Professional Bio

I am an Information Security Manager at a local managed service provider (MSP), where I oversee security operations and help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture. My involvement with North Texas ISSA began as President of the Collin College Student Subchapter, where I worked closely with the Student Subchapter Director. Following graduation, I was encouraged to run for Deputy Director of College Subchapters and have served on the NTXISSA Board since 2022. Having started as a student member myself, I bring a firsthand understanding of the value student subchapters can provide and a commitment to helping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals connect, learn, and grow.

Overview of Qualifications

I served as Deputy Director of College Subchapters for four years and as Interim Director this past year following the previous Director's transition to another role. Through this experience, I have developed a strong understanding of the program's operations, institutional relationships, and ongoing challenges. My experience working with student leaders, faculty advisors, and NTXISSA Board leadership has prepared me to continue strengthening the program's governance, sustainability, and long-term growth.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

My primary focus will be on building a sustainable, self-sufficient student subchapter program that provides meaningful value to students and supports NTXISSA's long-term growth.

I intend to strengthen relationships with university administration, faculty, and student leadership to improve organizational continuity and reduce the recurring challenges associated with student and faculty turnover. This includes formalizing governance expectations, improving onboarding and membership processes, and providing resources that empower subchapters to operate independently while maintaining accountability to NTXISSA.

Beyond maintaining our existing subchapters, I want to expand opportunities for students to engage with the broader cybersecurity community through education, professional networking, mentorship, and volunteer involvement. Ultimately, success means developing lasting institutional relationships, increasing meaningful student participation, and creating a pathway for students to become engaged professional members of NTXISSA after graduation.

Prior Board Experience

During my service as Student Subchapter Director, I have supported NTXISSA's relationships with the University of Dallas, UT Dallas, and Collin College, working with student leaders and faculty advisors to address organizational challenges, leadership transitions, and engagement opportunities.

I have also worked with Board leadership to evaluate the current state of our student subchapter program, identify recurring challenges affecting its effectiveness, and develop recommendations for improving its long-term viability. These efforts have included advocating for more accessible student membership, stronger institutional partnerships, clearer governance expectations, and improved oversight of resources supporting student development.

My contributions have centered on strengthening the connection between NTXISSA and the next generation of cybersecurity professionals while helping establish a more strategic direction for the program.

Professional Bio

Dr. Fredrick Dande is a scholar-practitioner and executive leader operating at the intersection of enterprise cybersecurity resilience, platform operations, and AI governance. A dedicated educator, Fredrick has taught a wide array of college-level IT and cybersecurity courses for over 10 years across three higher education institutions. His professional career spans 15+ years of high-stakes technology leadership across Big 4 advisory (EY) and global financial infrastructure (Circle), specializing in transforming traditional compliance models into agile, automated, and audit-ready cybersecurity ecosystems.

He holds a Ph.D. in Technology Management from Indiana State University, served as 1 of 15 initial global Subject Matter Experts authoring ISC2’s official AI Security Certification, and actively contributes to the cybersecurity profession. A prominent local voice in DFW (speaker at SecureWorld Dallas 2026), Dr. Dande combines extensive classroom teaching experience with executive industry insight to expand NTX ISSA’s university footprint, establish structured student-to-practitioner mentorship programs, and equip the next generation of DFW cybersecurity talent with job-ready skills.

Overview of Qualifications

As College Sub-Chapters Director, my mission is to bridge the gap between academic education and real-world cybersecurity practice across North Texas higher education.

Drawing on my background as a college IT instructor with over 10 years of experience teaching courses across three institutions, combined with my Ph.D., Big 4 risk leadership, and ISC2 AI Security SME role, I will focus on establishing vibrant student chapter pipelines, aligning college curricula with emerging industry needs (such as AI governance and automated GRC), and providing student members direct access to senior DFW security leaders. By cultivating active student leadership and hands-on career readiness, we will position NTX ISSA as the premier launching pad for emerging security talent in our region.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

My focus for executing the duties of College Sub-Chapters Director will center on three strategic pillars:

Expanding Campus Footprint & Institutional Partnerships: Leverage my 10+ years of collegiate IT teaching experience across three institutions to strengthen our 2 existing sub-chapters while building structured pathways to launch new chapters across DFW’s 15+ major university systems. I will partner directly with faculty advisors and student leaders to establish sustainable, student-run cybersecurity groups.

Practical Cybersecurity Workshops & Best Practices: Bridge academic theory with real-world industry demands by bringing ISSA’s core educational programming directly to campuses. I will organize hands-on sessions led by local practitioners, focusing on practical cybersecurity defenses, risk management, and practical solutions that earn students early career knowledge and industry exposure.

Developing the Next Generation & Career Pathways: Connect student members directly with senior DFW cybersecurity leaders to provide career guidance, job opportunities, speed-mentoring, and resume reviews. By giving back to the profession and integrating students into the broader ISSA community, we will make our college sub-chapters the premier launching pad for emerging cybersecurity professionals in North Texas.

Prior Board Experience

N/A

Professional Bio

• DEI Evangelist. 

• NTX ISSA board member (Former Lunch & Learn Lady)

• Former Cybersecurity Recruiter, turned marketer. 

• Local meetup enthusiast. 

• Resume reviewer, interview prepper, & MAJOR believer in community powered career growth.

Overview of Qualifications

I'm a marketer in my day job, specializing in email & social media marketing, content creation, & event planning. I've served on the board for about 3 years and during that time I have supported the marketing & social media teams behind the scenes. I'd like to take on leading the strategy for the NTX ISSA to amplify our success in these channels

Candidate's Focus if Elected

I'd like to focus on streamlining communications to our members. I'd like to set up a Members only Discord, WhatsApp, or Slack channel so we have an additional channel to communicate with members but also can create a space where members can more easily chat with each other. I'd also like to standardize our branding on content and create more members only content, including some "welcome" content for new members.

