Tellis Williams
Chicago,IL
Summary
CISO with extensive experience in cybersecurity strategy and risk management at Dream Exchange, Inc. Demonstrated success in implementing security policies that resulted in a 30% reduction in vulnerabilities. Expertise in strategic planning, incident response, and regulatory compliance, ensuring effective integration of security protocols. Proven ability to enhance organizational efficiency and strengthen cybersecurity posture through strong leadership and clear communication.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal Executive Security Consultant / CEO
Oasis Executive Security Management, Inc.
Chicago, Illinois
12.2019 - Current
- Created security policies safeguarding organizational assets and personnel.
- Executed risk assessments to pinpoint vulnerabilities in security systems.
- Directed incident response teams during emergencies, facilitating efficient recovery efforts.
- Established training programs educating staff on security best practices.
- Maintained vendor relationships for security services and technology solutions.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and legal standards in security operations.
- Updated emergency response plans regularly, addressing various potential scenarios.
- Coordinated drills simulating emergency responses, enhancing readiness for incidents such as fires or natural disasters.
Chief Information Security Officer, Vice President Risk Management
Dream Exchange, Inc.
Chicago, USA
01.2021 - 04.2025
- Strengthened operational, physical, and technical security through implementation of multi-factor authentication and incident response solutions.
- Established procedures for rapid response to suspected information security incidents.
- Developed comprehensive security policies to safeguard sensitive information and assets.
- Led cross-functional teams in strategic initiatives aligned with organizational objectives.
- Maintained current knowledge of emerging cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.
- Cultivated relationships with stakeholders to enhance cybersecurity awareness culture.
- Conducted performance reviews and provided constructive feedback to enhance team capabilities.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to optimize cost-effectiveness across operations.
Principal Consultant
Oasis Executive Security Management, Inc.
Chicago, USA
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Served as Virtual CISO for multiple mid-sized organizations, strengthening overall security posture.
- Managed third-party contracts for outsourced Security Operations Center, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Led coordination across all security service towers, aligning efforts among teams and stakeholders.
- Developed and executed strategic security plans tailored to client requirements and industry standards.
- Conducted comprehensive security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and recommend actionable solutions.
- Facilitated communication between technical teams and management to enhance operational efficiency.
- Oversaw incident management processes, ensuring rapid response to security incidents.
- Documented research findings and presented polished reports to executive leadership.
Chief Information Security Officer
AXA Partners USA
Chicago, USA
08.2015 - 01.2020
- Directed a comprehensive Information Security strategy, enhancing Incident Response and Cyber Intelligence.
- Led AXA Partners USA Information Security program, strengthening risk management initiatives.
- Established proactive teams to defend against threats to information assets.
- Conducted assessments of information and physical security programs for effectiveness evaluation.
- Developed relationships with executive teams to advise on policy and procedure modifications.
- Reported assessment findings to Risk Committee, detailing identified risks and mitigation strategies.
- Created a strategic roadmap to improve threat detection and intelligence capabilities.
- Managed leadership for 10+ direct employees overseeing 50+ staff members and third-party vendor services.
Sr. Information Security Engineer/Management Consultant
Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
01.2014 - 07.2015
- Oversaw multiple projects enhancing security architecture and compliance standards.
- Converted network architecture into a role-based access control model.
- Developed effective risk mitigation policies and action plans.
- Evaluated enterprise identity management tools for optimal operational efficiency.
- Implemented Dell Identity Manager, streamlining user provisioning workflows.
- Sanitized Active Directory/Shared Directory to maintain data integrity.
- Monitored IT security appliances; investigated and reported incidents without delay.
- Collaborated with teams to align information security strategies with overall business objectives.
Independent Contractor
Multiple Clients
Chicagoland Area, IL
07.2012 - 01.2014
- Configured external scanning device for basic queries and reports at RHI, Chicago.
- Performed network maintenance and systems administration for Simmons Dental, Chicago.
- Replaced backup drives and upgraded Moet Hennessey network from MS Exchange 2007 to 2010.
- Executed firewall installations at various locations via SmartSource, Chicago.
- Managed diverse client projects, ensuring timely deliverables and high satisfaction levels.
- Collaborated closely with clients to develop customized solutions based on defined objectives.
- Conducted trend research to provide relevant training and support on various systems.
