Vatricia Whitmire
Knoxville,TN
Summary
Dynamic Information Technology and Security Professional with experience in integrating systems, processes, and teams to achieve transformative security outcomes. Expertise in risk management and cybersecurity, leveraging skills in disaster recovery, project management, and system integration to align business objectives with technological advancements. A strong commitment to fostering innovative solutions while ensuring compliance with federal and industry security standards drives a results-oriented approach that enhances organizational resilience. Proven ability to navigate the complexities of an evolving digital landscape, contributing to strategic growth and sustained success.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Safeguards and Security Manager
Edgewater Federal Solutions, Inc.
08.2022 - 05.2025
- Guided security strategy through data-driven insights, strengthening organizational decision-making.
- Ensured compliance and reduced risk by implementing over 500 federal security standards.
- Designed and executed security plans to effectively address vulnerabilities.
- Maintained the integrity of four classified networks, ensuring uninterrupted COMSEC operations.
- Analyzed cybersecurity data and delivered expert recommendations for improvement.
- Led monthly security training sessions, fostering a culture of vigilance and boosting compliance.
- Deployed advanced monitoring tools, improving proactive threat detection and incident management.
- Mentored junior staff, promoting professional growth and enhancing team cohesion.
- Evaluated security protocols, closing gaps and significantly reducing vulnerabilities.
- Streamlined incident response processes, cutting resolution times and strengthening security posture.
- Developed a comprehensive risk assessment framework, enabling data-driven threat mitigation strategies.
Personnel and Physical Security Manager
KeyLogic Associates, Inc.
07.2020 - 07.2022
- Managed operations and delivered strategic assessments to senior staff, strengthening decision-making.
- Directed work planning and priorities, providing guidance that improved team efficiency.
- Aligned organizational strategies with federal policies, ensuring compliance and coherence.
- Led COMSEC network security, safeguarding classified data and meeting federal requirements.
- Developed and executed five security project plans, remediating vulnerabilities and enhancing security posture.
- Analyzed security data trends to drive policy adjustments, ensuring compliance with evolving federal regulations.
- Coordinated with six cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues, enabling timely project completion.
- Mentored 10 junior staff on security protocols, cultivating a culture of continuous learning and accountability.
- Streamlined security protocols, increasing operational efficiency, improving compliance, and reducing response times.
- Conducted in-depth security analyses, producing actionable insights that informed strategic decisions.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to address vulnerabilities, ensuring timely remediation and strengthening integrity.
- Maintained comprehensive documentation of assessments, supporting compliance and guiding future strategies.
Disaster Recovery Engineer
Information International Associates, Inc.
07.2019 - 06.2020
- Managed 125 daily backup operations, preventing failures and ensuring system reliability.
- Implemented three advanced backup solutions for unclassified environments, improving efficiency and security.
- Retired 15 outdated systems, streamlining processes, and enhancing operational effectiveness.
- Optimized backup workflows with modern solutions, significantly reducing recovery times and boosting reliability.
- Created a user-friendly knowledge base, improving team training and cross-departmental efficiency.
- Identified over 200 security vulnerabilities and implemented corrective measures, strengthening defenses and reducing risk exposure.
- Partnered with six cross-functional teams to establish security policies, ensuring compliance and promoting a culture of data protection.
- Enhanced data recovery protocols, minimizing downtime during critical incidents and improving continuity.
- Earned multiple Spot Bonuses for exceptional performance, collaboration, and commitment to excellence.
Signal Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge
Tennessee Army National Guard
08.2009 - 10.2019
- Led a 26-person cybersecurity team, achieving full compliance with NIST standards and strengthening operational security.
- Directed strategic assessments, delivering actionable insights that guided senior staff decision-making.
- Developed and implemented IT policies aligned with federal laws, optimizing cybersecurity frameworks and improving organizational resilience.
- Oversaw encryption material security as COMSEC Custodian, ensuring integrity and compliance with federal requirements.
- Conducted in-depth analysis of cybersecurity data to identify trends, driving proactive threat mitigation strategies.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to deliver tier 1 helpdesk support for 500 personnel, improving response times and user satisfaction.
- Provided expert guidance on hardware and software applications, ensuring secure and efficient use across the organization.
- Orchestrated cybersecurity drills, uncovering vulnerabilities and implementing corrective measures to enhance security posture.
- Mentored team members, fostering professional growth, collaboration, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Data Protection Team Lead
Mohawk Industries
12.2014 - 06.2019
- Led an 18-member cross-functional team to assess and strengthen security controls, ensuring compliance with NIST 800-53 standards.
- Spearheaded cybersecurity appraisals across 22 facilities, reducing vulnerabilities and improving compliance through rigorous testing.
- Developed advanced penetration testing methodologies, significantly enhancing risk mitigation and threat detection.
- Evaluated and certified systems for network accreditation, aligning with industry standards and strengthening overall security posture.
- Presented audit-ready data to compliance teams, establishing a robust and sustainable framework.
- Streamlined data protection protocols, cutting incident response times and improving organizational resilience against cyber threats.
- Provided expert guidance and mentorship on cybersecurity practices, empowering staff and elevating departmental expertise.
Federal Student Aid Worker/System Support Specialist
ITT Technical Institute
06.2014 - 12.2014
- Secured IT systems by implementing data protection measures, enhancing integrity and ensuring compliance with security protocols.
