James Steele
Orange,CA
Summary
Experienced cybersecurity leader with a strong background in business operations and strategic initiatives in information security. Skilled in risk management and incident response. Has proven success in creating effective security departments and promoting cross-departmental collaboration to ensure compliance and operational excellence. Manages and guides global cybersecurity practices, programs, and teams responsible for planning, analysis, and engineering. Implements enterprise strategies and systems to strengthen cybersecurity governance, enhance security posture, and meet regulatory standards. Oversee all facets of cybersecurity operations, with a professional history of directing IT and cybersecurity units for large, international corporations.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr Dir Information Security|CISO
CalOptima Health
Orange, CA
08.2022 - Current
- Conducted assessment of current security measures and created gap analysis for remediation.
- Developed incident response program with attack-specific plans and playbooks per NIST SP 800-61.
- Ensured alignment of policies, procedures and practices to NIST SP 800-53 to meet healthcare data security and privacy requirements.
- Evaluated cybersecurity processes, policies, and architectures; formulated roadmap for prioritization and improvement.
- Established cybersecurity risk management framework enabling quantitative and qualitative risk assessment.
- Acquired and deployed data protection toolset for endpoint protection, risk reduction, access rights management, and user monitoring across systems.
Sr Dir Global Security|CISO
Benchmark Electronics Inc.
Tempe, AZ
07.2016 - 08.2022
- Directed development and implementation of cybersecurity strategies for $3 billion global business.
- Established company-wide cybersecurity practice to govern security requirements across manufacturing operations.
- Evaluated existing cybersecurity processes and identified opportunities to enhance overall security posture.
- Managed procurement and deployment of security tools to align with evolving cybersecurity objectives.
- Analyzed legal and regulatory risks related to IT and cybersecurity, documenting findings and presenting them to the Board.
- Developed awareness training programs and network segregation plans to bolster organizational security compliance.
- Ensured operational and technical compliance with NIST SP800-171, CMMC, and CSF guidelines across regions.
- Conducted assessments of cybersecurity architectures to drive continuous improvements in security measures.
VP of Operations
Secure Communication System (Acquire by Benchmark)
Santa Ana, CA
11.2010 - 07.2016
- Optimized performance strategies to enhance efficiency and boost company profits.
- Coordinated cross-departmental work to ensure alignment with company objectives.
- Established clear goals for area managers and implemented systems for performance measurement.
- Provided leadership and support across all operational areas using analytical and design skills.
- Delivered IT operational support across four companies within the Secure Technology Portfolio.
Director of Information Systems
Secure Communication Systems Inc.
Santa Ana, CA
09.1996 - 10.2010
- Oversaw IT/IS department, managing diverse projects including network design, installation, and migration.
- Led development and deployment of cybersecurity measures, disaster recovery plans, and business continuity protocols.
- Directed application development using SQL, FileMaker, and Visual Basics to enhance operational efficiency.
- Implemented MRP/ERP systems with report development to optimize data support processes.
- Managed data center buildouts and deployments to improve enterprise infrastructure.
- Administered IT operations to ensure optimal performance and security of applications and infrastructures.
- Coordinated incident response processes to bolster organizational resilience against threats.
Education
Ph.D. - Information Technology\Cybersecurity
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN06-2027
Graduate Certificate - Cyber Security
Harvard University
05-2022
Master of Science - Information System Management
Keller Graduate School
12.2010
Bachelor of Science - Electronics Engineering Technologies
DeVry University
10.2002
Skills
- CISSP, CISM
- CyberArk
- Varonis
- Palo Alto
- Tenable Nessus
- Encryption
- Endpoint Protection (Trend Micro, Eset, Carbon Black)
- Protecting networks
- Incident Response
- Inventory and Asset management
- Key performance indicators and Data analytics
- Policy/program Development and implementation
- Stakeholder relations
- Leadership training and Team building
- Employee development
- Cross-functional team management
- Capital improvement planning
- Operations oversight
- Communications
- Process improvement
- Operational improvement
- Information risk management
- Data security
- MRP and MES systems
- Profit and loss accountability
- Expense analysis
Timeline
Sr Dir Information Security|CISO
CalOptima Health
08.2022 - Current
Sr Dir Global Security|CISO
Benchmark Electronics Inc.
07.2016 - 08.2022
VP of Operations
Secure Communication System (Acquire by Benchmark)
11.2010 - 07.2016
Director of Information Systems
Secure Communication Systems Inc.
09.1996 - 10.2010
Graduate Certificate - Cyber Security
Harvard University
Master of Science - Information System Management
Keller Graduate School
Bachelor of Science - Electronics Engineering Technologies
DeVry University
Ph.D. - Information Technology\Cybersecurity
Capella University