Kristopher Burns
North Liberty,USA
Summary
Strategic IT & Cybersecurity Program Lead with over 15 years of experience managing complex, cross-functional initiatives across infrastructure, application development, and enterprise systems. In the past 5 years, developed focused expertise in cybersecurity, leading programs to enhance capability maturity, reduce systemic risk, and align security efforts with organizational goals. Proven ability to drive execution, manage matrixed teams, and deliver impactful results in dynamic, high-stakes environments.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Cyber Security & Risk Management
Collins Aerospace / RTX
11.2021 - 04.2025
- Drove collaborative, enterprise-wide initiatives to identify, mitigate, and remediate cybersecurity risks by actively engaging cross-functional teams to address non-compliant or vulnerable hardware and software across the environment.
- Aligned cybersecurity initiatives with business priorities by facilitating collaboration between technical teams and stakeholders, ensuring strategic goals and risk tolerance were effectively balanced.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to drive execution of critical cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring alignment, accountability, and timely delivery in a high-demand environment.
- Guided strategic remediation efforts by setting clear priorities, coordinating execution, and removing operational obstacles to ensure continuous progress and measurable results.
- Applied CORE Champion principles to streamline cybersecurity program execution, enhance operational maturity, and promote continuous improvement across cross-functional initiatives.
- Championed an enhanced security-focused mindset across the organization, leading without direct authority through influence and strong cross-functional collaboration.
- Synthesized complex data into clear, actionable insights and delivered regular updates to support strategic planning and cybersecurity decision-making.
- Leveraged multi-source data analysis to uncover actionable insights, driving smarter prioritization of cybersecurity efforts and continuous program improvement
Senior IT Project Manager
Collins Aerospace
11.2019 - 11.2021
- Managed projects encompassing NIST/DFARS and CMMC compliance, hardware infrastructure, software deployment, and software development.
- Communicated project vision and scope to leadership and project teams, ensuring clear understanding and alignment.
- Directed high-performing teams, establishing effective inter-departmental relationships.
- Delivered value by managing project scope, schedules, and deliverables to align with business goals.
- Provided leadership without direct authority, promoting accountability and conflict resolution within teams.
- Summarized project progress and presented key updates to senior leadership for informed decision-making.
- Utilized financial management, risk analysis, and problem-solving to ensure timely project delivery
Information Systems Analyst
Purefy INC
07.2018 - 04.2019
- Facilitated project planning, sprint management, and backlog cultivation as part of agile project management.
- Analyzed end-user needs, creating user stories and interactive prototypes to guide development.
- Conducted workflow analysis and UI wireframe creation, enhancing product comprehension.
- Managed daily development tasks and served as a primary technical contact for business partners
Lead Product Owner
FabPro 1, LLC (now MSuite)
09.2016 - 06.2018
- Transitioned development lifecycle from waterfall to agile methodology, driving project milestones.
- Led sprint planning, task assignments, and updates to senior management.
- Conducted user needs assessments and documented requirements for real-world scenarios.
- Recruited, managed, and conducted performance reviews for team members.
- Developed web applications using PHP, MySQL, and Bootstrap framework
Director of Technology
Victory Enterprises
06.2008 - 09.2016
- Managed full-stack web and app development projects for clients across diverse industries.
- Conducted needs analyses, prepared proposals, and managed client billing and communication.
- Supervised a cross-functional team, handling hiring, conflict resolution, and HR management.
- Oversaw outsourced mobile development, including project allocation, team coordination, and deliverable management
Education
Bachelor of Science - Instructional Technologies and Telecommunications, Computer Science, English
Western Illinois University
01.2004
Skills
- Project Management: Waterfall & Agile methodologies; end-to-end program lifecycle oversight
- Data Analysis & Reporting: Microsoft Office expert with advanced Excel, SharePoint, and Power BI; skilled in building dashboards and communicating metrics to leadership
- ITSM Platforms: Experienced in ServiceNow (help desk, knowledge base, asset management)
- Business Analysis: Proficient in requirements gathering, stakeholder alignment, and translating business needs into technical outcomes
- Leadership: Cross-functional team leadership with influence across matrixed environments and without direct authority
- Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC): Hands-on experience with Archer, Verdant, and Rapid7; familiarity with CMMI and capability maturity models
- Vulnerability Management: Skilled in risk identification, remediation planning, and cross-team coordination to reduce systemic risk
- Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Clear and effective communicator across technical and executive audiences
- Strategic Planning & Risk Management: Aligns cybersecurity and IT initiatives with enterprise objectives to drive business value
Timeline
Manager, Cyber Security & Risk Management
Collins Aerospace / RTX
11.2021 - 04.2025
Senior IT Project Manager
Collins Aerospace
11.2019 - 11.2021
Information Systems Analyst
Purefy INC
07.2018 - 04.2019
Lead Product Owner
FabPro 1, LLC (now MSuite)
09.2016 - 06.2018
Director of Technology
Victory Enterprises
06.2008 - 09.2016
Bachelor of Science - Instructional Technologies and Telecommunications, Computer Science, English
Western Illinois University
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