Prior Board Experience

I've served as Lunch & Learn Program Director for the last 2.5 years. During that time I helped organize about 25 Lunch & Learns, across SIX Different Venues, introduced 3 NEW format types, and helped generate about 30k for the scholarship program over my term. Behind the scenes I also supported our social media & marketing teams, resulting in a 5x increase of our average impressions on LinkedIn.

Professional Bio

After getting my education in management information systems at a State School in Illinois, I held positions in the software development area for a couple of decades. In addition to serving on the NTXISSA's Board of Directors since January 2024, I have been progressively equipping myself for a career in cybersecurity, and am about to launch into a career to secure the DIB.

Overview of Qualifications

I was elected to serve as Venture Crew Deputy Director for the two-year term of 2025-26 and served in that role until June 2026. On 2nd June, 2026 I accepted the role of Venture Crew Director when this role fell vacant, and have been successfully and effectively serving in this role since then.

Besides, I have also been serving as NTXISSA's COR (Chartering Organization Representative) since 2025. I am effectually the liaison between NTXISSA and Scouting America for our Venture Crew 1024.

After going through the intensive training over two weekends in February/March 2025 and completing my five tickets, I was approved for Wood Badge (the adult equivalent of an Eagle Scout) and had my beading done in early August 2026.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

Encouraging youth to participate and to eventually enter the cybersecurity space so as to contribute towards protecting data and thereby our country and its interests.

Prior Board Experience

I have served on the NTXISSA Board during the last three years, i.e., 2024-26.

For 2024, I served as a Deputy-at-Large, and assisted principally with Venture Crew, including the 40-hour CyberCamp 2024 from June 24 to 28, 2024, and at weekly in-person meetings. I have served as Venture Crew Deputy Director from January 2025 to June 2026, and as Venture Crew Director since June 2026.

During the years 2024-26, I have also assisted a few of the other NTXISSA functions, including volunteering at CSC12 and CSC13, volunteering at a couple of Hands-On-Programming events, assisting with registration at the monthly Lunch and Learn events, and working the NTXISSA's booth/table at local cybersecurity conferences.

Professional Bio

I’m Afrida Islam, a cybersecurity professional and adjunct faculty member at Dallas College, where I teach programming. I hold a master’s degree in Information Technology and Management from UT Dallas and have experience in cybersecurity compliance, risk management, and resilience through internships. I’m passionate about continuous learning, mentoring students, and helping organizations strengthen their security.

Overview of Qualifications

I bring a combination of cybersecurity knowledge, teaching experience, and youth mentorship to the CyberPatriot Venture Crew Director role. As an adjunct faculty member at Dallas College, I teach programming to high school students and help new learners develop technical and problem-solving skills. I hold a master’s degree in Information Technology and Management from UT Dallas, along with CompTIA Security+ and Network+ certifications. I also served as Head of Technology & Security for CyberSecure Youth and Director of Marketing for WiCyS DFW. These experiences prepare me to support student teams, coordinate volunteers, promote program participation, and create an encouraging environment for students exploring cybersecurity.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

My focus will be on creating a welcoming, organized program that helps students build cybersecurity skills, confidence, and teamwork. I will prioritize recruiting and retaining students, coordinating mentors and volunteers, and establishing a consistent schedule for training and competition preparation. Drawing on my teaching experience, I will make technical concepts approachable for beginners while providing opportunities for more experienced students to grow. I will also maintain clear communication with students, families, and the NTX ISSA Board, follow applicable youth protection requirements, and strengthen relationships with local schools and cybersecurity professionals. I will track participation, student progress, and feedback to guide improvements.

Prior Board Experience

N/A

Professional Bio

Venkatesan Pillai is a technology entrepreneur and cybersecurity executive with over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and business leadership. He is passionate about community service, nonprofit leadership, and creating meaningful social impact. As a founder and volunteer leader, he actively supports initiatives focused on hunger relief, education, and community development. His commitment to service has been recognized with the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award for two consecutive years. He brings strategic thinking, financial stewardship, and collaborative leadership to help nonprofit organizations advance their mission and create lasting community impact.

Overview of Qualifications

I bring extensive experience in organizing conferences, community events, and professional networking initiatives, along with strong leadership, project management, and stakeholder coordination skills. As a cybersecurity entrepreneur and community volunteer leader, I have experience bringing together sponsors, speakers, volunteers, and participants to deliver successful events. Through my leadership in nonprofit initiatives such as Run2Feed, I have developed skills in event planning, budgeting, sponsorship development, marketing, and team coordination. I am confident that my ability to build partnerships, manage logistics, and lead cross-functional teams will help me organize impactful conferences that deliver value to attendees, speakers, sponsors, and the broader community.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

My focus as Conference Director will be to plan and execute well-organized, impactful conferences that deliver value to attendees, speakers, sponsors, and partners. I will prioritize clear planning, defined timelines, budget management, engaging speaker sessions, sponsorship development, and effective marketing and outreach. I will work closely with the leadership team, volunteers, and stakeholders to ensure smooth coordination across all event activities. I will also focus on building strong industry partnerships, encouraging participation, leveraging technology to improve the attendee experience, and establishing measurable outcomes to continuously improve future conferences.

Prior Board Experience

N/A

Professional Bio

Long time member of NTX chapter of ISSA. I have been involved on the board for several years in several different capacities. Looking forward to continuing my support of the organization and helping the group give back to our wonderful local community!

Overview of Qualifications

Previously held Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer positions with NTXISSA

Candidate's Focus if Elected

Documentation of existing and new processes, continued transparency in financial reporting

Prior Board Experience

Multiple years as Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer

Professional Bio

I am a tenured IT sales professional and I love the Dallas Stars! 

