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BOARD MEMBERS

The following ISSA members serve on the Executive Board

Executive Board Members

PRESIDENT*

Scott McCandless

Director of Cyber Security Operations at Movement Mortgage.

Lead and develop strategic and tactical IT Security programs
• Develop talented high-performance teams
• Manage smart procurement, cost reduction, strategic sourcing, and budget planning
• Partner across the organization at all levels for efficient and effective security operations
• Build cybersecurity governance, compliance policies, procedures, standards, and protocols
• Champion information security programs
• Incident management and response
• Risk identification and remediation
• Develop and customize security controls, standards, and benchmarks for internal consumption
• Audit and evaluate third-party vendors for internal control effectiveness
• Administer security tools and systems
• Assess cybersecurity maturity and grow security programs based on industry frameworks such as NIST or ISO

VICE PRESIDENT

Gina Yacone
gina.yacone@denverissa.org

Gina Yacone serves as the security officer for TRACE3's mountain state region and offers guidance to Trace3 clients on innovative security solutions. Previously, Gina was a vCISO and safeguarded numerous organizations’ security strategy and operations. She is frequently seen on conference stages, having delivered presentations at over 50 events.

TREASURER

Gene McGowan

Twenty plus year career as a revenue multiplier in the technology industry. Strong track record of contributing to the success of new products. Extensive engineering background including implementation experience. Entrepreneurial, thrives on steep challenges.

 Board Member

Paul Herbka

Paul has had a career growing channel sales, delivering managed services and spotlighting enterprise solutions, SaaS, training, and cybersecurity. Yes, all of the alphabet soup we swim in from MDR, EDR, XDR, MSP, MSSP, PaaS, IaaS, SaaS, BC/DR, IAM, ERP, CRM to solid security practices. From VP of Sales to VP of Product Management.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Heidi McDonald

Heidi is a seasoned professional bringing over two decades of leadership and strategic partnership experience with a demonstrated history of working in the Higher Education industry.  She is currently the ISSA International AIM Committee Chair helping build a cybersecurity workforce through Industry alliances for apprenticeships, internships, and mentorships. 

RECORDING SECRETARY


Carlin Dornbusch 

Carlin Dornbusch is an innovative leader in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy. His company, American Cyber Security Management (https://www.americancsm.com/), brings proven methods, best-in-class tools, and deep knowledge of data privacy and security standards to every client engagement. AmericanCSM.com excels at creating custom privacy and security programs to meet the demands of modern threats and emerging compliance.


Carlin serves as the ISSA Denver Recording Secretary and is an active member of the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), OWASP, and IAPP Denver. Carlin also holds a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certificate from ISC2 and is an ISSA Senior Member.


Carlin continues to find ways to not only share his knowledge and passion for Privacy and Cybersecurity, but works to create collaborative and safe environments for others. His work to bring privacy professionals and cybersecurity experts closer together is evidenced in his IAPP involvement and his creation of the Privacy Special Interest Groups throughout many ISSA chapters.

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP

Theresa DeGroote

Security Analyst with deep security marketing background. Denver Chapter ISSA Director of Women in Security

Senior Operations Director

Patrick Huber

Patrick Huber serves as the Senior Operations Director at Denver ISSA


Currently employed as a Senior Security Engineer with a financial service provider in Denver, Patrick has held the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification since 2012, with the recent addition of CCSP accreditation in 2023.

Patrick's commitment to giving back is evident through his extensive volunteer work of over seven years with the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA). In 2023, he took on a leadership role within the Denver chapter board, where he continues to make valuable contributions.

In his role as Senior Operations Director, Patrick collaborates closely with the Operations Director and fellow board members to enhance the efficiency of our operations. Through the implementation of standardized procedures, meticulous checklists, and comprehensive reporting mechanisms, Patrick ensures that our chapter functions smoothly, allowing us to better serve our community.

Patrick finds satisfaction in volunteering, particularly when it involves mentoring students and newcomers to the industry. His passion for empowering others reflects his commitment to creating a supportive and welcoming community within our organization.

