Meet our Contributors
James Bierly
Owner/Cybersecurity Consultant of Secure Point Solutions
James Bierly is the owner and the principal cybersecurity consultant of Secure Point Solutions. With 13 years in the Navy operating on both surface ships and submarines as a Sonar Analyst, James has had an unusual transition from military to civilian; from physical security to selling cars, he ultimately found opportunities to learn Information Technology while working overseas. James began a series of positions with increasing responsibility working with the state lottery and technology giants like Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard. He has spent the last 6 years supporting small businesses as part of a managed service provider and now running his own security company.
Michael Marrano
CISSP, CISM, CISA
Michael Marrano is a cybersecurity and technology professional focused on providing Leadership as a Service with bespoke Virtual CISO and CTO engagements for clients. With his boutique advisory firm, he and the Riskigy team provide unmatchable expertise to organizations of all sizes. Michael started honing his skills as a real-world technology and cybersecurity practitioner on the financial trading floors of New York and in highly regulated investment advisor firms. He also has extensive experience overseeing cybersecurity and technology within start-ups, small-mid size organizations, and private equity portfolio companies focused on maintaining security, compliance, and protecting investment value.
Matt Giarratani
CISSP
Matt is a seasoned IT Executive with over 30 years of experience in providing multi-national IT leadership, directing successful programs, and continually scaling technical and operational capabilities. Extensive experience in security, systems, infrastructure, data center, applications, and business development.
Continually exceeds expectations by creating valuable partnerships and works well with people at all levels of the organization, including stakeholders, customers, and team members. Matt spent ten years with Affiliated Managers Group (AMG), most recently as Information Technology Vice President with responsibilities over Security, Infrastructure, and Affiliate IT Services. Matt was responsible for AMG’s security program, AMG’s global IT infrastructure, IT architectures, IT Vendor Management. For AMG’s 40+ subsidiaries, Matt created the Affiliate IT Program which included offsite IT forums, IT Webinars, virtual CISO, CTO, CIO, regulatory audit participation, and incident response.
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Bill Oates
Public & Private Sector CIO, Cybersecurity Faculty at Boston College, Board Member
Bill Oates has had a long career leading organizations in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Most recently, Bill served as the Vice President and General Manager of Perkins Solutions, the innovation, and technology division of the Perkins School for the Blind.
Prior to his Perkins role, Bill served as a local and state government CIO for nearly 10 years. In 2006, he was named the City of Boston’s first cabinet-level CIO by Boston’s Mayor Thomas M. Menino.
In January 2014, Oates took the role of Commonwealth Chief Information Officer of Massachusetts.
Before his government roles, Oates spent more than 20 years in the private sector, serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
He currently is a member of the faculty at Boston College, teaching in its MS Program in Cybersecurity Policy and Governance.
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Loredana Niculae
President, NNC Services
Skilled entrepreneur and business manager with a proven track record in building digital performant teams and corporate functions, leveraging best practices through multi-discipline collaboration to define guidelines for digital growth. Loredana has 20+ years of experience in the management of technology marketing and sales, business strategies, digital marketing, business development, and management consultancy. Notable achievements in B2B marketing and Sales, management, problem-solving, business strategy, and coaching.
Craig Sandman
President and Co-Founder of Symbol Security
Craig Sandman is the President and Co-Founder of Symbol Security, a Security Awareness SaaS business with a mission to #EndPhishing. Prior to Symbol Security, Craig spent a decade leading 3rd party sales for Charter Communications Cloud business, Navisite, and a decade at AT&T. Craig attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania, USA, and resides in New Jersey with his wife and three children where he is actively involved in youth sports, and local non-profit organizations.