Overview of Qualifications

When not meeting with clients, my days are spent mostly calculating ROIC, IRR, NPV for our projects.  I do have accounting experience from a long time ago when I worked in AP/AR. 

Candidate's Focus if Elected

I will do whatever Joe Garcia and the NTX ISSA Board wants me to do

Prior Board Experience

N/A

Professional Bio

Maria has a Master in Accounting and a Master of Science in Information Technology as well as a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Business Administration. She has worked for USAA for the last 28 years in a number of roles within Life Company, CFO, and Information Security. Her current job title is Lead Information Security Engineer and her current role is overseeing the portfolio of efforts for Cyber Threat Operation Center. She has been a senior member of ISSA for over 20 years and previously held positions as Vice President and Program Director in the San Antonio chapter and Program Director for the North Texas chapter.  

Overview of Qualifications

I have a Masters and Bachelor's in Accounting and currently oversee a portfolio of 50 million  in efforts that are tracked monthly for the executive leadership. 

Candidate's Focus if Elected

Ensure that the financial records of ISSA are accurate and can withstand a financial audit each year. 

Prior Board Experience

I had positions as Vice President and Program Director in the San Antonio chapter and Program Director for the North Texas chapter previously. 

Professional Bio

I’m a consultative sales professional who has built a 20+ year career on trust and relationships that extend well beyond a transaction.  I love to connect, educate, and help customers make their organizations more efficient, secure, and successful.  

I have successfully taken my relationship first approach to North Texas ISSA serving first as a Deputy Sponsorship team lead and for the last two years as the Director of Sponsorships. In this capacity I've built a strong network of Sponsor partners and have set us up well for success as a chapter in 2027.

I want to extend my relationships with local area Cyber leaders and build a network of CISO advisors and mentors to further strengthen our value to sponsors and members alike.

Overview of Qualifications

Strong local CISO network, strong communicator, history of successful intentional networking 

Candidate's Focus if Elected

Networking, Consistent communication and leadership with a vision.

Prior Board Experience

Director of Sponsorship

Professional Bio

With over 15 years of experience in cybersecurity, I specialize in helping organizations navigate the evolving world of Identity Security, IAM, CIAM, Identity Governance, and AI-driven security solutions. My passion is connecting innovative technology with real business outcomes-helping organizations strengthen security, simplify complexity, and accelerate digital transformation.

At Trevonix, I focus on driving business growth, building strategic partnerships, and helping enterprises maximize the value of their identity investments. Working with industry-leading platforms including Okta, Auth0, Ping Identity, and Saviynt, I help organizations modernize identity infrastructure, optimize existing deployments, and accelerate time to value through strategic advisory, professional services, and managed solutions.

As AI continues to reshape the enterprise, I'm particularly focused on the next evolution of identity-securing AI agents, managing non-human identities, and building intelligent, scalable identity ecosystems.

Overview of Qualifications

I bring a unique combination of industry expertise, strategic relationship building, event marketing, and community engagement that makes me an excellent fit for the North Texas ISSA Executive Events Board. Throughout my career, I have built strong relationships with cybersecurity executives, technology partners, industry leaders, and organizations across North Texas and beyond. My experience leading go-to-market initiatives, coordinating executive networking opportunities, supporting industry conferences, and developing strategic partnerships has given me a strong understanding of what makes an event both valuable and memorable. 

Candidate's Focus if Elected

My primary focus will be on creating high-value events that strengthen the North Texas cybersecurity community, increase member engagement, and expand the reach and influence of NTX ISSA. I want to leverage my industry relationships, sales and marketing experience, and strategic partnerships to attract engaging speakers, secure meaningful sponsorships, and deliver events that professionals genuinely want to attend. I will focus on improving event planning and execution, increasing attendance, bringing fresh ideas to networking and educational opportunities, and creating stronger collaboration between members, sponsors, and industry leaders. I also believe in measuring success through attendance, member feedback, sponsor engagement, and continued participation. Ultimately, my goal is to help make NTX ISSA events some of the most valuable and anticipated cybersecurity gatherings in North Texas while ensuring every event delivers a positive experience for our members and partners.

Prior Board Experience

N/A

Professional Bio

Happily married and father of two wonderful daughters. I work full time as a Sr. Manager of Technology Consulting, with specializations in Payment Solutions, PCI DSS, SWIFT and system/security architecture.

Hobbies include reading (a lot), hanging out with my family and testing the limits of what AI can do (followed up by seeing how quickly I can fix what I broke while testing those limits).

Overview of Qualifications

Professionally I have spent over 20 years in management and leadership, prior to migrating over to being a full time consultant over the past 13 years. During that time I have spent time as the primary contact and organizer for many events, both in house and within the conference space. 

Personally, I have been working at FanExpo Dallas for many years in a supervisory role, which is one of the largest conventions in Dallas. I also have completed an MBA with a split focus of IT Management and International Marketing.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

Determining the area conferences which would benefit the NTX ISSA Chapter the most with the mindset of planning out the event schedule and working with other members of the Board to coordinate

Prior Board Experience

N/A

Professional Bio

I am a technology executive, entrepreneur, and business leader with more than 25 years of experience driving enterprise growth, innovation, cybersecurity strategy, and organizational leadership across the technology and SaaS industries. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping organizations navigate complex technology challenges, strengthen their security posture, and prepare for the evolving risks facing today's business environment.

As Co-Founder and CEO of SigmaSRC, Inc., I lead our company's vision to help organizations better understand, measure, and manage cybersecurity risk through AI-driven analytics, security intelligence, compliance visibility, and financial risk modeling. Our mission is to help organizations translate complex cybersecurity and operational threats into measurable business impact, enabling executives and boards to make more informed decisions about risk, security, and organizational resilience.

