Andy Bennett

Andy Bennett Email and Phone Number

CTO, CISO at Apollo Information Systems; former State of Texas Deputy CISO @ Apollo Information Systems
Andy Bennett's Location
Austin, Texas, United States, United States
Andy Bennett's Contact Details

Andy Bennett personal email

About Andy Bennett

Philosophy: When IT and Security are doing their jobs correctly, no one notices because everything just works. Show works better than tell, every time. Summary:Andy is a straight shootin', boot-wearin’ native Texan who delivers results through effective communication, collaboration, and partnership. He is a seasoned executive and recognized technology leader with a passion for security and an earned reputation for confronting and solving tough problems. He is a front-line leader with experience managing large coalitions of disparate stakeholders across almost 3 decades of progressive responsibility spanning every aspect of the enterprise.Andy is a business partner and advocate with a strong background in large scale organizations, applied research, business administration, enterprise systems, business continuity, procurement, fiscal and strategic planning, information security management. In short, Andy understands technology and how to use it to run and support the business. One of the things he is most well known for is incident response. He built the plan and led the successful response to the August 2019 ransomware attack that impacted 23 local municipalities across Texas. He is adaptable, cool under pressure, and navigates ambiguity well by actively listening, knowing when to take initiative and when to ask for help.Andy is a prolific and compelling public speaker who enjoys discussing technology and security issues ranging from privacy and IoT to education and cyberwarfare. He is a collaboration master and transformational servant leader who knows that for tech to succeed we build systems to fit and serve people. A broad experience, education, and exposure provide a breadth of perspective and depth of capabilities that few others can offer. Delivered results in an array of industries from oil and gas, to banking, retail, government, higher education, research, law enforcement, technology, services, and more. Able to see the big picture and understand how all the pieces of the enterprise information puzzle work together to drive business.

