Jennifer Wendling
Washington,DC
Summary
Experienced cybersecurity specialist and program manager with a policy-forward approach. Proven track record in leading cross-agency initiatives at DHS/CISA. Skilled in rapid response leadership, national policy development, and executive-level advisory support. Expertise in translating strategic objectives into operational outcomes, leading cross-functional teams, and enhancing cybersecurity resilience through data-driven decision-making.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
IT Cybersecurity Specialist & Program Manager
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) | Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) | Cybersecurity Division (CSD)
10.2024 - Current
- Cybersecurity Strategy & Policy Development: Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of high-impact cybersecurity strategies and policies, shaping national security priorities and guiding leadership decision-making.
- Program & Project Management: Oversee end-to-end execution of high-priority strategic initiatives, managing cross-functional teams of 5-20 people to achieve mission-critical goals on time and within scope.
- Executive Briefing & Advisory: Deliver strategic briefings, policy recommendations, and operational insights to CISA/DHS leadership, including the Director and senior department heads, on complex cybersecurity issues.
- Cross-Agency Collaboration & Advocacy: Serve as a strategic liaison with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and interagency partners, fostering alignment and collaboration on national cybersecurity initiatives.
- Rapid Response Leadership: Direct urgent, resource-constrained projects as Program Manager for the Rapid Response Tiger Team, ensuring timely delivery of mission-essential cybersecurity outcomes and executive visibility.
- Operational Documentation & Reporting: Lead the creation of essential documents, including the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), statutory authority mappings, and strategic communications for congressional stakeholders.
- Data-Driven Decision Support: Spearhead the development of policy-driven data analytics and congressional reports that inform resource allocation and advance federal cybersecurity priorities.
- Strategic Leadership: Coordinate and integrate strategic programs, ensuring alignment with DHS/CISA objectives and national cybersecurity goals, driving measurable results across the organization.
- Cyber Threat Intelligence: Apply in-depth knowledge of the cyber threat landscape, organizational processes, and data flows to provide actionable recommendations for cybersecurity strategy and risk mitigation.
- Policy Implementation & Advocacy: Develop and implement strategic programs to ensure agency-wide adherence to cybersecurity policies and best practices, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance.
- Clearance: Active DHS security clearance, eligible for access to sensitive government systems and classified information.
Senior Cybersecurity Management Consultant
Lafayette Group, Inc. (LGI) | CISA
01.2023 - 10.2024
- Cybersecurity Strategy & Policy Development: Led design and development of cybersecurity strategies and policies to enhance national security posture; Advocated for cybersecurity policy improvements to strengthen operational practices and align with federal priorities.
- Program & Project Management: Led the development of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), aligning mission priorities with available resources; Developed performance metrics and strategic objectives to ensure alignment with CISA’s vision and goals.
- Leadership Support & Stakeholder Engagement: Appointed Action Officer to the CB Associate Director, overseeing strategic planning, data analysis, and mission-critical operations; Collaborated with federal stakeholders to integrate strategic recommendations into operational processes.
- Data Analytics & Reporting: Developed the first subdivision-wide Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) spreadsheet to streamline data management and reporting; Delivered key client-facing materials, including presentations, memos, and proposals, to advance federal cybersecurity priorities.
Senior Policy Analyst
National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH)
06.2022 - 01.2023
- Legislative Analysis & Policy Development: Analyzed proposed legislation, focusing on authorizing language, eligibility, and implementation practices for Native American health services; Developed policy briefings and reports on funding, appropriations, and Indian Health Service (IHS) support.
- Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement: Liaison to congressional offices, providing feedback on legislation and advocating for improvements in federal health policy for Native communities; Contributed to advocacy efforts to secure funding and policy enhancements for critical health services in Native American populations.
- Policy Communication & Reporting: Created original policy briefings, testimonies, and talking points for congressional stakeholders on key health policy issues.
Education
Master of Arts - Political Science
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI05.2022
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
Whitewater, WI05.2020
Bachelor of Arts - French
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
Whitewater, WI05.2020
Skills
- Cybersecurity Strategy & Policy Development
- Project & Program Management
- Legislative Analysis & Policy Advocacy
- Data Analytics & Performance Metrics
- Cross-Agency & Stakeholder Collaboration
- Executive Briefing & Strategic Communication
- Rapid Response Leadership & Crisis Management
- Cyber Threat Intelligence & Risk Mitigation
- Federal Budgeting & Resource Allocation
- International Policy & Diplomacy
Timeline
IT Cybersecurity Specialist & Program Manager
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) | Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) | Cybersecurity Division (CSD)
10.2024 - Current
Senior Cybersecurity Management Consultant
Lafayette Group, Inc. (LGI) | CISA
01.2023 - 10.2024
Senior Policy Analyst
National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH)
06.2022 - 01.2023
Master of Arts - Political Science
Marquette University
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
Bachelor of Arts - French
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
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