Throughout my career, I have built and led high-performing sales teams and leadership organizations, driven multimillion-dollar revenue growth, and expanded enterprise technology solutions into new markets. My experience spans cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, enterprise software, SaaS platforms, compliance, cloud technologies, and strategic business development. I have worked with organizations across numerous industries, including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, government, and technology, giving me a broad perspective on the cybersecurity challenges facing businesses and public institutions.

In addition to my role at SigmaSRC, I serve as Chairman of Regent Leadership Solutions, where I work with a team of fractional C-suite executives to help organizations improve operational performance, strengthen leadership, accelerate growth, and execute strategic initiatives. This experience reinforces my belief that successful cybersecurity programs require more than technology alone. They also require effective leadership, collaboration, education, and alignment between security initiatives and organizational objectives.

I am a strong advocate for cybersecurity awareness, responsible AI adoption, and the continued development of the cybersecurity profession. I regularly attend cybersecurity conferences, participate in IT-focused podcasts, and write about cybersecurity risk, AI governance, and the importance of preparing organizations and business leaders for an increasingly complex digital environment.

I am pursuing a position on the NTXISSA Board of Directors because I want to contribute my experience, leadership, and industry perspective to the continued growth and success of our cybersecurity community in North Texas. I believe that collaboration among cybersecurity professionals, industry leaders, educators, and organizations is essential to advancing our profession and addressing the challenges of an ever-changing threat landscape.

If elected, I would welcome the opportunity to help strengthen NTXISSA's engagement with the cybersecurity community, encourage knowledge sharing and professional development, support the next generation of cybersecurity leaders, and foster stronger connections between industry professionals and the organizations they serve.

I believe that my background as a technology executive, cybersecurity entrepreneur, and business leader would allow me to bring a valuable perspective to the board. Most importantly, I would approach the role with a commitment to service, collaboration, and helping NTXISSA continue to make a meaningful difference in the North Texas cybersecurity community.

Overview of Qualifications

With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience, I bring a strong background in technology, cybersecurity, strategic partnerships, business development, and relationship management. As Co-Founder and CEO of SigmaSRC, I regularly engage with cybersecurity professionals, industry leaders, and organizations through conferences, executive briefings, industry events, and professional networking opportunities. I also participate in IT podcasts and write about cybersecurity, AI governance, and emerging technology risks.

My experience building strategic relationships, developing partnerships, and leading business initiatives positions me to help plan and promote impactful NTXISSA events. I understand the importance of bringing cybersecurity professionals together to share knowledge, discuss emerging threats, build relationships, and advance the profession. If selected as External Events Director, I would be committed to expanding NTXISSA's industry relationships, identifying valuable speaking and networking opportunities, and creating meaningful events that strengthen engagement across the North Texas cybersecurity community.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

My focus as External Events Director would be to expand NTXISSA's presence and engagement within the North Texas cybersecurity community by developing strategic partnerships and creating valuable opportunities for professional networking, education, and collaboration. I would work to identify relevant cybersecurity conferences, industry events, speaking opportunities, and partnerships with businesses, educational institutions, and other professional organizations.

I would also focus on increasing NTXISSA's visibility, attracting new participants, and ensuring that our external events address emerging industry challenges, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity threats, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Drawing on my experience as a technology executive and my relationships throughout the industry, I would strive to build meaningful connections that deliver value to NTXISSA members, strengthen our professional community, and position NTXISSA as a leading voice in cybersecurity across North Texas.

Prior Board Experience

N/A

Professional Bio

I am a cybersecurity leader with over a decade of experience aligning enterprise security programs with business performance, regulatory requirements, and board-level expectations. As an Executive MBA candidate at SMU Cox, I bring a strategic lens to cybersecurity—translating risk into value, and enabling organizations to make confident, informed decisions.

At Trinity Industries, I built and led their first Attack Surface Management program, driving remediation of over 576,000 vulnerabilities and presenting monthly metrics directly to the CIO and executive leadership. My background spans GRC, vulnerability management, SOC enablement, and program development—supported by hands-on consulting experience at PwC with Fortune 100 clients.

Whether managing a $400K tooling budget, developing executive-ready roadmaps, or aligning with NIST CSF and COBIT, my focus is on scalable, governance-driven security. I also serve on the board of NTX ISSA, co-lead DEFCON Group 214, and mentor emerging talent through CCDC and BSides.

I'm passionate about cybersecurity that enables growth—not just compliance. Let’s connect if you're focused on resilient, business-aligned security.

Overview of Qualifications

 I've been the Director of NTXISSA's Hands On Program for 2026 during which time I've had a Net Promoter Score of 4.73/5 from attendees recommending out workshops to peers. During that time, I've taught workshops on Virtualization, Containers, Command Line Interfaces, and AI/LLM models. I have over a decade of experience in cyber operations with a focus on redteaming and pentesting. During the work week I'm the Global Sr VP of AI Security at Citi. I also volunteer as the Red Team Leader for the Southwest Region of the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, Host for the DefCon Group 214, and on the CFP Board for BSides DFW.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

Feedback from participants from workshops in 2026 indicate a desire to learn more about AI and Pentesting. So I'm intending to teach them how to use Anthropic and OpenAI products followed by WepApp pentesting through BurpSuite and OWASP Juice Shop and wireless pentesting later in the year. Afterwards, I'm intending a combination of AI enabled forensics and SOC/IR. I also have 7 other workshops planned for next year including Cloud Architecture and Security, Operating System Fundamentals, and Secure Programming.

Prior Board Experience

I am the current Hands On Program Directory and have been on the board of directors for 3 years.

Professional Bio

I am a cybersecurity professional with over 25 years of experience in Information Technology, including 12 years specializing in cybersecurity. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, CISSP certification, and a certificate in Building AI Strategy from ISC2. His technical expertise spans Security Operations, endpoint detection and response (EDR), threat detection, incident response, cloud security, and security automation.