Andy Bennett's Current Company Details
Apollo Information Systems

Apollo Information Systems

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CTO, CISO at Apollo Information Systems; former State of Texas Deputy CISO
Andy Bennett Work Experience Details
  • Apollo Information Systems
    Cto, Ciso
    Apollo Information Systems Feb 2024 - Present
    Round Rock, Texas, Us
    I Joined Apollo in September of 2020, hit the ground running and have never looked back. I promoted to CTO from VP of Technology (still the CISO in both roles) in February 2024 after three and a half years of rapid growth, both as a company and as a professional. As the CTO of Apollo, no two days are the same, in a good way. I guide service delivery for professional and managed services. Other days are focused on develop technology and service offering strategies to meet future business needs for Apollo and our clients, and some days I spend as a pure play as the CISO as I handle the internal security program focused on identifying, reducing, managing and planning for the unmanageable risks we face.Since the Fall of 2020, I have had the privilege to build and lead a team of highly senior cybersecurity professionals who deliver top notch results as we have gone from 11 people and no services (managed or otherwise) to 80 FTEs, 150 contractors in our contingent bench and 8 figures in service delivery. The growth has been explosive, and the complexity of the portfolio is massive.To succeed in this role I have had to build a team I can rely on. I have advocated for them with the rest of the executive team to get the resources they need while demanding operational excellence from each and every one of them. Another key element of success in this role has been effective communication across a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders and leveraging data to ensure strategic alignment to both our own internal business needs and those of our partners and customers.
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  • Apollo Information Systems
    Vice President Of Technology, Ciso
    Apollo Information Systems Sep 2020 - Feb 2024
    Round Rock, Texas, Us
    Both internal and customer facing, ensure that Apollo is ready to securely support our customers' in meeting their security and IT enterprise operations needs.Ensure that the internal Apollo security and compliance program is up to date and meets the need of the organization as well as the vendor compliance requirements of our customers.Take a business-centric approach to information security solutions to help customers and stakeholders understand risk exposure and partner with them develop a strategy to mitigate those risks in alignment with the business needs and risk appetite of each client.Strike a balance between strategic planning an tactical action and prioritize initiatives and implementation to ensure current and future business needs are securely met. From developing a strategic roadmap to reviewing and designing security architectures and reviewing third party providers for fit and purpose within the Apollo portfolio.Leverage specialties in incident response and preparedness and help customers and stakeholders prepare to weather the worst threats cyberspace has to offer.Lead customer engagements in business continuity, security & enterprises architecture, IT operations, cloud migration, incident preparedness and response, ransomware consulting (pre and post attack) and overall security program design.Provides inclusive leadership and direction that fosters teamwork, harmony, professional collaboration, and a spirit of partnership across all divisions, and a diverse set of stakeholdersResearch security trends, security technology, best practices, regulations and legislation to provide guidance and recommendations and ensure that Apollo’s portfolio is always able to meet the needs of our clients and stakeholders.Ensure appropriate governance for oversight, development and implementation of information security strategies, policies and procedures.Manage security and business concerns for M&A cycles and lead complex contract negotiations.
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  • Texas Department Of Information Resources
    Deputy Ciso, State Of Texas
    Texas Department Of Information Resources Sep 2017 - Aug 2020
    Austin, Tx, Us
    Reporting to, and working with, the State CISO, to provide oversight of the agency’s strategic cybersecurity policy, planning and governance activities. Plays a key role as a statewide strategic partner leading and translating statewide business needs into information security service offerings that support and secure the business of the State as a whole.Establish governance for, developing, implementing, and providing oversight of statewide information security strategies, services, policies, procedures and guidelines in response to new security technology issues and threats.Research security trends, security technologies, best practices, regulations and legislation to provide guidance and recommendations to the CISO and statewide partners. Develop, deliver, and optimize IT operations and services that support business areas and securely meet their needs.Manage a broad portfolio of projects, services and relationships to provide services, solutions, and consultation that support and secure more than 220 government agencies and institutes of higher education and 325,000 employees.Coordinate and mature statewide security service capability and delivery.Coordinates state inter-agency security communication and information sharing including technical and governance security advisement and customer service engagement.Coordinates federal and state information sharing and collaboration for cybersecurity incident response.Monitors and analyzes proposed legislation, and changes in industry security and privacy standards and drafts appropriate modifications to statewide security strategies, regulations, policies, standards, and procedures.Communicates and collaborates with stakeholders at all levels across government and industry. Prepares and delivers presentations with public officials and staff, advisory groups, public entity personnel and private industry.
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  • Texas Health And Human Services Commission
    Director Ii, Enterprise Identity And Access Management
    Texas Health And Human Services Commission Aug 2016 - Sep 2017
    Austin, Tx, Us
    IT Operations Director leading a fantastic team of 60. Together we securely managed the IAM needs for 56000+ employees and millions of citizens. My teams spanned the HHS system and had a very real impact on the day to day performance and security of this very complex large scale environment and its mix of architectures, versions, and access models that serve a group of stakeholders as diverse as the people of Texas.Responsible for the following:Build and maintain a secure, scaleable and stable access management system.Own the strategic road map and manage all IAM related initiatives.Ensure security through best practices throughout the identity lifecycle.Investigate and identify system issues, deficiencies and weaknesses and design solutions to fully remediate and prevent future re-occurrences.Hire, build, mentor, train and retain a world class team of security, testing and IAM professionals.Use best practices and real world info to develop and assess against data-driven metrics.Effectively manage and accomplish work by delegating to a large department of talented professionals.Identify and securely accommodate critical and unique user groups with specialized access needs.Engage stakeholders to build the network required to successfully deliver service and results across the system.Plan, organize, direct, control, identify, and objectively evaluate technology and services in support of agency and enterprise functions.Take initiative to identify and move on opportunities for consolidation and improvement.Participates in inter-organizational management communications, facilitates the development of appropriate technology solutions to improve agency operations, and actively supports the enterprise’s goals and objectives.Succession and contingency planning to cover the loss of critical personnel in any role.Build and maintain in-depth, end-to-end, business and technical knowledge of agency systems and processes to ensure effective service delivery.
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  • Sam Houston State University
    Director, Center Of Excellence In Digital Forensics
    Sam Houston State University Aug 2011 - Aug 2016
    Huntsville, Tx, Us