- Guided network security policy implementation, strengthening system resilience and safeguarding critical information.
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations of IT systems, identifying vulnerabilities and deploying strategic solutions to bolster defenses.
- Streamlined 20 IT security protocols, improving compliance and reducing risk exposure across critical environments.
- Monitored cybersecurity data and trends, contributing actionable insights to program improvements.
- Developed cybersecurity training materials, fostering a knowledgeable and security-conscious user base.
- Collaborated with faculty to integrate IT security concepts into coursework, promoting awareness among students.
- Supported three professors in curriculum design and delivery, enhancing educational quality and student engagement.
Critical Systems Analyst
Shaw Industries
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Monitored over 2,000 IT systems to ensure compliance with security standards and safeguard data integrity.
- Conducted in-depth security evaluations, identifying vulnerabilities and implementing corrective measures to protect critical information.
- Analyzed compliance and cybersecurity data, providing actionable insights that guided risk mitigation strategies.
- Developed and executed IT security policies, measurably enhancing network resilience and reducing incidents.
- Partnered with 15 cross-functional teams to design and implement cohesive security policies across network systems.
- Provided expert guidance on IT security practices, fostering awareness and collaboration among team members.
- Safeguarded digital evidence during computer crime investigations, supporting forensic integrity and legal processes.
Signal Systems Support Specialist
Tennessee Army National Guard
02.2008 - 07.2009
- Facilitated operations for 10 recruiters across 12 counties, streamlining communication protocols and boosting recruitment efficiency.
- Analyzed recruitment metrics to identify trends, informing strategic adjustments that increased candidate engagement and enlistment success by 50%.
- Mentored 100 high school students on military career paths, fostering informed decision-making and strengthening recruitment outcomes.
- Developed resource materials for recruits, improving their understanding of military roles and responsibilities to ease transitions into service.
- Completed initial combat training, demonstrating discipline, adaptability, and mission readiness.
- Achieved proficiency in three specialized study areas during a 28-week Signal Systems Support Specialist program, enhancing operational readiness.
Correctional Officer, Sex Offender Coordinator, Human Resource Manager, and Network Operations Analyst
Georgia Department of Corrections
07.1999 - 10.2007
- Ensured prisoner security by enforcing institutional policies and maintaining compliance, resulting in a significant reduction in incidents.
- Supervised 35 correctional staff, streamlining administrative tasks and improving operational efficiency.
- Developed over 200 tailored supervision plans for offenders, enhancing rehabilitation efforts and promoting community safety.
- Managed over 200 sex offender cases, ensuring strict compliance with regulations and safeguarding public safety.
- Partnered with interdisciplinary teams to strengthen security protocols, improving operational effectiveness and communication.
- Designed and delivered staff training programs on security and computer awareness, increasing procedural adherence and reducing risks.
- Fostered a culture of open communication among staff, boosting collaboration, morale, and workplace effectiveness.
Education
Master of Information Systems -
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ11.2023
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ05.2021
Advanced Cyber Security (Undergraduate) - undefined
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ09.2020
Associate of Science - Network Systems Administration
ITT Technical Institute
Chattanooga, TN12.2014
Skills
- Team leadership and development
- Effective communication skills
- Proficient in project management
- Proficient in cybersecurity and system integration
- NIST compliance and risk assessment expertise
- Budget planning and management
- Proficient in network, application, and physical security
- Strategic policy planning and development
- Expertise in customer support
Certification
- MTA: IT Infrastructure Windows Server Administration Fundamentals - Microsoft
- A+, Network+, and Security+ - CompTIA
- Commvault Certified Professional - Commvault Education Services
Timeline
Safeguards and Security Manager
Edgewater Federal Solutions, Inc.
08.2022 - 05.2025
Personnel and Physical Security Manager
KeyLogic Associates, Inc.
07.2020 - 07.2022
Disaster Recovery Engineer
Information International Associates, Inc.
07.2019 - 06.2020
Data Protection Team Lead
Mohawk Industries
12.2014 - 06.2019
Federal Student Aid Worker/System Support Specialist
ITT Technical Institute
06.2014 - 12.2014
Critical Systems Analyst
Shaw Industries
08.2013 - 05.2014
Signal Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge
Tennessee Army National Guard
08.2009 - 10.2019
Signal Systems Support Specialist
Tennessee Army National Guard
02.2008 - 07.2009
Correctional Officer, Sex Offender Coordinator, Human Resource Manager, and Network Operations Analyst
Georgia Department of Corrections
07.1999 - 10.2007
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
University of Phoenix
Advanced Cyber Security (Undergraduate) - undefined
University of Phoenix
Associate of Science - Network Systems Administration
ITT Technical Institute
Master of Information Systems -
University of Phoenix
MILITARY EDUCATION
- Basic Leadership Course - Army Non-Commissioned Officer Academy
- Standardized COMSEC Custodian Course - National Guard Professional Education Center
- Information Technology Specialist Military Occupational Skill Training - National Guard Professional Education Center
- Signal Systems Support Specialist Military Occupational Skill Training - U.S. Army Signal School
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- SECURITY CLEARANCE ELIGIBLE
- Department of Energy Q Clearance - Terminated May 2025 due to termination of employment - eligible to be reinstated
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