Dontrace Ballou
Havre De Grace
Summary
Accomplished cybersecurity executive and Supervisory IT Specialist with over 20 years of experience leading enterprise-wide cyber programs, securing multi-classification environments, and driving modernization across the Department of Defense. Proven authority in directing full lifecycle RMF activities for SCI, SAP, and other high-sensitivity systems while shaping organizational security posture, governing cyber risk, and ensuring compliance with DoD, Army, and federal mandates. Recognized for building and leading high-performing cyber teams, strengthening workforce readiness, and advising senior leaders on mission-critical security decisions. Adept at developing cyber policy, overseeing vulnerability management, and aligning cybersecurity strategy with enterprise objectives. Currently hold a Top-Secret Security Clearance.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Supervisory IT Specialist / Senior Cybersecurity Leader
U.S. Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG)
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
- Cybersecurity Program Leadership
- Provide senior-level leadership for enterprise cybersecurity operations, ensuring compliance with DoD, Army, and federal cyber mandates across multi-classification environments.
- Direct RMF lifecycle activities for high-risk systems, including SCI and SAP enclaves, ensuring continuous authorization and alignment with evolving threat landscapes.
- Oversee vulnerability management, STIG compliance, ACAS/HBSS reporting, and enterprise risk mitigation strategies.
- Serve as principal cybersecurity advisor to senior leadership, shaping cyber policy, governance frameworks, and modernization priorities.
- Strategic Cyber Governance & Policy
- Develop and enforce cybersecurity policies, technical standards, and governance structures that strengthen organizational resilience and reduce operational risk.
- Lead enterprise reviews of network architectures, system designs, and cyber capabilities to ensure alignment with mission requirements and DoD security standards.
- Represent ACC-APG and ACOIC in high-level cyber working groups, contributing to TTP development and enterprise cyber strategy.
- Classified Systems Security & Incident Response
- Oversee cybersecurity operations for classified systems within a SCIF, ensuring secure equipment handling, incident response, and compliance with multi-classification security requirements.
- Direct remediation of IA violations, data spillages, and insider threat events, ensuring rapid containment and adherence to reporting protocols.
- Manage cryptographic equipment, keying material, and secure communications technologies.
- Cyber Workforce Leadership
- Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of cybersecurity and IT professionals, driving workforce development, readiness, and technical excellence.
- Oversee hiring, performance management, training programs, and succession planning to maintain a mission-ready cyber workforce.
IT Specialist (Information Security) / ISSM
Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
08.2016 - 05.2024
- Served as ISSM for a geographically dispersed enterprise of 900+ users, overseeing RMF compliance, cyber policy, and security governance.
- Directed vulnerability assessments, STIG compliance, ACAS/HBSS reporting, and enterprise risk mitigation.
- Briefed senior leaders on cyber posture, emerging threats, and mitigation strategies for NIPR and SIPR networks.
- Managed AD access control, privileged access, and secure working practices aligned with COMSEC and DoD cyber requirements.
- Led remediation of data spillages and IA violations; ensured rapid containment and compliance with reporting protocols.
- Oversaw cryptographic device management, key updates, and secure communications handling.
- Served as IMO, managing account provisioning, Army 365 access, ATCTS compliance, and hardware/software approvals.
IT Manager / IA Support Officer
DSA Inc.
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
02.2014 - 08.2016
- Led Help Desk and cybersecurity support operations for JPEO-CBD, ensuring secure, compliant IT service delivery.
- Supported RMF package development, IA documentation, and cyber compliance activities.
- Ensured CoN compliance for hardware/software acquisitions and adherence to DoD cybersecurity requirements.
- Delivered cybersecurity and VTC training to end users; developed IT security processes and documentation.
Network / System Administrator (Cybersecurity-Focused)
CACI Technologies Inc.
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
01.2010 - 07.2013
- Supported multi-classification networks (NIPR, SIPR, DREN, JWICS, NSA) with a focus on secure configuration, access control, and system hardening.
- Participated in cyber-focused technical working groups on system development, configuration, and security controls.
- Managed VMware environments, performed secure data backups, and supported DISA mail migration.
- Administered AD, Exchange, DNS, DHCP, Juniper VPN, and Blackberry BES with strict adherence to DoD security standards.
Sr. Information Technology Specialist / Team Chief
U.S. Army
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
07.2006 - 12.2009
- Led a six-member communications and cybersecurity team supporting secure voice, data, and satellite communications.
- Delivered training on secure communications systems, tactical radios, and multi-classification network operations.
- Oversaw secure deployment of communications systems during exercises and operations.
- Developed a network administration training program supporting Homeland Defense missions.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Project Management
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL01.2013
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL01.2010
Skills
- Enterprise Cybersecurity Governance
- RMF (SCI/SAP) Leadership & Compliance
- Cyber Risk Management & Policy Development
- Vulnerability Management & Security Posture Oversight
- Zero Trust & Modernization Strategy
- Incident Response & Classified System Security
- Cyber Workforce Development & Leadership
- Secure Architecture & Network Defense
- Insider Threat Mitigation & Data Protection
- DoD Accreditation, STIGs, ACAS, HBSS
Certification
- (ISC)² CISSP-ISSMP, 2022
- (ISC)² CISSP, 2017
- (ISC)² Certified Authorization Professional (CAP), 2016
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), 2008
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), 2008
- CompTIA Security+ (CE), 2008
- CompTIA Network+ (CE), 2009
- DoD 8570 Compliant, IAT-II
Training And Professional Development
- Civilian Education System (CES) — Advanced Course
- Emerging Leaders I & II
- Information Technology Management Course (BNCOC, ANCOC)
- Tanium Essentials
- Introduction to Special Access Programs (SAPs)
- HBSS 201 / HBSS 301
- ACAS v5.6
- EMASS Training
- Fundamentals of Systems Acquisition Management
- COMSEC Custodian Course
- TACLANE Family Familiarization
- ISYSCON (V)4 NET
- Mission Application Administrators Course (Tactical Battle Command)
Timeline
IT Specialist (Information Security) / ISSM
Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground
08.2016 - 05.2024
IT Manager / IA Support Officer
DSA Inc.
02.2014 - 08.2016
Network / System Administrator (Cybersecurity-Focused)
CACI Technologies Inc.
01.2010 - 07.2013
Sr. Information Technology Specialist / Team Chief
U.S. Army
07.2006 - 12.2009
Supervisory IT Specialist / Senior Cybersecurity Leader
U.S. Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG)
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
Columbia Southern University
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Project Management
Columbia Southern University