    Built the Center of Excellence in Digital Forensics from a failing, nearly defunct, department initiative to a thriving cyber nexus with applied research, student development, community contributions and engagement in cybersecurity, digital forensics, law enforcement (local, state, and federal), training programs, industry and government collaborations and more.Provided direction and vision through leadership and strategic planning for the Center.Maintained comprehensive operational and organizational knowledge of 5 research and support programs, 3 training and outreach programs, and manage/facilitate 25+ ongoing and concurrent projects, and other collaborative initiatives of the Center. Kept costs down to maximize resource availability for necessary projects, worth-while research and professional development opportunitiesManaged operations of the Center and ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and standardsTestified to TX legislative committees as neededIntroduced cost recovery strategies to ensure long term sustainabilityKept abreast of and assess the potential impact and use of new technologiesNegotiated and approved contractual obligations and engagementsBudgeted and approved capital, travel, maintenance and other expendituresProvided and ensured professional development and experience opportunities for all staffDirected hiring, training, and evaluation of personnelDeveloped partnerships with law enforcement, government, and industry leading enterprisesIdentified and developed strategic alliances with corporate and federal decision and policy makers Liaised with other internal departments, and state agencies to further the CenterWorked directly with law enforcement: teaching classes and assisting in investigationsEstablished working relationship with public and private partners such as the FBI, and Sierra Nevada Corp.Developed, implement, and assess strategic and financial plan for future growth and success
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  • Sam Houston State University
    Academic Computing Manager: Staff Iii
    Sam Houston State University Sep 2008 - Aug 2011
    Huntsville, Tx, Us
    I managed all aspects of information technology operations, from design to implementation and support, for the teaching and research environments for the Department of Computer Science at SHSU.Design and implement cutting edge education and research oriented infrastructure leveraging multiple datacenters and virtualization/ cloud computingtechnologyManage and educate a small but effective team of versatile workers who help maintain existing systems as well as implement new solutions for upcomingprojectsResearch, advise, and direct technology direction/purchases and vendor relationsFunction as a bridge between divisional silos to dissolve the barriers that prevent effective inter-divisional cooperationTranslate executive goals into functional requirements and actionable strategiesDevelop and apply metrics to identify and adjust to short and long-term needs and goalsManage personnel, including scheduling, evaluation, training, corrective counseling, promotion and terminationPlan, test, implement and maintain hardware, software, and infrastructure from the datacenter through to the end user. Work closely with cross-divisionalstakeholders to ensure needs are met within the best practices/requirements of the institution as a wholeLeverage existing technologies and system environments in innovative ways to help ensure that new tech projects and initiatives are achievable on-scheduleand within budgetEffectively plan to meet future capacity/capability requirementsImplement effective training and continuing education processes by ensuring the complete documentation of all processes so that business needs will be metregardless of staff on hand or turnoverResearch industry trends and cutting edge practices and present them in terminology that will be easily understood by technical and non-technical staff alikeEncourage professional and personal growth and excellenceTake a hands-on leadership role in incident response and disaster recovery situations
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  • Saic
    Applications Migration Specialist
    Saic Oct 2007 - Jun 2008
    Reston, Va, Us
    Successfully facilitate the migration of server side applications and information in support of Marathons hardware refresh effort. Work with the client and vendors to glean background information about each system. Work hands-on to gather technical specifications and requirements for each system. Perform root cause analysis of previous refresh/migration failures where applicable. Develop strategic migration plans which address each systems unique requirements. Prepare tactical contingency plans to manage migration hiccups as they arise. Conduct and participate in migration plan meetings with stakeholders and management to get insight on and approval of migration plans. Facilitate the migration implementations by coordinating various teams and vendors primarily using influence and suggestion, instead of authority, wheneverpossible. Ensure proper testing and validation of each system before final handoff. Energetically pursue the timely achievement of all project milestones and goals. Provide effective updates of every step to Project Management matrix supervisor. Employ tact and tenacity while engaging decision makers and motivating others during all stages of the process. Work well and achieve goals in an ambiguous, matrix management, work environment.This contract was successfully completed and I separated from SAIC in June 2008 due to a lack of additional work to be done.
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  • First National Bank Of Huntsville 2-5B Asset Range
    Systems/Support Administrator
    First National Bank Of Huntsville 2-5B Asset Range Aug 2006 - Oct 2007
    Consulting Engagement to help the bank recover from losing its IT staff and maintain continuity of operations.Manage resources and ensured IT needs were met for six branches in three counties Assess business requirements with direct input from staff and upper management of every functional area to determine current and future BCP/DR and IT needs Translate business requirements into an actionable plan for presentation to the executive steering committee Develop IT policy and implemented new IT and physical security control processes Design, implement, and review Active Directory policies, settings, and accounts across multiple domains Work with vendors to ensure effective management of outsourced systems; escalate concerns to VP as necessary Establish a program for testing and updating BC/DR strategies and practices Manage data center and infrastructure maintenance and troubleshooting efforts Plan, execute, and test migrations of legacy equipment to modern equipment Plan and managed backup systems and procedures to meet compliance requirements Manage the integration of new systems and applications Configured and managed specialized servers for programs such as Citrix and Websense
  • Sam Houston State University
    Various Positions Held
    Sam Houston State University Aug 2001 - Aug 2006
    Huntsville, Tx, Us
    Served as backup manager for specialized team dedicated to supporting a single University department. Acted as an interdepartmental liaison, articulating Library needs to other departments in order to minimize interdepartmental slowdowns on collaborativeprojects. Collaborated with other management and the director to develop strategic plan for Library needs in terms of IT requirements, business continuity and disasterrecovery strategies, and emergency response procedures. Researched cutting edge technologies to fulfill Library and archival specific needs. Prepared department budgets and presented to upper management. Staff administration: management of systems/support office and support team, applicant interviews, staff scheduling and reviews, and resourcerecommendations. Fostered a collaborative, team oriented work environment emphasizing ownership and innovation. Managed and assigned service request tickets for incidents and equipment requests. Migrated old metadata and inventory systems to new versions and equipment at the end of each versions lifecycle of six to nine months. Documented known issues and solutions for future use facilitating rapid response. Assisted with desktop hardware and software troubleshooting as needed. Hands on management of IT infrastructure maintenance in the data center including routers, switches, and servers; including Windows Server 2003 Forest. Managed operation of imaging/test lab for new policy and technology evaluation. Supported enterprise environment consisting of over 12,000 nodes and 25,000 users. Proposed and assisted with organizational restructuring to break down silos and increase efficiency and client satisfaction.Also worked as a book binder and took a break from work to focus on studies 01/16/2003 to 08/16/2003
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  • Compro Computers
    General Manager
    Compro Computers Aug 1999 - Jun 2001
    Manage a small but effective team that included sales, clerical, and technical staff Cultivate and facilitate acquisition of high value clients such as radio stations and government offices Assist high value local clients, such as Texas Dept of Criminal Justice and radio stations, with Disaster Recovery strategy planning and development. Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction to facilitate repeat business Design, install, and configure home and office networks for clients Completion or supervision of more than thirty in-house repairs and upgrades per day Managed local ISP, providing internet access, both dialup and DSL
  • Affordable Pcs And More (Aka Apm Computers)
    Technician
    Affordable Pcs And More (Aka Apm Computers) Sep 1996 - Aug 1999
    Hardware troubleshooting and repair New product and service market development research Customer relations and service proposals Presentation preparation for large client sales Onsite service calls Cross platform (multiple OS) integrations System upgrade and migration Contract corporate rollout team collaborations

