Chris Prior
North Liberty,IA
Summary
Results-driven cybersecurity professional with over 10 years of dedicated experience within the Microsoft ecosystem. Proven track record in safeguarding digital assets, mitigating risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance through strategic planning and implementation of robust security measures. Adept at managing complex security projects and leading cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives. Skilled communicator with a talent for translating technical concepts into actionable insights for stakeholders at all levels. Demonstrated ability to mentor and motivate teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. Seeking to leverage expertise in Microsoft cybersecurity and leadership capabilities to drive excellence in a dynamic organization
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Manager, Cloud Security Services
Ascent Solutions
Minneapolis
05.2023 - Current
- Led presales efforts, collaborating with sales teams to identify client needs, develop customized proposals, and articulate the value of Microsoft security professional services
- Guided delivery teams in the successful implementation and management of cloud security services, ensuring adherence to best practices and client requirements.
- Enhanced company reputation by driving successful initiatives that addressed client pain points effectively, which include Microsoft security specific initiatives around E5 workloads
- Achieved sales of over $5 million in a year in Microsoft security professional services work by identifying client needs, proposing tailored solutions, and effectively communicating value propositions.
- Mentored and coached a team of over 10 direct reports, fostering their professional growth and development while aligning their efforts with organizational goals.
- Cultivated unique client relationships by understanding their specific challenges, providing strategic guidance, and delivering high-quality services that exceeded expectations.
- Assisted in setting firm direction by contributing to the development of strategic initiatives, identifying emerging trends in cloud security, and aligning service offerings with market demands.
Architect, Data Protection Lead
Ascent Solutions
Minneapolis, MN
12.2019 - 05.2023
- Partnered with external CIO, CTO, CISO and other executives to develop/implement services including Data Protection, Governance Risk and Compliance, Identity & Access Management, IaaS Security.
- Contributed to the successful completion of more than 100 security implementations attributing to more than $80 million in revenue.
- Conducted 110 security solution assessments, helping to formalize standards and policies to ensure security and compliance in alignment with leading global compliance infrastructures and standards including HIPAA, NIST, PCI, and ISO 27001.
- Conducted security audits and compliance assessments, ensuring adherence to industry standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST, PCI DSS) and regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
- Stayed current with the latest security threats, vulnerabilities, and industry trends, proactively recommending and implementing security enhancements to protect against emerging risks.
- Monitored and managed staff performance to attain target metrics both individually and team unit.
- Designed large Data Loss Prevention & Information Protection architecture for multiple fortune 500 companies
- Created cybersecurity best practices related to Data Loss Prevention communications to educate staff against known threats and potential vectors of attack.
- Designed large CASB architecture for multiple fortune 500 companies
- Performed an extensive amount of pre-sales activities resulting multiple revenue streams equaling $20 Million
- Aligned multiple organizations to a Zero Trust Architecture
Network Administrator
South Slope Co Op Telephone
North Liberty, IA
05.2015 - 12.2019
- Monitored and optimized network performance by troubleshooting issues, maintaining 99.9% uptime.
- Implemented and maintained network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and firewalls, ensuring seamless connectivity and network security.
- Monitored network performance and conducted regular audits to identify and resolve network issues, reducing downtime by 20%.
- Configured and optimized network protocols, such as TCP/IP, DHCP, and DNS, to enhance network efficiency and stability.
- Managed and supported network services, including VPN, VLAN, and WLAN, to facilitate secure remote access and seamless wireless connectivity.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and implement network solutions tailored to meet specific business requirements, resulting in improved productivity and cost savings.
- Conducted network vulnerability assessments and implemented security measures, including access control lists and intrusion detection systems, to protect against potential threats and vulnerabilities.
- Resolved network incidents and service requests within defined SLAs, ensuring high-quality customer support and satisfaction.
- Created and maintained network documentation, including network diagrams, configurations, and standard operating procedures, to ensure accurate and up-to-date records.
- Assisted in capacity planning and network expansion projects, analyzing current and future network needs and recommending appropriate upgrades and enhancements
Telecommunications Engineer
United States Marine Corps
San Diego, CA
06.2007 - 01.2015
- Maintained documentation for telecommunication systems, equipment inventory and floor plans.
- Diagnosed and resolved complex integrated customer issues for implementation, add-on, maintenance and support of voice, data, VoIP and CTI applications.
- Worked closely with network administrators and server engineers to deliver quality service.
- Coordinated installation of new users and relocations of existing users.
- Researched and recommended network and data communications hardware and software.
- Installed, maintained and supported voice/data applications.
- Initiated improvements to operational efficiency of network.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Management Information Systems
Upper Iowa University
Fayette, IASkills
- Information Security
- Microsoft Purview
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Strategic Planning
- Issue and Conflict Resolution
- Security Implementation
- Microsoft Defender
- Information Governance
- Client Requirements
- Business Growth
- Cloud Application Security
- Leadership
Certification
- CompTIA Network + ce
- Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect - Expert (SC-100)
- Microsoft Certified: Information Protection Associate (SC400)
- Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate
Timeline
Senior Manager, Cloud Security Services
Ascent Solutions
05.2023 - Current
Architect, Data Protection Lead
Ascent Solutions
12.2019 - 05.2023
Network Administrator
South Slope Co Op Telephone
05.2015 - 12.2019
Telecommunications Engineer
United States Marine Corps
06.2007 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Science - Management Information Systems
Upper Iowa University