Jeffrey Bankard
Prosper,TX
Summary
With a unique background in operations, cybersecurity, AI, and space leadership, I bring a distinctive blend of expertise to the cybersecurity domain. Holding a Doctorate in IT specializing in Cybersecurity, with a focus on zero-trust network architecture, I have over 15 years of experience leading both military and industry cybersecurity initiatives. Throughout my career, I have served as a SOC manager, technical consultant, and operational leader in space and cyber operations, managing teams of 10 to 50+ analysts and engineers. As an active member of the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Zero Trust Working Group and an adjunct professor in cyber defense, I contribute to advancing industry standards. My leadership spans developing and implementing robust cybersecurity strategies aligned with business objectives, emphasizing zero trust principles to enhance security posture. In collaboration with senior leadership, I integrate cybersecurity into business operations, ensuring resilient and strategically aligned security practices across the organization. As an experienced operations leader with a proven track record in optimizing business processes and driving organizational success, I bring expertise in strategic planning, process improvement, and resource management. My strong focus on team collaboration enables me to achieve measurable results. Known for adaptability and reliability in dynamic environments, I consistently deliver exceptional outcomes.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
Work History
Chief Operations Officer
WhitegloveAI
11.2023 - Current
- As a leader at WhitegloveAI, I served as both Chief Product Officer (CPO) and Chief Operations Officer (COO), playing a critical role in driving strategic initiatives, operational excellence, and product innovation
- As CPO, I spearheaded the launch of Lucidis.AI, a cutting-edge AI product that gained immediate market traction, securing a $12k annual contract within 30 days of reaching minimum viable product (MVP) status and earning acceptance into the Plug and Play Fall 2024 cohort
- This early success led to my promotion to COO, where I expanded my responsibilities to oversee strategic and operational execution across the organization
- In both roles, I led cross-functional teams across product development, engineering, marketing, and sales, ensuring seamless product lifecycles from ideation to launch, while fostering a collaborative culture focused on scalability and innovation
- As COO, I was responsible for aligning all departments with WhitegloveAI's vision to deliver AI-powered solutions that enhance client satisfaction and retention
- I optimized processes, increased organizational efficiency, and integrated cutting-edge technologies into our service offerings
- Leveraging data-driven insights, I drove continuous improvement across product performance and customer experience, positioning WhitegloveAI at the forefront of AI and cybersecurity innovation
- Additionally, I managed risk, compliance, and governance to ensure adherence to regulatory standards and industry best practices
- My leadership extended to the entire customer lifecycle, from acquisition to support, ensuring the company's operational backbone remained agile and resilient as WhitegloveAI expanded its footprint in the industry
- Through strategic foresight and dedication to operational and product excellence, I contributed significantly to WhitegloveAI's growth and success
- Championed a culture of continuous improvement, fostering collaboration between departments for optimal operational results.
- Increased profitability by optimizing sales and fulfilling lower overhead costs.
Director Threat Detection & Response for Cyber Managed Services
Ernst & Young
06.2022 - 10.2023
- As the director overseeing threat detection and vulnerability management teams at EY, I led comprehensive cybersecurity initiatives, actively hunting incidents and identifying environment-specific indicators of compromise
- I consulted with client CISOs to organize and select managed services that met their specific organizational network technical specifications
- I supported diverse security team projects, including threat modeling, assessments, and audits, contributing to a multifaceted security framework
- My role extended to developing and enhancing controls based on incident response and threat hunting, demonstrating deep security knowledge and the ability to execute end-to-end programs with a strategic balance
- I provided inspirational leadership, driving continuous improvement in the incident response program and delivering critical solutions within tight time frames
- Overseeing day-to-day cybersecurity operations and leading the expansion of the cyber operations team, I adapted security strategy based on research, data, business direction, and industry trends, ensuring our organization remained resilient in the face of evolving cyber threats
Security Operations Center Manager
Raytheon Technologies
06.2019 - 06.2022
- In a leadership capacity within the cybersecurity domain, I spearheaded a transformative initiative by personally assembling and training a top-tier Security Operations Center (SOC) team
- Managing an annual training budget of $75,000, I strategically built a skilled and cohesive team capable of responding effectively to cyber threats
- This team, consisting of 12 Level I and Level II analysts based in the U.S, as well as overseeing 2 Overseas SOCs in the UK and Australia, played a critical role in supporting 24/7 cybersecurity operations for a user base of 190,000 USERS
- My responsibilities extended beyond team management to ensuring the security and compliance of all processes, procedures, and records, positioning the organization for success in inspections and audits
- Adapting swiftly to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, I seamlessly transitioned operations to a remote setting without compromising the effectiveness of the cybersecurity mission
- Oversaw the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes to ensure a skilled workforce capable of meeting center objectives.
- Checked facility, employee work and service levels to maintain compliance with company and industry standards.
- Established performance metrics and conducted regular evaluations to identify areas for improvement and drive continuous growth.
