Robert Noonan
Winthrop,MA
Summary
People-centric leader with a proven track record of driving collaboration, change management, and operational efficiency. Adept at fostering strong partnerships across diverse teams to implement strategic initiatives that enhance security, technology, and emergency preparedness. A visionary executive with expertise in streamlining processes, improving organizational resilience, and leading high-impact projects in fast-paced environments.
Proven cybersecurity professional with extensive experience in safeguarding organizational assets and managing risk. Strong focus on team collaboration, delivering results, and adapting to evolving threats. Proficient in developing and implementing security policies, incident response, and compliance. Known for strategic thinking, problem-solving, and reliability.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Information Security Officer
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
03.2017 - Current
- Lead large-scale world-class teams across the MCCA in all aspects of Information Technology, Digital Media, Cybersecurity, Public Safety, and Emergency Preparedness for all large-scale events.
- Responsible for organizational strategic planning assisting the Chief Executive Officer and MCCA Board of Directors in future strategy for the Authority.
- Oversee approximately $12 million dollars in annual operating budget(s) as well as an additional $10 million in capital budget(s).
- Overseeing the reorganization of existing MCCA procurement policies to assist with increasing supplier diversity participation and future spending.
- Secured over $3million dollars in federal grants associated with cyber security, active shooter exercises, and additional equipment and training for the MCCA.
- Founding member of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Large Venue Security Task Force overseeing all Large Venue policies and protocols for the state of Massachusetts.
- Establish and maintain strong regional partnerships with first responders, aiding in critical emergency responses such as the 2013 Boston Marathon attack and a foiled 2015 security threat at the Pokemon World Championship.
- Oversaw the construction and operation of the BCEC COVID-19 hospital known as Boston Hope in 2020 and the conversion of the Hynes Convention Center to a mass vaccination site.
- Maintain strong relationships with numerous labor unions supporting the business of the MCCA including Local 25 Teamsters, Local 32BJ SEIU, Local 103, Local 11 IATSE, and Local 26.
- Develop and implement MCCA’s first comprehensive cybersecurity program, adopting the NIST 800-53 framework and deploying advanced monitoring systems.
- Drive employee cybersecurity awareness training programs and oversee agency-wide IT security strategy.
- Spearhead the implementation of an agency-wide Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Venue Management System (VMS).
- Lead safety initiatives such as Suspicious Indicator training, active shooter exercises, and the 'Stop the Bleed' program.
- Responsible for the application process for BCEC to become the first convention center in the U.S. to achieve DHS Safety Act Certification.
Director of Public Safety
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
10.2010 - 03.2017
- Led all Public Safety operations, including emergency preparedness, risk assessment, and security planning for MCCA facilities.
- Developed the agency’s first Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) in compliance with DHS standards.
- Established a state-of-the-art MCCA Command & Operations Center for real-time emergency monitoring and response.
- Negotiated MCCA’s first collective bargaining agreements with public safety unions.
- Implemented industry-first event-specific security assessments in partnership with the Boston Police Regional Intelligence Center (BRIC).
- Secured and managed DHS grant funding for security enhancements, including freight screening and communication interoperability.
- Increased Public Safety training standards by 300%, including NFPA Crowd Manager certification for all uniformed officers.
- Launched a mobile video platform for real-time security monitoring and emergency response.
Public Safety Manager of Technology
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
07.2007 - 10.2010
- Developed and implemented MCCA’s first in-house Public Safety Command Center.
- Managed an $8 million annual public safety budget and $1 million in capital investments.
- Led a multi-agency initiative to upgrade MCCA’s surveillance system, transitioning to a network-based video security platform.
- Secured over $10,000 in state and federal grants for security improvements.
- Designed the agency’s first standardized security maintenance agreement, reducing annual costs.
Security Administrator
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
08.2002 - 07.2007
- Developed regulatory compliance plans for security vulnerability and emergency response assessments.
- Led background investigations and managed security surveillance and access control systems.
- Established partnerships with law enforcement and emergency response agencies.
Associate Probation Officer
Massachusetts Department of Probation
06.2000 - 01.2001
- Managed probation processes for criminal cases, including arraignments, sentencing, and warrant issuance.
- Conducted background checks on criminal defendants.
Education
Leadership in Crisis Executive Education -
Harvard Kennedy School of Government
01.2010
Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program -
UMass Boston
01.2012
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Sacred Heart University
01.2000
Diploma -
Winthrop High School
01.1996
Websites
Certification
- Boston Police Special Police Officer, 2015
- National Incident Management System (NIMS/ICS 100, 700, 800), FEMA
- DHS Risk Assessment & Vulnerability Training, SANDIA National Laboratories
- Hazardous Materials Response (HAZWOPER), MWRA/EPA
- ASIS International, APCO, NFPA Memberships
Awards
- President, Winthrop Golf Club, 2020 - 2022
- Governor Charlie Baker’s 'High Five Award', 2015
- Keynote Speaker & Panelist at numerous security and emergency management conferences
- Event Safety Alliance Conference
- MPI Boston & New York Chapters
- PCMA International Conference
- International Venue Managers Conference
- Board of Directors, Winthrop Golf Course
- Board of Directors, 11 Foundation
- Led security assessments for regional transit authorities and industry organizations.
Timeline
Chief Information Security Officer
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
03.2017 - Current
Director of Public Safety
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
10.2010 - 03.2017
Public Safety Manager of Technology
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
07.2007 - 10.2010
Security Administrator
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
08.2002 - 07.2007
Associate Probation Officer
Massachusetts Department of Probation
06.2000 - 01.2001
Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program -
UMass Boston
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Sacred Heart University
Diploma -
Winthrop High School
Leadership in Crisis Executive Education -
Harvard Kennedy School of Government
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