CRAIG A. SCOTT
Kennewick,WA
Summary
Visionary and results-driven Chief Information Officer (CIO) with extensive expertise in IT strategy, cybersecurity, governance, and digital transformation. Proven ability to align technology initiatives with business goals, enhance cybersecurity frameworks, and drive operational excellence. Adept at leading high-performing teams, managing enterprise-wide IT operations, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations (FDIC, DFI). Holds PMP and CISSP certifications, showcasing expertise in project management, risk management, and information security leadership.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Community First Bank
04.2018 - Current
- Develop and execute enterprise-wide IT strategies that drive business growth, operational efficiency, and compliance
- Lead digital transformation initiatives, including cloud adoption, cybersecurity enhancements, and system integrations
- Oversee a multimillion-dollar IT budget, optimizing costs while improving service delivery and technology investments
- Chair the Information Technology Steering Committee, guiding key strategic initiatives
- Provide quarterly briefings to the board of directors on cybersecurity, risk management, and IT performance
- Act as the board-approved Information Security Officer (ISO), ensuring compliance with FFIEC, FDIC, and DFI regulations
- Mitigated cyber risks by implementing a managed detection and response, advanced threat detection, and enhanced endpoint security
- Transformed IT operations from a traditional model to a proactive, data-driven approach with automation and AI-driven analytics
- Negotiated and managed key vendor contracts, ensuring cost-effective technology solutions and regulatory compliance
- Conducted regular reviews of the IT infrastructure architecture in order to recommend improvements and upgrades as needed.
Vice President of Information Technology
Community First Bank | HFG Trust
04.2018 - 07.2023
- Led IT strategy, governance, and cybersecurity initiatives to align technology with business goals.
- Spearheaded the digital transformation journey, including cloud migrations, core banking upgrades, and enhanced cybersecurity frameworks
- Managed a multimillion-dollar IT budget, optimizing investments and reducing operational costs
- Established and led the IT Governance Committee, ensuring compliance with FDIC, DFI, and FFIEC regulations
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, incorporating zero-trust architecture and AI-driven threat detection
- Oversaw vendor negotiations and strategic partnerships, securing cost-effective and compliant technology solutions
- Led IT integration efforts during mergers and acquisitions, ensuring seamless technology transitions
- Provided executive leadership in IT risk management, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity programs including a comprehensive overhaul of infrastructure
- Reviewed IT project proposals to ensure alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
- Coordinated disaster recovery efforts in the event of system outages or other unexpected events.
- Identified opportunities to leverage technology investments for cost savings and efficiencies.
- Developed, managed and implemented an IT strategy that aligned with the company's overall business objectives.
Director of Information Systems
Verdesian Life Sciences US, LLC
01.2014 - 04.2018
- Led enterprise-wide IT strategy development and execution, aligning technology investments with business goals
- Designed and implemented business continuity and disaster recovery plans, reducing downtime by 40%
- Oversaw IT governance, compliance, and risk management, ensuring adherence to SOX, GDPR, and NIST standards
- Developed and managed a $10M global IT budget, optimizing infrastructure investments and technology spend
- Created a comprehensive Business Intelligence strategy, integrating real-time data analytics to support decision-making
- Managed cybersecurity initiatives, including penetration testing, incident response planning, and SIEM deployment
- Globally managed several satellite IT locations, maintaining secure and operational corporate infrastructure.
- Created centralized management capability by integrating warehouse management software applications.
- Led project teams in developing new applications or enhancements to existing ones in order to meet organizational needs.
Information Systems Manager
Northwest Agricultural Products
08.2010 - 01.2014
- Recruited, trained and supervised IT department staff.
- Spearheaded the corporate office IT migration, implementing state-of-the-art security, and access control systems.
- Established a cloud-based infrastructure, improving scalability and reducing operational costs
- Negotiated and managed vendor contracts, reducing IT expenses by 20%
- Developed a risk-based cybersecurity program, enhancing data protection and compliance
Information Technology Coordinator
Northwest Agricultural Products
08.2008 - 08.2010
- Designed and deployed network security frameworks, including firewalls, endpoint protection, and VPN solutions
- Upgraded core infrastructure, implementing high-availability virtualized servers with VMware vSphere
- Led migration to Windows Datacenter 2008 R2, ensuring seamless transition with minimal disruption
- Developed SharePoint-based intranet for enhanced document management and collaboration
Education
Master of Information Systems -
University of Phoenix
Coursework For A Master of Biometrics -
University of Idaho
Bachelor of Science - Natural Resource Management
Washington State University
Database Administration -
Columbia Basin College
Skills
- IT Strategy & Digital Transformation
- Cybersecurity & Risk Management
- Cloud Computing & Infrastructure
- ERP & CRM Selection and Implementation
- CISO & Information Security Leadership
- Regulatory Compliance (FDIC, DFI, FFIEC, NIST)
- Project & Program Management (PMP)
- Software development - SDLC & Agile
- Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
- Financial & Vendor Management
- Board & C-Suite Communication
- IT architecture & operations
- IT service management
Key Executive Skills
- IT Strategy & Digital Transformation
- Cybersecurity & Risk Management
- Cloud Computing & Infrastructure
- ERP & CRM Selection and Implementation
- CISO & Information Security Leadership
- Regulatory Compliance (FDIC, DFI, FFIEC, SOX, NIST)
- Project & Program Management (PMP)
- Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
- Financial & Vendor Management
- Board & C-Suite Communication
Certification
- PMP (former)
- CISSP
- Commercial Pilot Multi-engine Instrument
Timeline
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Community First Bank
04.2018 - Current
Vice President of Information Technology
Community First Bank | HFG Trust
04.2018 - 07.2023
Director of Information Systems
Verdesian Life Sciences US, LLC
01.2014 - 04.2018
Information Systems Manager
Northwest Agricultural Products
08.2010 - 01.2014
Information Technology Coordinator
Northwest Agricultural Products
08.2008 - 08.2010
Master of Information Systems -
University of Phoenix
Coursework For A Master of Biometrics -
University of Idaho
Bachelor of Science - Natural Resource Management
Washington State University
Database Administration -
Columbia Basin College
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