Dynamic Information Security leader with a proven track record at UnitedHealth Group, excelling in risk management and team leadership. Spearheaded cloud security initiatives, enhancing system integrity and performance. Adept at fostering customer relationships and mentoring teams, driving continuous improvement in cybersecurity strategies and operational efficiencies.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Instructor
Hennepin Technical College
Brooklyn Park
01.2014 - Current
Palo Alto Networks Firewall Essentials - Lead Instructor
Guide students in configuring security policies, improving network safety and traffic management.
Implement threat prevention strategies, reducing unauthorized access and enhancing cybersecurity.
Monitor network traffic, providing actionable insights through interactive reports and analysis.
Encouraged active participation in class discussions, cultivating critical thinking skills among students.
Fostered a collaborative learning environment, encouraging student engagement and boosting overall course satisfaction.
Streamlined curriculum delivery for Palo Alto Networks training, resulting in measurable improvements in student comprehension and skill application.
Evaluated student performance data to tailor instructional methods, resulting in marked gains in knowledge retention.
Streamlined assessment processes, improving feedback turnaround time and enhancing student learning outcomes.
Director - Information Security Operations/Sales
UnitedHealth Group
Eden Prairie
01.2020 - 11.2025
Lead cross-functional teams in architecting, building, and optimizing firewalls, proxies, IPS, and web application firewalls.
Lead cloud migration projects, optimizing infrastructure for improved performance and cost efficiency.
Created and managed budgets for travel, training, and team-building activities.
Collaborate with C-suite executives to align security solutions with business needs, driving strategic application growth.
Mentor team leads, fostering professional development, and encouraging cross-departmental collaboration.
Manage budgets and vendor relationships, ensuring timely project delivery, and cost-effective resource use.
Conducted thorough risk assessments, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and implementing proactive measures to strengthen security posture.
Implemented scalable, cloud-based security solutions, resulting in substantial improvements in system performance and user accessibility.
Mentored emerging leaders within the ISO team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration that enhanced team performance and engagement.
Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated and mentored staff members.
Prepared reports on sales figures, performance metrics, and competitive analysis for management review.
Resolved customer complaints promptly by providing appropriate solutions or referring them to technical experts.
Analyzed customer requirements and made recommendations on suitable technological solutions.
Established and maintained positive relationships with customers through regular contact and strong follow-up skills.
Senior Manager - Enterprise Information Security
Optum
01.2017 - 01.2020
Oversaw 32 analysts, achieving a 98% Manager Effectiveness Index and reducing risk records.
Directed vital assessments and risk remediation, enhancing security protocols and efficiency.
Implemented process improvements, optimizing PCI programs and assessment efficiencies.
Streamlined risk assessment processes, leading to a 25% reduction in risk records and enhancing compliance across the organization.
Orchestrated cross-functional teams for major deliverables, ensuring timely completion of EIRA and HITRUST assessments while strengthening stakeholder relationships.
Analyzed performance metrics to enhance the Manager Effectiveness Index, achieving a notable 98% for 2019-2020 and driving team accountability.
Implemented a comprehensive PCI program, significantly improving operational efficiencies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Encouraged personal and professional development by setting clear goals for team members, resulting in measurable improvements in team performance.
Fostered team development by setting clear performance goals, enhancing individual accountability and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
Manager - Infrastructure Security Operations
Optum
Eden Prairie
01.2015 - 01.2017
Led a team of 18, achieving a 98% Manager Effectiveness Index in 2017.
Directed lifecycle management for Palo Alto Networks, Blue Coat proxies, F5 ASM, VMWare NSX, Cisco VSG, Firemon, and Bricata security sensors, optimizing performance.
Managed budgets for hardware/software, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
Coordinated with cross-functional teams to optimize firewall tools, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and continuous improvement.
Mentored direct reports in achieving personal and professional goals, contributing to a motivated and high-performing team environment.
Developed comprehensive budget forecasts for hardware and software, enabling informed financial planning and resource allocation.
Enhanced infrastructure security by directing the lifecycle management of eight security tools, leading to improved firewall performance and reduced vulnerabilities.
Tailored sales pitches to clients based on financial parameters and operational needs.
Enhanced performance of sales workforce with creation of training programs.
Led, coached, and developed employees to achieve sales goals.
Senior IT Security Analyst
Optum
01.2014 - 01.2015
Led cloud infrastructure management, enhancing security protocols and reducing downtime by 12%.
Oversaw certificate renewals and code upgrades, ensuring seamless operations and compliance.
Directed virtual firewall setups, improving network security and system efficiency.
Monitored platform operations, providing data-driven growth and cost insights to leadership.
Proposed strategic platform enhancements, driving forward-thinking solutions and innovation.
Spearheaded security audits across cloud infrastructure, identifying vulnerabilities and implementing solutions that significantly enhanced system integrity.
Analyzed security protocols, leading to the development of a comprehensive risk management plan that mitigated potential threats effectively.
Coordinated cross-departmental teams to streamline incident response processes, improving reaction times and reducing downtime.
Implemented a proactive monitoring system for virtual firewalls, ensuring real-time threat detection and response capabilities.
Fostered a culture of security awareness by conducting training sessions, enhancing team knowledge and preparedness against cyber threats.
Enhanced cloud security protocols through rigorous audits, leading to measurable improvements in system integrity and reduced vulnerability risks.
IT Security Analyst
Optum
01.2013 - 01.2014
Monitored and troubleshot 10+ platforms, ensuring seamless security operations.
Led major security initiatives, driving significant improvements in platform standards.
Trained new team members, fostering a collaborative and knowledgeable environment.
Oversaw firewall configurations and deployments, contributing to robust network security.
Collaborated with team members to enhance security protocols, fostering a culture of compliance and improving overall system integrity.
Implemented a streamlined monitoring process across multiple platforms, leading to noticeable improvements in threat detection and response times.
Conducted thorough assessments of firewall configurations, enabling proactive adjustments that significantly reduced vulnerabilities.
Championed major security initiatives, driving awareness and engagement across departments to strengthen organizational defense mechanisms.
Maintained comprehensive operational documentation, ensuring clarity and compliance in security processes while supporting team training efforts.
Spearheaded security audits, identifying vulnerabilities and implementing solutions that enhanced overall system resilience.