Home: Denver metro area, Colorado. Profession: IT and cybersecurity executive. Organization: Radiology Partners. Title: Enterprise Identity and Access Management Director. Alma mater: The University of Iowa (BA); Penn State University (MBA).
Current project: I am currently leading a multi-year transformation to establish a consolidated Identity and Access Management (IAM) program for Radiology Partners. Recent recognition: By a colleague, for the delivery of a comprehensive, hour-long technical presentation. Told that the consistent energy and "flow" of the delivery served as a direct reflection of deep subject matter expertise. Recent professional development: Renewed my Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, which I have now held for eight years. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Balancing the demands of a high-level executive role with the simultaneous pursuit of my MBA. Hobbies: Road cycling, hiking, reading. Last book read: Musashi, by Eiji Yoshikawa.
Personality profile: ENFJ (The Protagonist). Thoughtful, decisive, collaborative. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Steadfast. What is your greatest joy? The quiet moment at the summit. Whether it’s a grueling road cycling climb or a complex professional milestone, my greatest joy is the transition from the "grind" of the effort to the clarity of the view at the top. What is your greatest fear? Failing the collective. In both my personal and professional life, I place a high value on being a cornerstone for others. What natural talent have you neglected? Creative writing. Having attended a summer program at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, I’ve channeled those skills into clear business communication, but have long neglected the pull to commit to longer-form fiction or non-fiction. What is at the top of your bucket list? An immersive journey through Japan, to explore the intersection of its deep historical roots and its cutting-edge technological future. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Unstructured time. While it’s tempting to treat a new destination like a checklist to be completed, for me, a vacation is only successful if there is enough "empty space" to truly experience a place rather than just touring it.
What book have you repeatedly read? The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Chris Piker, my first supervisor at the University of Iowa. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Listen to the customer’s problem, not just their request. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Biometric and password-less authentication. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Studying abroad in Mérida, Venezuela.
What is your big idea?
Traditionally, robust security is viewed as a series of hurdles that slow down productivity. My big idea is to flip that narrative by using AI and behavioral analytics to make security a silent partner to the user.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Shifting the perception of Identity and Access Management from a technical "cost center" to a strategic business enabler. What message do you want to send out into the world? Lead with intentionality. What mega-trend most excites you? The potential of AI to automate the high-volume, mundane "checks" of identity governance.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? The Long Ride. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandparents. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? The 1974 Schwinn Paramount road bike given to me by my father. What advice would you give your younger self? Don't confuse a pause with a stop. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? A specific Saturday in Iowa City when my sons were young. There is a specific, quiet joy in those "ordinary" family days - walking to the park, the lack of a schedule, and the simplicity of just being a dad.
Personal motto: Consistent momentum, intentional direction. How would you like to be remembered? As a "bridge-builder." Favorite quote: "The most important step a man can take. It's not the first one, is it? It's the next one. Always the next step" (Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer).
