Me and my job

Q: How did you get into security?

Almost accidentally. I joined the Information Security Section about a year and a half ago. At that time, I was a system analyst for AS/400. Prior to my joining the CISO, the infosec section had a staff of two plus the CISO. One retired and the other separated from the county. It sounded interesting. Besides, I needed a job.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

The people. Regular project meetings with the various departments allow us to meet and get to know the people in our local government.

Q: What most annoys you?

My inability to control the speed of projects. For example, when we are working with a county department on its business continuity planning (BCP) project, which requires a great deal of people time, the momentum tends to drop drastically after a certain period. Sometimes, no matter what we do or say, BCP is not a high priority in their minds.

Q: Who is has influenced you most?

Our CISO [Kevin Dickey]. His direction, coaching, and professionalism have great positive impact.

Q: How do you describe your job to strangers?>/b>

I let them know that information is one of the most, if not the most valuable asset of any organization. For example, the data on your bank statement needs to be accurate, free of error, and readily available to you when appropriate.