RJ Friedman
Director, Head of Managed Services
RJ's career has been centered around causes which he is passionate about. A "Learner" and "Ideator" (Gallup Strengthsfinder), there are few topics which do not attract RJ's curiosity and problem solving abilities. He's at his best when leading teams which are handed complex problems which need solutions. Chief among his passions is his interest in helping organizations of all shapes and sizes protect themselves from cyber crime.
As a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), founder of multiple cybersecurity companies, Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO), head of Managed Security Services for a global corporation, and volunteer for cybersecurity non-profits, RJ has been fortunate enough to have succeeded at bringing his vision and passion to life, and leading large teams as well as mentoring others in their quest to do the same.
RJ's experience as a CISO and vCISO has included establishing the first holistic cybersecurity program at banks, manufacturing companies, and hospitals, as well as helping much more established organizations, like one of the 5 busiest airports in the world, with consulting around specific objectives. In his capacity as a trusted advisor, he has assisted one of the world's 5 largest banks create a due diligence strategy around M&A, and a large cybersecurity insurance vendor develop their due diligence questionnaire.
RJ is in his element while being interviewed on podcasts, conducting webinars, and public speaking. He has contributed to United States election security programs, helping Google write a best-practices white paper for US campaigns, and additionally helping a US Presidential race in the capacity of a cybersecurity risk manager through a relationship with the Defending Digital organization.
In his free time, RJ can be found in the water with his Golden Retriever, Lincoln, riding dirtbikes, or at industry and networking events.