Solutions Architect
ImageNet Consulting
05.2018 - 06.2019
- Recruited to manage a $10M portfolio for key clients across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including HP, I consulted closely with business owners and C-suite leaders to address their unique needs in print security, IT hardware, and software solutions
- Leveraging HP Sure Start technology, I focused on securing the often-overlooked printer attack vector, implementing advanced protections to guard against BIOS-level threats and prevent unauthorized access across client networks
- I provided customized, modernized solutions that streamlined operations, bolstered network security, and optimized resource utilization
- Additionally, I identified and capitalized on business development opportunities to expand the portfolio, positioning ImageNet Consulting as a trusted partner for secure, scalable IT solutions
Security Technical Consultant
HP
05.2017 - 05.2018
- As the PC Security Technical Consultant for the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area, I specialized in providing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions tailored to the unique needs of Fortune 500 companies
- Armed with a deep understanding of PC security protocols, I collaborate with clients to assess, design, and implement robust security measures that safeguard critical assets
- My role involves conducting thorough risk assessments, deploying advanced security frameworks, and ensuring compliance with industry standards
- In this dynamic environment, I stay at the forefront of emerging threats, technology trends, and industry best practices to deliver proactive and effective security solutions that meet the high standards expected by Fortune 500 clients in the DFW region
Director of Cyber Defense & Enterprise Governance
U.S. Air Force
01.2013 - 04.2017
- As an instructional leader in cyber defense for the U.S
- Air Force, I directed a team of six technical experts responsible for executing comprehensive cyber defense strategies across the Air Force network
- I led initiatives in intrusion alert analysis, malware incident mitigation, and the implementation of advanced network security measures
- Additionally, I coordinated weapons system proficiency training and played a crucial role in consolidating 16 Air Force gateways, enhancing security across the network
- With oversight of a $125M Active Cyber Defense weapons system, I managed 129 intrusion detection sensors across 51 sites, mitigating 48 malware incidents and strengthening network defenses against numerous threats
- My expertise and leadership led to a promotion to lead a larger team of 15 responsible for managing over 44,000 enterprise cyber accounts, establishing governance standards, policies, and compliance protocols, which substantially enhanced network security and closed critical attack vectors
- I developed and implemented a 72-hour reboot policy affecting over 425,000 Air Force users, improving patch completion rates by 10% in collaboration with Regional Network Operations Support Centers to meet CYBERCOM requirements
- As the Officer in Charge and Security Operations Center Manager at the 624th Operations Center, I led 24/7 offensive and defensive cyber operations and oversaw weapons systems management
- My responsibilities included implementing cyber communications initiatives across the Air Force network and swiftly addressing incidents on a global scale
- I also trained and mentored five new Senior Duty Officers, ensuring their readiness to fulfill key roles within the cyber operations team
- My leadership and instructional contributions were instrumental in enhancing team effectiveness and the overall efficiency of Air Force cyber operations
Logistics Readiness Officer
U.S. Air Force
07.2010 - 01.2013
- As a Logistics Readiness Officer at Lackland AFB from 2010 to 2013, I ensured the deployment readiness of a 35-member team tasked with critical wartime functions in high-stakes environments
- I led material handling equipment readiness and training efforts, conducting monthly exercises to maintain operational standards and facilitate upgrade testing
- Additionally, I provided managerial oversight for commander-directed programs, mentoring Airmen to prepare them for future leadership roles
- During drill weekends, I managed two flights with a combined strength of 65 personnel, ensuring seamless operational continuity and readiness
- While deployed, I served as the Executive Officer of the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC), providing executive-level support in a complex joint operations setting
- My performance during this time earned me an early promotion to Major (O-4), and I completed the Squadron Officer School (SOS) to further develop my leadership and strategic skills
Space Operations Officer
U.S. Air Force
06.2005 - 06.2010
- Assigned to both the 3rd Space Operations Squadron (3 SOPS) and 1st Space Operations Squadron (1 SOPS), I played a key role in optimizing short-term routine and emergency planning for the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN)
- At 3 SOPS, I was hand-selected to serve as a crew commander, leading a 15-member total-force team and delivering essential satellite launch performance data to the program office
- I directed the flawless execution of over 2,400 satellite operations, supporting Satellite Communications (SATCOM) and providing critical links to over 241,000 personnel across 120 countries
- During this time, I controlled multiple satellite platforms, including DSCS III, a robust and secure X-band communication satellite essential for military operations, and TacSat III, an experimental satellite focused on tactical and real-time situational awareness
- My instructional capabilities significantly contributed to the squadron's operational excellence, enhancing both routine and complex satellite mission execution
- Additionally, I completed my Master of Science in Space Systems Management, further strengthening my expertise in space operations and systems management
Education
Ph.D. - Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Capella University
03-2024
M.S. - Space Systems Engineering Management
Webster University
05-2008
B.A. - Criminal Justice
University of West Florida
05-2004
Skills
- Governance Risk & Compliance
- Cybersecurity Operations and Incident Response
- SOC Leadership
- Cross-functional coordination
- ISO 27001 and 42001 Implementer
- CISSP (#787404)
- Certified AI Consultant (#9609047407)
Certification
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional, CISSP #787404
- Certified AI Consultant, CAIC #9609047407
- Certified Chief Information Security Officer, CCISO - Associate
- ISO 42001 Lead Implementer, AI Management Systems PECB
- GCIH, GIAC Certified Incident Handler
- Security+
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
ID# 787404
Timeline
Chief Operations Officer
WhitegloveAI
11.2023 - Current
Director Threat Detection & Response for Cyber Managed Services
Ernst & Young
06.2022 - 10.2023
Security Operations Center Manager
Raytheon Technologies
06.2019 - 06.2022
Solutions Architect
ImageNet Consulting
05.2018 - 06.2019
Security Technical Consultant
HP
05.2017 - 05.2018
Director of Cyber Defense & Enterprise Governance
U.S. Air Force
01.2013 - 04.2017
Logistics Readiness Officer
U.S. Air Force
07.2010 - 01.2013
Space Operations Officer
U.S. Air Force
06.2005 - 06.2010
Ph.D. - Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Capella University
M.S. - Space Systems Engineering Management
Webster University
B.A. - Criminal Justice
University of West Florida
CAIC
Certified AI Consultant (USAII #9609047407)
GCIH
GIAC Certified Incident Handler