Operations Director

Aaron Mello
aaron.mello@denverissa.org

Aaron currently leads a Security Operations Center (SOC) team for Applied Tech, a Managed Service Provider overseeing nearly 20,000 endpoints. He combines his background in Systems and Network Engineering with his passion for Security Automation to keep his clients safe and respond to security incidents. Aaron holds several industry certifications and is currently pursuing his Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certificate from ISC2.


As Operations Director for Denver ISSA, Aaron applies his Operational experience to help the organization grow. He develops and documents our processes to create scalable, repeatable workflows. Aaron also administers and secures our internal systems, onboards new Board Members, and supports our Senior Operations Director and President. 


Aaron loves volunteering as a Board Member for Denver ISSA! It provides a way to fulfill his passion for preparing the next generation of Cybersecurity Professionals. It's fulfilling to be part of an organization that provides great career development, networking and mentorship. Being a Board Member for Denver ISSA has connected Aaron with like minded professionals and valuable industry knowledge.

Sponsorship Director

Shawn Nelson

Shawn Nelson is an Account Executive for a leading managed security services company. He is a graduate of The University of Texas with many years of experience in revenue-generating roles in the technology industry. Shawn has spent the last six years in cybersecurity and is passionate about the mission of protecting our community, businesses, organizations, and institutions.

 

That passion has led Shawn to volunteer for Denver ISSA and as Sponsorship Director, he leads the sponsorship program and acts as the primary interface between the chapter and the current and future security vendor sponsors. For Shawn it is personally fulfilling and gratifying to leverage his experience to help security vendors get more involved with Denver ISSA while contributing to the growth and stability of the chapter.

 

Outside of security, Shawn enjoys spending time with his family, fly-fishing, playing mediocre golf, and making music.

Conference Coordinator

Audrey Kessler

Audrey is currently a student getting her Master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Information Systems. Audrey has a passion for cybersecurity because of its captivating dynamic nature, constant evolving threats, and exhilarating challenge of staying one step ahead of cyber criminals. She is dedicated to bridging the gap between business strategy and technological implementation.

 

As Conference Coordinator for Denver ISSA, Audrey leverages her expertise to facilitate the organization's expansion. She coordinates the participation of ISSA Denver at conferences across Colorado.

 

Audrey thoroughly enjoys her role as a volunteer Board Member for Denver ISSA. It provides a way to fulfill her passion for serving others and making a difference. Outside of work and volunteering Audrey likes to go for walks, offroad her vehicle, and play sand volleyball. 

Special Interest Group Program Director

Dan Doerr

I am a Combat Veteran who is passionate about serving and protecting others. I have a diverse background including various management roles within the Army, medical sales experience, a master’s degree focused on International Security and most recently have shifted focus to cybersecurity. I’m a lifelong learner and am loving the path that I’ve taken to become a highly skilled cybersecurity professional.


I currently serve as the Director of Special Interest Groups (SIGs). My role is to ensure that the Denver Chapter of ISSA is delivering meaningful and beneficial SIGs to all our members, in addition to coordinating the events themselves. 


I really enjoy volunteering with ISSA for several reasons. First, it provides me a way to network with other cybersecurity professionals, and in doing so constantly learn. In addition, I enjoy making an impact on our community by delivering meetings that cater to people with specific interests and backgrounds. That’s why I’ve founded the Veterans’ SIG and why I’m helping to develop other groups such as the AI / ML SIG that we are developing.




*The President acts as the Chairman of the Executive Board.

Past President

PAST PRESIDENT

James Johnson

Appointed Board Members

RMISC CHAIR

James Johnson

Technology Executive that is an expert in the people, processes and technology that minimize business risk while maximizing productivity and profitability.

SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR

Laurie Gray

Laurie is an accomplished sales leader with a proven track record of delivering complex technology solutions to Fortune 1000 companies, driving growth, revenue, and profits for diverse organizations. With a background in sales, marketing, and customer service, Laurie brings a wealth of expertise to the nonprofit cybersecurity board.  In addition to her sales expertise and engineering degree, Laurie has also invested in expanding her knowledge of IT security through graduate coursework at DU, completed her CISSP certificate and continues to expand her skillset as a technology life learner. She is an active member of the Denver ISSA board, actively contributing to the cybersecurity community and staying up to date with the latest industry trends and challenges. With a unique blend of sales leadership, cybersecurity knowledge, and a commitment to professional development, Laurie is dedicated to leveraging her expertise and passion to drive Denver ISSA's nonprofit's cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring a safer digital environment for all.

TRAINING EVENTS COORDINATOR

Vacant
CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER (CISO) 

Greg Sternberg
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Vacant
BOULDER MEETING COORDINATOR

DTC MEETING COORDINATOR

Karie Gunning

As a senior trusted advisor and recruiter for Akkodis, Karie Gunning specializes in providing global managed service solutions and staff augmentation services, leveraging my extensive network in IT and Security cultivated over many years. With a background in Professional Services since 2008, Karie brings a wealth of experience to the table, connecting top talent with opportunities and facilitating strategic partnerships within the industry.


Karie is serving as the DTC Chapter Meeting Hostess. In addition, she plays a pivotal role in organizing and facilitating Denver's job fairs and happy hours, which serve as platforms to promote education, foster valuable networking opportunities, and connect security executives within the industry.



Volunteering for ISSA (Information Systems Security Association) is a rewarding experience for me on multiple levels. Firstly, it allows me to give back to the community by contributing my expertise and knowledge to support the organization's mission of promoting cybersecurity education and awareness. Additionally, it offers valuable networking opportunities, enabling me to forge connections with like-minded professionals and stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the field. Overall, volunteering for ISSA aligns with my passion for fostering collaboration and advancing excellence in cybersecurity practices.

DOWNTOWN DENVER MEETING COORDINATOR

Ryan Coryell

Ryan is Security Engineer at Gensler where he specializes in automation of endpoint threat detection and response, cloud security design and architecture, and is the DFIR lead for the firm. Ryan draws up on his past law enforcement experience to insure that investigations are forensically sound and legally defensible. Ryan has over 10 years of experience in the information security field. Ryan holds certifications in Security+, CySA+, CEH and CHFI. Outside of work, Ryan is a family man and an Assistant Scout Master for Scouts BSA Troop 524 out of Northglenn Colorado.


Ryan serves as the meeting coordinator for the Denver chapter evening meetings where he arranges food, supports the speaker and arranges the venue to encourage networking and deliver engaging events. Ryan also volunteers on the board and represents the chapter at conferences and other events. 


Ryan enjoys his volunteer work for the ISSA Denver chapter. He started attending ISSA events for the training but over time the networking and mentorship has become the most rewarding. 

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Michelle Wilson

Chief Information Security Officer, Movement Mortgage

Michelle, an inspiring and dynamic leader, showcases an impressive track record spanning over 25 years in risk, compliance, information security, technology, and operations. She adeptly builds security programs from the ground up and revitalizes existing ones, guiding them towards success. With a talent for fostering cohesive teams that achieve tangible results, she helps businesses move forward securely. Additionally, she serves on the Denver ISSA chapter board for the past two years and acts as an advisory board member for various tech and cybersecurity-focused information-sharing groups.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT


SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP COORDINATOR

WOMEN IN SECURITY VERTICAL COORDINATORS

Theresa DeGroote, Gina Yacone, Laurie Gray and Heidi McDonald
HEALTHCARE VERTICAL COORDINATOR

Vacant

GOVERNMENT VERTICAL COORDINATOR

Vacant

COLORADO SPRINGS CHAPTER LIAISON


EDUCATION ALLIANCES

Volunteers Welcome


Everyone who contributes to the leadership and operation of the ISSA Denver Chapter is a volunteer; we have other volunteer positions that you can fill. Learn more on our About/Volunteer page.
VOLUNTEER
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