A former North Texas ISSA Board member, I served as Technology Director (2021) and Social Media Director (2022), where he led initiatives that strengthened chapter engagement and visibility. He has also contributed to the cybersecurity community as a speaker at CSC9 and the ISC2 Global Cybersecurity Congress 2023.

Passionate about continuous learning and professional development, I have a growing interest in the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity, particularly in equipping security practitioners with practical, AI-enabled capabilities.

Beyond cybersecurity, I am an ultramarathon finisher and avid tennis player, reflecting his passion for endurance sports, personal discipline, and continuous self-improvement.

Overview of Qualifications

I bring 12 years of cybersecurity experience, a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, CISSP certification, and an ISC2 certificate in Building AI Strategy. I also previously earned the CCNP, CCNA, MCSE, and MCP credentials. Although these legacy certifications have expired, they required extensive hands-on technical configuration, troubleshooting, and practical problem-solving.

My experience includes completing numerous hands-on labs involving Microsoft Azure, cloud security automation, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and Microsoft Sentinel. I have also presented at CSC9 and the ISC2 Global Cybersecurity Congress 2023. Combined with my previous service on the North Texas ISSA Board, these qualifications provide a strong foundation for leading the Hands-On Program.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

My primary focus will be delivering practical, engaging, and industry-relevant cybersecurity labs, with a particular emphasis on **Security Operations and developing the AI-enabled cybersecurity practitioner**. I intend to prioritize hands-on workshops, realistic security scenarios, and Capture-The-Flag (CTF) activities covering threat detection, incident response, security automation, and the practical application of AI to enhance cybersecurity workflows, investigations, and operational efficiency.

I will also focus on recruiting qualified instructors and industry subject-matter experts, leveraging cost-effective cloud and open-source lab environments, and collaborating with Events Deputy Directors to ensure well-organized and accessible training sessions. Ultimately, my goal is to position the Hands-On Program as a valuable resource that equips members with both **foundational technical skills and emerging AI-driven capabilities** needed to remain effective in an evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Prior Board Experience

I previously served on the North Texas ISSA Board as Technology Director (2021) and Social Media Director (2022). During my tenure, I provided leadership for two major initiatives that contributed to the chapter's visibility, engagement, and growth:

Social Media Engagement Strategy: Introduced and implemented a social media engagement strategy that consistently generated approximately 35 likes/comments per post, with several posts surpassing 100 engagements. This helped strengthen the chapter's digital presence and member engagement.

CSC9 "Feel The Pulse" Marketing Campaign: Conceived, designed, planned, and executed the successful "Feel The Pulse" advertising campaign, promoting the CSC9 cybersecurity conference to an audience of over 500,000 IT and cybersecurity professionals on LinkedIn, significantly expanding the event's visibility and reach.

These initiatives demonstrate my ability to translate strategic ideas into measurable results. My previous board service also strengthened my experience in volunteer leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and executing chapter initiatives. I look forward to bringing that same results-driven approach to the Hands-On Program, with an emphasis on practical cybersecurity education, Security Operations, and developing the next generation of AI-enabled cybersecurity practitioners.

Professional Bio

Scott Saldinger grew up with a vivid imagination and an innate curiosity, never hesitating to ask questions. He graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) with a degree in Filmmaking and launched his career in news photography. After seven years, Scott transitioned to developing and implementing marketing strategies for clients, leveraging broadcast television, online, mobile, billboard, and out-of-home media on the sales and marketing side of the industry.

A key contributor to RIT’s Big Shot photography initiative, Scott played an instrumental role in the conception and production of two iconic photographs: the Alamo in 2001, the first Big Shot taken outside New York State, and Cowboys Stadium in 2013, the largest Big Shot subject ever photographed.

Scott’s leadership extends beyond his professional achievements. He has served on the boards of American Women in Radio and Television and RIT’s School of Film and Animation. His philanthropic efforts include cycling to raise funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Love Hope Strength Foundation, where he helped register thousands for the national bone marrow registry.

As a creative thinker and leader, Scott has spearheaded initiatives that save lives, such as a Hepatitis-C awareness and testing campaign, as well as those that enrich education, including a STEM awareness campaign. His work has generated revenue across a broad spectrum of industries.

Professionally, Scott is a proven revenue generator in sales and marketing roles. A hands-on leader, he mentors and motivates his teams to reach their professional goals. His expertise spans professional sales, marketing, sales training, and leadership. Scott’s innovative approach to problem-solving addresses both client and employee needs, creating impactful results.

As a photographer, Scott has co-produced two of the largest “painting with light” Big Shot photographs in RIT’s history and documented concerts worldwide for renowned artists, including Mike & The Mechanics, Squeeze, Devo, Steve Hackett, The Alarm, and many more, under the moniker @8By10ByScott. As well as being the host of “The Hang!” podcast on the Almost Famous Magazine YouTube channel with over 225 episodes with guests that span the globe and almost ever genera of music.

Scott is also a passionate advocate for student mentorship, helping young professionals build the networks they need for early career success.

In August 2024, Scott was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Grateful for the life-saving benefits of early detection, he founded Tell2Bros, a movement dedicated to demystifying male health conversations and encouraging men to prioritize prostate health. Through regular PSA testing and open dialogue, Tell2Bros empowers men to detect issues early and explore a range of treatment options, ensuring no man has to face prostate cancer uninformed or unsupported.

Overview of Qualifications

Been planning these for the last 2 years

Candidate's Focus if Elected

Successful planning and execution on member happy hours

Prior Board Experience

2 years of successful Happy Hours, volunteered help with other needs of members and the board.

Professional Bio

I have been involved in IT for over 20 years. I made a decision to focus on cyber security about 6 years ago and joined NTXISSA Board 3 years ago. 

Overview of Qualifications

I have three straight years being on the board and I have participated in more Lunch and Learns than most of the past four years.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

I will hire two deputies to help. I will lean on Sam pretty heavily for the first 1-2 months and do what I do best: which is speak to get people from the cybersecurity community involved in the lunch & learn for the panel and talk to sponsors to plan how they will be involved. I will also design the slide deck.

Prior Board Experience

I have been the Volunteering Director for the past three years. I was responsible for getting volunteers for our events. The two biggest challenges were CSC and the Golf Tournament. CSC takes 40 plus volunteers and a little less for the Golf Tournament. I make sure we have volunteers at all the events where NTXISSA has a booth at the local conferences.

Professional Bio

Eric has more than 15 years of experience in IT operations and advisory, supporting organizations in complex technical environments. He has led and supported consulting and audit engagements focused on cybersecurity, IT operations and oversight, technology risk assessment and management and system design and implementation across the full technology stack.

He designs and evaluates cybersecurity and technology programs at both the operational and governance level, helping organizations strengthen controls and address emerging risks. His work emphasizes alignment with stakeholder needs and oversight requirements. 

Overview of Qualifications

My background in technology risk and cybersecurity gives me a strong understanding of the topics that will be valuable and relevant to Lunch & Learn attendees. I am a natural multitasker who regularly works across technical and executive audiences, translating complex issues and bridging communication between the two.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

My goal will be to strike a balance between addressing critical cybersecurity issues facing practitioners today and exploring emerging risks and strategic decisions that will better prepare them for the future. I will work with presenters to ensure sessions provide not only the “so what” and actionable next steps, but also enough context for attendees to prioritize those actions within competing demands and effectively communicate internally why they matter.

Prior Board Experience

N/A

Professional Bio

Jeanie Anirudhan is a governance and transformation leader with over 20 years of experience driving global security, technology, and operational excellence initiatives across North America, Europe, and APAC. Currently serving as a Senior Principal in PepsiCo's Global Cyber Fusion Center, she leads program governance, portfolio management, and strategic initiatives that strengthen cyber resilience, vendor risk management, threat response, and security operations

Throughout her career, Jeanie has built and scaled global operating models, managed program portfolios and budgets, and led major transformation programs spanning vulnerability management, identity and access management, data protection, and third-party risk management. Her work has delivered multimillion-dollar savings while improving security visibility, governance effectiveness, and operational maturity across large enterprise environments. 

Prior to PepsiCo, Jeanie led global PMO and technology transformation functions at Texas Instruments, overseeing large-scale infrastructure, cybersecurity, and engineering application initiatives. She is known for translating complex technology challenges into practical business outcomes and executive decision-making frameworks. 

An active advocate for women in technology and the cybersecurity community, Jeanie serves as Director of Memberships for North Texas ISSA and mentors emerging leaders through organizations including the Executive Women's Forum, DFW Alliance for Technology and Women, and Project Management Institute. She holds an MBA, a master’s degree in economics, and industry certifications including CISM and PMP.

Overview of Qualifications

Through my involvement with NTX ISSA, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to growing and engaging the cybersecurity community through membership outreach, retention campaigns, event promotion, volunteer coordination, and professional development initiatives. I build collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups, positioning me well to attract, engage, and retain members while strengthening the value NTX ISSA delivers to the North Texas cybersecurity community.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

I am honored to be a candidate for NTX ISSA Director of Membership. My focus will be on attracting new members, strengthening retention, increasing member engagement, and enhancing the value that NTX ISSA provides to cybersecurity professionals across North Texas. I believe our chapter's greatest strength is its community, and I am committed to creating opportunities for members to connect, learn, mentor, volunteer, and advance their careers.

If elected, I will work to expand outreach to industry professionals, students, and emerging leaders while fostering an inclusive environment where every member feels welcomed, valued, and engaged. By strengthening partnerships, promoting professional development opportunities, and encouraging active participation, we can continue building a vibrant chapter that supports the cybersecurity community today and develops the next generation of leaders for tomorrow

Prior Board Experience

As NTX ISSA Director of Membership, I led initiatives that strengthened member engagement, retention, and community recognition. Key accomplishments included launching quarterly membership promotion campaigns to drive membership growth and renewals, organizing the annual Member Appreciation Event in April 2026 to celebrate and connect with our membership community, and establishing member recognition programs that honored long-tenured members. At CSC13 we will recognize members with 5 and 10 years of ISSA membership, highlighting their commitment to the chapter and the cybersecurity profession. Through targeted outreach, recognition programs, and engagement activities, I helped enhance the NTX ISSA member experience and foster a stronger, more connected cybersecurity community

Professional Bio

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran with 21 years of IT & Cybersecurity experience. Passionate about learning, as evidenced by multiple certifications.  Skilled in leveraging automation tools to increase efficiency and eliminate overhead. Dedicated to professional development of others through mentorship and collaboration.  Previous experience as a Web Developer, Network Admin, Helpdesk Analyst, Information Security Architect, Application Support Analyst, Voice Operations Analyst

Overview of Qualifications

Served as Deputy Director of Membership for 2 years and Deputy Director of Volunteering for 1 year 

Candidate's Focus if Elected

Increasing our membership in a sustainable way.  Focusing on multi-year memberships, technology enablement, and partnership with communications team to streamline information delivery to our members.

Prior Board Experience

As Deputy Director of Volunteering, I saw a gap in the Membership team and helped fill it by moving to the Membership team.  I have worked with the Director in sending communications to our members regarding renewals, events, & promotions.  I have helped the community sustain and grow in membership.  I have volunteered for dozens of events and helped promote the organization through networking and word of mouth.

Professional Bio

As a cybersecurity and identity leader, I lead USAA's Workforce Identity and Access Management Engineering as Director, focusing on identity governance, lifecycle automation, and access risk reduction. I have advanced the organization's identity governance and administration (IGA) capabilities, enhanced audit readiness, and strengthened enterprise access reviews. My efforts have also reduced manual processes and identity blind spots by driving non-standard application integration strategies.  

With a foundation in Cyber Defense, Identity and Access Management (IAM), and CI/CD, I am committed to modernizing enterprise security capabilities and fostering high-performing teams. My mission is to enhance identity as the cornerstone of enterprise security, ensuring a seamless balance between improved user experience and security through automation and governance. As a CISSP and PMP-certified professional, I value collaboration, clarity, and accountability to empower teams and drive impactful outcomes.

I lead the NTX ISSA mentorship program now. I love to continue the service while mentoring a deputy to take over the program in 2027 or 2028. 

Overview of Qualifications

As the current Director of Mentorship for NTX ISSA, I’ve led the program and know what it takes to match mentors and mentees well and keep the program running. I’d like to continue that work while developing a deputy who can take over the program in 2027 or 2028, so it stays strong beyond my term.

Developing people is central to my career. I’ve spent more than 20 years in technology and cybersecurity leadership, most recently as a Director at USAA leading the Workforce IAM domain. I also run mentorship programs at work and at my church. As a CISSP and PMP, I bring both cybersecurity depth and the program management discipline needed to grow the mentorship program and serve our members.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

Help NTX ISSA continue to serve the DFW area while focusing on providing a platform for members to be mentored by experienced information security professionals. 

Prior Board Experience

I currently serve on the board and lead the mentorship program. 

Professional Bio

I am a cybersecurity leader with nearly 20 years of experience across software engineering, cloud, cybersecurity, and technology leadership, including about 10 years focused on identity and access management. At Southwest Airlines, I lead Identity and Access Management and a team of engineers who govern identity security for human and machine identities, including agentic AI. Our work covers authentication, authorization, IAM/IGA, privileged access, Zero Trust, non-human identity, and CI/CD security.

Beyond my day-to-day role, I am an active speaker and mentor in the identity and cybersecurity community. I speak at national and regional security conferences, judge scholarship programs, industry awards, and hackathons, serve as a technical peer reviewer for academic journals, and publish in industry outlets. My focus is on developing future talent and expanding how identity is taught, understood, and put into practice.

Overview of Qualifications

I have managed large, multi-stakeholder programs from start to finish, including routing more than 550 initiatives through security review and leading first-time cloud migrations of core identity systems. That work depends on clear schedules, coordination, and follow-through. On the people side, I lead an 11-person identity team, so developing people is part of my everyday job. I have judged ISACA scholarship programs, which means evaluating emerging professionals and assessing where they could grow, the same judgment good mentor matching depends on. As a journal peer reviewer and awards judge, I give detailed, constructive feedback that helps people improve their work. Giving back to the community in any form I can is something I value. I am currently building a program that helps students understand cybersecurity and find their path into the field, and I will be a keynote speaker at the NICE K12 Cybersecurity Education Conference in March 2027.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

For program design, I will set matching criteria that go beyond technical skills and career goals. Everyone learns differently, and every mentor teaches differently, so I will also try and match pairs by learning and mentoring style to make each relationship productive and meaningful for both people. 

I will define curriculum milestones so pairs know what to work on at each stage, and my conference connections across the field will help ensure we have mentors who fit a wide range of goals and styles. 

For cohort execution, I will run each cohort on a dependable schedule with a kickoff orientation, check-in workshops at set points, and a graduation, drawing on my experience leading large, multi-stakeholder programs from start to finish. 

Each check-in workshop will also serve as a checkpoint where mentors and mentees can review progress, change direction if a goal no longer fits, and adjust their approach as they go. 

For evaluation, I will treat feedback as a continuous loop rather than a one-time survey. I will gather input from mentors and mentees at the midpoint and at the end, track outcomes such as new roles, promotions, and certifications, and build what we learn into the design of each future cohort.

Prior Board Experience

N/A

Professional Bio

I’m an emerging professional in the cybersecurity sector, committed to helping organizations strengthen their defenses through security strategy, governance, risk, and compliance. As an Engineer at Trace3, I partner with clients to assess risks, align with regulatory requirements, and build resilient security strategies that support long-term business objectives.

I’m also pursuing my Master of Science in Information Security & Privacy (MSISP) at UT Austin. Expanding my expertise in data protection, privacy, and advanced security frameworks to stay ahead of today’s evolving threat landscape.

Overview of Qualifications

Mentorship has played a significant role in shaping my early career, helping me land my current role and build meaningful relationships with organizations and communities such as CISO XC, North Texas ISSA, and the Dallas AI community. I've been fortunate to have mentors who have guided me, opened doors, and helped me grow both personally and professionally. These experiences have shown me firsthand the value of strong mentorship, and I want to pay that forward. As Mentorship Director, my goal is to connect emerging professionals with experienced industry leaders, foster meaningful relationships, and create opportunities that have a lasting impact on their careers.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

Development of a structured program that aligns with the semester for students. Example: 

Step 1: match with intent. Pair mentors and mentees by career goals, interests, and certifications, and do a short kickoff to align expectations. 

Step 2: keep a steady rhythm. Set lightweight monthly milestones and offer small group mentoring circles so students stay engaged and supported. 

Step 3: measure and celebrate. Have quick quarterly check-ins and finish with a short showcase where mentees share progress and wins. 

Prior Board Experience

N/A

Professional Bio

I am an early career cybersecurity professional based in North Texas with a strong interest in mentorship, and community building. Having recently made a  transition from graduate student to cybersecurity professional, I understand how valuable the right guidance, professional relationships, and exposure can be helpful to a cybersecurity professional.

Outside cybersecurity, I am also a DJ, which has helped me become more confident in communicating with people, reading the room, and connecting with different kinds of audiences. I enjoy meeting new people, learning from experienced professionals, and helping others grow in their careers.

Overview of Qualifications

One of the main reasons I feel connected to this role is my experience as a mentee in the Tech Allies program at UTD. I was paired with an experienced cybersecurity leader, and that experience helped me understand how useful the right mentor can be for career direction, confidence, and professional growth.

Because of that experience, I understand the importance of good mentor-mentee matching, regular communication, and making sure both people stay engaged throughout the program.

I also enjoy working with people, organizing activities, following up, and helping others stay involved. I believe these skills, along with my own mentorship experience, would help me support the NTX ISSA Mentorship Program in a practical and meaningful way.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

My main focus would be to make the mentorship program organized, consistent, and useful for both mentors and mentees. I would focus on matching people based on their career goals and interests, setting clear expectations at the beginning of the program, and making sure there are regular check-ins so participants do not lose touch after the initial introduction.

I would also collect feedback during and after the program to understand what is working and what can be improved. My goal would be to make sure mentees leave the program with better career direction, stronger professional connections, and a positive mentoring experience.

Prior Board Experience

N/A

Professional Bio

I've been a trusted advisor to the Fortune 1000 for the last 24 years. I started my career in cybersecurity at McAfee back in 2002 and have been helping companies solve complex security problems ever since. I have a huge network here in NTX incuding vendors and practitioners.

Overview of Qualifications

24 Years experience and a deep rolodex of vendors here in NTX

Candidate's Focus if Elected

Increasing sponsorship rates for NTX ISSA

Prior Board Experience

N/A

Professional Bio

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran with 21 years of IT & Cybersecurity experience. Passionate about learning, as evidenced by multiple certifications.  Skilled in leveraging automation tools to increase efficiency and eliminate overhead. Dedicated to professional development of others through mentorship and collaboration.  Previous experience as a Web Developer, Network Admin, Helpdesk Analyst, Information Security Architect, Application Support Analyst, Voice Operations Analyst

Overview of Qualifications

Served as Deputy Director of Membership for 2 years and Deputy Director of Volunteering for 1 year 

Candidate's Focus if Elected

Onboard new technical solution to facilitate unified communication, event management, website, CRM, collaboration for members, and forum.

Prior Board Experience

As Deputy Director of Volunteering, I saw a gap in the Membership team and helped fill it by moving to the Membership team.  I have worked with the Director in sending communications to our members regarding renewals, events, & promotions.  I have helped the community sustain and grow in membership.  I have volunteered for dozens of events and helped promote the organization through networking and word of mouth.

Professional Bio

I am a current Principal Security Architect. My career has spanned 15+ years focusing around system integration, system architecture, security architecture. I hold multiple certifications in IT and Cybersecurity fields.

Overview of Qualifications

I’ve done integration work and system administration across the stack. I focus on streamlining processes with technology while ensuring aligns with the way people naturally work.  

Candidate's Focus if Elected

Streamlining the tech stack, partnering with the international organization to support their technology initiatives, and improve member experience and access for the chapter

Prior Board Experience

N/A

Professional Bio

I am an IT executive with over 20 years of experience in information technology, including more than 13 years in leadership roles specializing in enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, and IT governance. I currently serve as Senior Vice President of Information Technology at My Community Credit Union and hold CISSP and CCSP certifications, along with an MBA in Information Security.

Beyond my professional career, I am passionate about supporting nonprofit organizations through technology. I previously volunteered with North Texas ISSA, supporting its technology operations, and currently serve as the Technology Committee Chair for Airplanes & Coffee, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, where I oversee and manage the organization’s technology infrastructure. I enjoy applying my professional experience to help organizations improve their technology capabilities, security, and operational effectiveness.

Overview of Qualifications

My qualifications combine extensive enterprise IT leadership experience with direct, hands-on experience supporting nonprofit technology operations. I previously supported North Texas ISSA by administering its Google Workspace environment, maintaining its website, managing Eventbrite registration, and providing onsite audiovisual and technical support for chapter events.

I am a former board member of Airplanes & Coffee and currently serve as the organization’s Technology Committee Chair, supporting its technology infrastructure, website, Google Workspace environment, and broader technology needs.

Professionally, I bring extensive experience in identity and access management, infrastructure administration, cybersecurity, and technology governance. My CISSP and CCSP certifications further complement the technical and security responsibilities of this position. Having previously supported North Texas ISSA and currently supporting nonprofit technology infrastructure, I am familiar with the operational needs of volunteer-led organizations and can contribute effectively from the outset.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

My primary focus will be ensuring North Texas ISSA has a secure, reliable, and well-managed technology environment that supports the chapter’s mission and enables its leadership and volunteers to operate effectively.

I would prioritize maintaining and improving the chapter’s website, Google Workspace environment, and event technology while strengthening access controls, account management, documentation, and continuity between board transitions.

I also want to identify opportunities to simplify administration, automate repetitive tasks, and improve the chapter’s digital presence and member experience. My goal is to establish sustainable technology practices that minimize administrative overhead, support chapter growth, and allow future board members to transition into their roles with minimal disruption.

Prior Board Experience

I previously served as a voting board member and Technology Director for North Texas ISSA from 2022 through 2023. In that role, I provided technical and administrative leadership for the chapter’s technology operations, including administering Google Workspace, managing chapter email accounts, maintaining the chapter website, supporting Eventbrite event registration, and providing onsite audiovisual and technical assistance during monthly chapter meetings. I also served on the committee that helped review and revamp the chapter’s bylaws.

These efforts supported the chapter’s day-to-day operations, event delivery, governance, and member engagement. Serving on the board also gave me firsthand familiarity with the chapter’s technology environment, operational challenges, and the importance of providing dependable technical support to a volunteer-led organization.