Data Security Analyst
Valcom/PC Connections
Niles, USA
08.2011 - 07.2012
- Provided third level remote access support for RSA on ACE servers.
- Administered Cisco VPN and AnyConnect solutions to enhance connectivity.
- Managed Cisco Catalyst 6500 series switches and firewalls, including some Juniper experience.
- Oversaw firewall management through CiscoWorks Management Center v.1.3.
- Added switch ports to enterprise VLAN to optimize network resources.
- Conducted vulnerability management scans and remediation using Qualys ScanGuard.
- Created and managed vulnerability management reports for IT executive management.
- Reviewed and trained Level 1 and Level 2 support staff on VPN troubleshooting.
SR. MIS Data Security Administrator
Coventry Healthcare, Inc.
Downers Grove, USA
05.2009 - 08.2011
- Collaborated with Data Security Team to ensure compliance with regulations and industry standards.
- Created and administered network LAN accounts across multiple domains using Active Directory and NET IQ DRA.
- Granted security group permissions based on approved requests.
- Configured MS Exchange accounts and Outlook profiles for users.
- Conducted application auditing and decommissioned network accounts for employees.
- Troubleshot network access issues to maintain operational efficiency.
- Developed processes for onboarding external employees, including IT contractors and vendors.
- Created documentation outlining procedures for establishing LAN accounts on new external domains.
MIS Security Administrator
Coventry Healthcare (Apex Systems, Inc.)
Downers Grove, USA
12.2008 - 05.2009
- Administered network accounts via Active Directory to optimize user management efficiency.
- Granted security group permissions to enforce appropriate access controls.
- Created Outlook and MS Exchange accounts to facilitate effective communication.
- Conducted maintenance and troubleshooting for MS Exchange administration.
- Performed application auditing to strengthen security and compliance efforts.
- Decommissioned network accounts and employee credentials to ensure data integrity.
MIS/ Network Administrator
Exlibris, USA
Rolling Meadows, USA
04.2007 - 03.2008
- Created and administered network accounts via Active Directory.
- Provided level 3 desktop support for end users across continental US.
- Conducted complete staging, upgrading, imaging, and configuration of desktops, laptops, and servers.
- Maintained and administered backup servers and tape drives.
- Collaborated on strategic planning for global Identity Management System.
- Defined Identity Management policies and procedures for network topology application.
- Implemented security measures to protect data from unauthorized access.
- Monitored system performance to ensure service availability for authorized users.
Education
BSEE Degree -
Livingstone College
Salisbury, NC01.1989
Skills
- Security policy development
- Risk assessment and compliance
- Incident response planning
- Vulnerability management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Communication skills
- Regulatory compliance
- Financial strategy
- Leadership and strategy
- Team building
- Access control management
- Physical security integration
- Adaptability and flexibility
- VPN and remote access management
- Security needs analysis
- Information protection strategies
- Analytical skills
- Data encryption techniques
- Problem-solving skills
- Vendor management strategies
- Compliance enforcement practices
- Cybersecurity strategy development
Certification
- CISSP,
- MCSE
- CISA
Accomplishments
- 2017, 2018, 2023, 2025 Chicago CISO Of The Year Award Nominee
- 2022, 2023 CDO Magazine - Leading Midwest Cyber Security Leader
- 2025 ORBIE Award Nominee
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Chief Information Security Officer, Vice President Risk Management
Dream Exchange, Inc.
01.2021 - 04.2025
Principal Consultant
Oasis Executive Security Management, Inc.
01.2020 - 01.2021
Principal Executive Security Consultant / CEO
Oasis Executive Security Management, Inc.
12.2019 - Current
Chief Information Security Officer
AXA Partners USA
08.2015 - 01.2020
Sr. Information Security Engineer/Management Consultant
Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago
01.2014 - 07.2015
Independent Contractor
Multiple Clients
07.2012 - 01.2014
Data Security Analyst
Valcom/PC Connections
08.2011 - 07.2012
SR. MIS Data Security Administrator
Coventry Healthcare, Inc.
05.2009 - 08.2011
MIS Security Administrator
Coventry Healthcare (Apex Systems, Inc.)
12.2008 - 05.2009
MIS/ Network Administrator
Exlibris, USA
04.2007 - 03.2008
BSEE Degree -
Livingstone College