- Served as lead Cyber Subject Matter Expert for a Financial Services company audit, expanding scope to include 12 additional security areas across 7 domains, significantly enhancing the audit's comprehensiveness and value.
- Conducted a critical SEC Disclosure Readiness Rapid Cyber Assessment for a Retail company, identifying key program gaps and developing actionable recommendations to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Consistently collaborated with external vendors to ensure the consistent delivery of key projects and compliance with service-level agreements.
- Pioneered an innovative AI-driven internal project, dramatically improving operational efficiency in cyber program assessments through advanced prompt engineering and AI-assisted report generation, resulting in reduced project hours and enhanced deliverable quality.
Manager, Cybersecurity Consulting
ERNST & YOUNG
06.2018 - 05.2022
- Managed cybersecurity program assessments for Fortune 500 clients, including global banking, Telecom, Food and Beverage, and Home Improvement Retail companies, generating 15+ follow-up engagements.
- Directed risk assessments and compliance initiatives for high-profile clients across industries, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending actionable improvements based on cybersecurity best practices, risk management, and compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
- Delivered detailed reports to senior leadership, summarizing key risks and providing strategies to enhance organizational resilience.
- Led cybersecurity training and awareness programs, increasing team competency and improving organizational security culture.
- Drove business development initiatives in the health sciences and wellness sector, leading pursuit and proposal efforts that resulted in a $10 million project pipeline.
- Supported the development and rollout of governance frameworks, enabling clients to align with regulatory standards while mitigating operational risks.
- Led the Cyber Transformation (CT) capability build-out, increasing training program participation by 20% and enhancing overall team competency.
- Orchestrated the development of comprehensive Information Security Policies for a global Fortune 500 company, satisfying compliance with industry-leading frameworks such as NIST CSF and ISO 27001.
- Successfully managed a complex global media and entertainment merger integration program, encompassing security tool portfolio rationalization, IS strategy development, and policy refresh, while identifying opportunities for cost savings and risk reduction.
Senior/Staff, IT & Cyber Risk Transformation Consultant
ERNST & YOUNG
06.2013 - 05.2018
- Successfully established and managed a comprehensive cybersecurity program for a global cloud-based financial institution, overseeing program delivery, risk mitigation, budget activities, and future state organizational planning.
- Supported the development and implementation of an enterprise-wide cybersecurity training and awareness program, improving team readiness, organizational awareness, security culture and reducing enterprise risk
- Conducted SOC1 and SOC2 audits for multiple financial institutions, managing IT General Controls review while collaborating with internal teams to align processes with compliance requirements and reduce audit findings.
- Conducted a PII cyber risk assessment for over 200 in-scope applications at a global Wealth and Asset Management client, informing remediation strategies for project prioritization
- Led Vulnerability Management Operational Support for a global financial services client, effectively managing remediation efforts to meet federal compliance requirements and enhance overall security posture.
- Performed process evaluations and risk identification, providing recommendations on IT security policies and risk controls, enhancing enterprise security frameworks to strengthen control environments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Information Systems and Operations Management
University of Florida
Skills
Cybersecurity Strategy & Operating Model
Cyber Risk Management & Maturity Assessments
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)
AI Prompt Engineering
Program & Change Management
Information Security Policy Development (NIST, ISO)
Program & Project Management
Cyber Program Transformation & Roadmap
Large-Scale Digital Transformation
Cybersecurity Frameworks
Client Relationship Management
Talent Development
Metrics Development, Data Visualization & Risk Reporting
Process Optimization & Automation
Cyber Initiatives Prioritization & Remediation Strategies
Regulatory Compliance
Cybersecurity AI Solutioning
Cross-Functional & Team Leadership
Strategic Planning & Execution
Stakeholder Engagement & Vendor Collaboration
Executive Advisory & Board Engagement
Security Tool Rationalization
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
High Performance Teaming & Mentorship
Influencing, Negotiating & Conflict Resolution
Third Party Cyber Risk Management
Security Monitoring and Incident Management
Threat Intelligence & Vulnerability Management
Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
Cybersecurity Training and Awareness
Identity & Access Management (IAM)
Accomplishments
- 2023 National Consulting Inspirational Women Award, recognizing leadership and impact in the consulting industry.
- Delivered strategic cybersecurity solutions to 25+ diverse clients across banking, insurance, health, life sciences, consumer products, and telecommunications sectors, demonstrating versatility and expertise.
- Spearheaded 50+ successful cybersecurity projects and engagements, driving over $15 million in revenue and showcasing consistent ability to deliver high-value outcomes.
- Led and mentored a team of 20+ cybersecurity professionals, cultivating talent and fostering a high-performance culture that resulted in improved team productivity and client satisfaction.
- Initiated and drove the Coffee & Cyber Initiative, resulting in a 160% increase in practice participation and fostering a more collaborative and engaging work environment.
Certification
CISA - Certified Information Systems Auditor
Timeline
Senior Manager & Executive, Cybersecurity Consulting
ERNST & YOUNG
06.2022 - 07.2024
Manager, Cybersecurity Consulting
ERNST & YOUNG
06.2018 - 05.2022
Senior/Staff, IT & Cyber Risk Transformation Consultant
ERNST & YOUNG
06.2013 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Science - Information Systems and Operations Management
University of Florida
Leadership Experience
- Cyber Connects Tampa Leader | June 2024 - July 2024 | Present Appointed as the Tampa Cyber Connects lead, orchestrating local events to bolster community engagement and networking, and serving as the primary contact for cyber opportunities in the Tampa region.
- Cyber Consulting Crash Course Series | February 2024 | Selected as part of the "Promotion Readiness" leadership panel, providing valuable insights and guidance to help Cyber professionals prepare for promotions.
- Coffee & Cyber Series | June 2020 - July 2024 | Directed an internal initiative to increase knowledge sharing and visibility within the cybersecurity practice while fostering a collaborative environment, achieving a 160% increase in participation, and effectively promoting cybersecurity awareness.
- Executive Women's Forum | September 2023 – January 2024 | Supported women executives as part of a Women in Tech panel for the Executive Women's Forum (EWF) seminar titled, Empowered Women Empower Women.
- Shark Tank Innovation Challenge | August 2022 – December 2023 | Pioneered an AI-driven solution to streamline IAM processes specifically for SSO onboarding, winning the Shark Tank Innovation Challenge and securing a pilot project with a major client.
- Women in Cybersecurity | August 2015 – September 2018 | Led national meetings to encourage engagement with women in cybersecurity and promote inclusivity. Developed communications strategy for annual operations and events that would support women in cybersecurity. Routinely collaborated with regional champions as the point of contact for networking information.
Quote
If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time.
Steve Jobs
Work Preference
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Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual