Gary De Mercurio Email & Phone Number

We believe that security is just that, Security, it's not simply data security. All facets need to be secure for your company to truly be doing the right thing. It's like having a three legged stool, sure you can balance on two legs, even one for a while, but eventually you'll fall. We test all three, Logical, Social Engineering and Physical. Not only do we test, but we do our best to hand you the fish at the end of the engagement and the fishing pole. Real security means teaching you how to do things better, sharing the secret sauce in hopes your company is more secure for it. Shouldn't that be what all real security companies strive to do? Try to leave things better than they found them?

Everett, Washington, Us

As the Director of Security, I was entrusted with safeguarding the company’s technological assets, data, and personnel. This position required a comprehensive understanding of both digital and physical security landscapes, challenging me to develop and implement robust security strategies that protected against a wide array of threats. I learned the criticality of integrating cross-functional team efforts to create a unified defense mechanism, blending IT security with physical safety measures and employee training programs.This role deepened my appreciation for the complexity of security in the digital age, teaching me the value of adaptability, continuous learning, and the proactive identification of potential vulnerabilities. These insights have profoundly influenced my current role, where understanding the interconnectedness of various security domains allows me to devise strategies that are not only reactive but also predictive in nature. My experience as Director of Security underscored the importance of fostering a culture of security awareness throughout the organization, a principle that I continue to champion, ensuring that every team member is empowered and educated to contribute to our collective security efforts.

Chicago, Illinois, Us

In my role as the Global Vice President of Spider Labs, I set the strategic direction for a team dedicated to pioneering offensive security tactics. This position honed my skills in global team leadership, strategic planning, and innovation in cybersecurity. The experience reinforced my belief in a proactive, offensive approach to cybersecurity, shaping my current approach to security as a comprehensive, anticipative strategy that integrates digital, physical, and human elements.

Greenwood Village, Co, Us

At Coalfire, I spearheaded the Enterprise penetration testing, Red Team, Social Engineering, and Physical penetration testing divisions. This role challenged me to expand our market footprint by engaging with new and prospective clients, developing innovative service offerings like high-end, specialized phishing assessments, and comprehensive cybersecurity walkthroughs. My focus was not only on enhancing our service portfolio but also on enriching our client's security posture through the refinement of their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), documentation, and methodologies to ensure a holistic security framework was firmly in place.This position taught me the critical importance of team dynamics in the success of high-stakes security operations. By fostering an environment where learning, innovation, and fun coexisted, I was able to maintain a team of highly motivated, skilled penetration testers who were not only successful but also passionate about their work. This experience underscored the value of leadership that prioritizes both the professional growth of its team members and the cultivation of a positive, engaging work culture. Carrying this forward, I've applied these principles to my current role, ensuring that my team remains at the cutting edge of cybersecurity practices while also enjoying the journey. This balance between growth, innovation, and workplace satisfaction has been key to our continued success and resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats.

Stratford, Connecticut, Us

At Sikorsky Aircraft, I led quality engineering efforts across multiple international facilities, focusing on reducing errors and costs while ensuring the highest standards of production and safety. This role sharpened my abilities in problem-solving, cross-cultural communication, and process optimization. The skills acquired here have directly contributed to my effectiveness in my current position, especially in managing diverse teams and driving continuous improvement.

As a UH-1N pilot for the United States Marine Corps, I was responsible for leading missions that required precision, quick thinking, and an unwavering commitment to team and mission safety. This experience taught me the importance of strategic planning, risk assessment, and leadership under pressure. These skills have been invaluable in my current role, where making quick, informed decisions and leading a team through complex challenges are daily expectations.Beyond piloting, my ground job in the USMC as the Building and Maintenance Officer tasked me with overseeing security, embarkation, and safety. This role demanded meticulous attention to detail, thorough planning, and a proactive stance on safety and security measures. It was here that I first learned the critical importance of safeguarding not just people, but also the infrastructure that supports them. These early lessons in physical security and safety management have been fundamental to my approach in my current role, where ensuring the security and integrity of both our digital and physical environments is paramount. The ability to anticipate and mitigate risks to our operations has become a hallmark of my leadership, directly influenced by my experience in ensuring the safety and readiness of marine corps facilities and personnel.

Before my military and corporate career, serving as a deputy sheriff instilled in me a foundational understanding of security, law, and community service. This experience was my first foray into the realm of risk management and crisis response, teaching me the value of empathy, quick decision-making, and community engagement. These early lessons in security and service continue to influence my leadership style and strategic approach in my current position, emphasizing the human element in cybersecurity.Each of these roles has contributed unique skills and insights that I bring to my current position, blending leadership, strategic vision, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to comprehensive security and excellence.

Master Of Science (Ms), Cyber Security / Penetration Testing

Bachelor'S Degree, Criminal Justice / Psychology

Master Of Arts (M.A.), Sustainability And Environmental Management