MERHAWI ABRAHA
Portland,OR
Summary
10+ years managing high-level security, operations, and risk across global organizations - Proven discretion handling confidential incidents and cross-functional communications - Trusted partner to C-level and security leadership at Google, Apple, and Grail - Experienced in optimizing executive workflows, managing vendors, and ensuring business continuity
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Risk Operations Strategist
Private Security & Risk Management Firm
10.2023 - Current
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, streamlining risk workflows and ensuring visibility into key operational issues
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments and implement security policies for clients in highly regulated industries
- Coordinate across departments including engineering, IT, and legal to integrate cybersecurity best practices.
- Handle sensitive regulatory and incident-related information with professionalism and discretion
- Prepare executive briefings on security posture, operational risks, and recommended mitigation steps
Global Security Operations Specialist (GSRS)
Google
04.2022 - 06.2023
- Managed end-to-end incident response, working closely with legal, HR, and compliance teams to ensure resolution and reporting.
- Supported Google security leadership with critical risk analysis and real-time situational awareness.
- Oversaw access control and surveillance systems, coordinating emergency response and recovery planning.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement automation tools and improve response efficiency.
Facilities Coordinator Supervisor
Grail Inc
05.2021 - 03.2022
- Supported site leadership with vendor management, service agreements, and operational readiness.
- Implemented process improvements for documentation tracking, risk reporting, and incident response.
- Delivered security training and communications across departments.
- Led security awareness training, ensuring staff were prepared for incident response and compliance procedures.
Global Operations Officer
Machine Zone
06.2020 - 02.2021
- Managed global security workflows for product integrity and IP protection.
- Coordinated with executive stakeholders and external law enforcement during investigations.
- Enforced NDA compliance and led global training drills.
- Ensured compliance with non-disclosure agreements and intellectual property protection protocols.
Security Operations Manager & Risk Strategist
Apple
08.2018 - 03.2020
- Worked directly with senior stakeholders to design and enforce global security protocols.
- Oversaw executive access control, surveillance systems, and security drills for sensitive facilities.
- Partnered with legal and engineering to resolve high-risk operational issues discreetly.
- Worked closely with global security teams, engineering, IT, and legal departments to address complex security challenges.
Security Supervisor & Lead Officer
US Security Associates
08.2014 - 06.2018
- Led facility security operations and team coordination across multiple sites.
- Developed security plans for routine and emergency situations, coordinating with other departments to ensure alignment with company policies.
- Conducted investigations and documented security incidents, ensuring adherence to reporting protocols.
- Delivered regular training on security awareness, emergency procedures, and conflict resolution.
- Worked closely with local law enforcement to resolve security incidents swiftly and efficiently.
Education
Associate of Science - Information Technology
San Jose City College
San Jose, CAWestmont
Campbell, CASkills
- Executive Support & Scheduling
- Incident Response & Crisis Management
- Cross-Functional Communication
- Risk Management & Vendor Oversight
- Confidential Information Handling
- Process Improvement & Policy Implementation
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Tigrinya
Native or Bilingual
Amharic
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Risk Operations Strategist
Private Security & Risk Management Firm
10.2023 - Current
Global Security Operations Specialist (GSRS)
Google
04.2022 - 06.2023
Facilities Coordinator Supervisor
Grail Inc
05.2021 - 03.2022
Global Operations Officer
Machine Zone
06.2020 - 02.2021
Security Operations Manager & Risk Strategist
Apple
08.2018 - 03.2020
Security Supervisor & Lead Officer
US Security Associates
08.2014 - 06.2018
Associate of Science - Information Technology
San Jose City College
Westmont
Similar Profiles
Wilfred VillanovaWilfred Villanova
Security Officer at METRO GUARD SECURITY & RISK MANAGEMENT...Security Officer at METRO GUARD SECURITY & RISK MANAGEMENT...
Saurabh DwivediSaurabh Dwivedi
Capability Development Specialist at Reliance Security & Risk Management Academy, Reliance Industries LimitedCapability Development Specialist at Reliance Security & Risk Management Academy, Reliance Industries Limited
George HaskettGeorge Haskett
GIS Project Manager at Rhodius Security Risk ManagementGIS Project Manager at Rhodius Security Risk Management
Benjamin HadlerBenjamin Hadler
QA Specification Coordinator at Flowers FoodsQA Specification Coordinator at Flowers Foods
Lyyli MattsonLyyli Mattson
Floral Designer at FreelanceFloral Designer at Freelance