Andy Bennett Skills

Training Security Public Speaking Project Management Higher Education Leadership Research Disaster Recovery Instructional Design Computer Security Staff Development Management Networking Data Analysis Computer Forensics Customer Service Troubleshooting Enterprise Software Digital Forensics Consulting Analysis System Administration Critical Thinking Network Security Vendor Management Program Management Team Leadership Requirements Gathering Social Media Vulnerability Assessment Strategic Planning Information Assurance Enterprise Architecture Negotiation Mission Critical Operations Information Security Risk Management Government Information Technology Policy And Governance Cloud Computing Strategy Business Continuity Data Center Integration Business Process Improvement It Strategy Software As A Service Cross Functional Team Leadership It Management Digital Transformation Customer Support Transformation Programs Budget Oversight People Development Teaching Project Planning Distance Learning Technical Writing Leadership Development Adult Education E Learning Instructional Technology Social Networking Curriculum Development Computer Hardware

Andy Bennett Education Details

  • Pepperdine University
    Pepperdine University
    Learning Technologies
  • Sam Houston State University
    Sam Houston State University
    Information Assurance And Security
  • Sam Houston State University
    Sam Houston State University
    History/French

Frequently Asked Questions about Andy Bennett

What company does Andy Bennett work for?

Andy Bennett works for Apollo Information Systems

What is Andy Bennett's role at the current company?

Andy Bennett's current role is CTO, CISO at Apollo Information Systems; former State of Texas Deputy CISO.

What is Andy Bennett's email address?

Andy Bennett's email address is an****@****ail.com

What schools did Andy Bennett attend?

Andy Bennett attended Pepperdine University, Sam Houston State University, Sam Houston State University.

What are some of Andy Bennett's interests?

Andy Bennett has interest in Science And Technology, Education.

What skills is Andy Bennett known for?

Andy Bennett has skills like Training, Security, Public Speaking, Project Management, Higher Education, Leadership, Research, Disaster Recovery, Instructional Design, Computer Security, Staff Development, Management.

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