Cybersecurity Leader

Wendy Emanuelson

Information Security Leader Profile

***********@*****.*** • 248-***-****

LinkedIn • Jacksonville, FL 32097

Dynamic and results-driven cybersecurity leader with extensive experience in cybersecurity, risk management, and enterprise resiliency. Adept at spearheading strategic initiatives, transforming security operations, and driving compliance in highly regulated industries. Proven track record of enhancing IT governance, strengthening risk posture, and leading high-performing global teams. Skilled in managing multi-million-dollar budgets, implementing cutting-edge security frameworks, and modernizing corporate infrastructure to support business growth and resilience. Recognized for optimizing security operations, accelerating audit resolution, and successfully executing security for large-scale cloud migrations.

Areas of Expertise

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

Strategic Planning & Implementation

IT Governance & Compliance

Identity & Access Management

Business Continuity & Resilience

Digital Transformation

Cross-functional Collaboration

Team Training & Leadership

Enterprise Architecture

Professional Experience

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, Jacksonville, FL

Director, IT Security, Risk & Enterprise Resiliency 2019 – Present

Oversee CISO-equivalent responsibilities, leading enterprise-wide strategic initiatives to enhance IT security, risk management, and business resiliency. Spearhead infrastructure and architecture transformations, engineer robust network security frameworks, and modernize corporate capabilities through cutting-edge business solutions. Mentor team of four direct reports, including senior managers and a solution architect, while reporting directly to C-suite executives. Champion enterprise security initiatives, including security framework design, risk management strategy, and SecOps/AppSec enhancements.

Doubled team size to 16 and accelerated audit finding closures from 360 days to under 20 by transforming operations and culture to sharpen priorities, boost productivity, and ensure compliance.

Sustained 2x user volume during disasters by managing $4M budget, optimizing resources, securing system acquisitions, and delivering strategic infrastructure security projects.

Advised and supported secure development for 1.6K users by driving an identity and access management implementation roadmap and guiding a $7M transition to SailPoint

Improved real-time visibility of impact assessments and continuity plans by transforming Business Continuity and Crisis Management processes through an automated workflow tool.

Advised and supported migration of insurance tool suite to AWS-based SaaS solution by leading a $115M, 2-year corporate project.

Reduced risk issue remediation time by 95% and audit finding resolution time by 65%.

NGA Human Resources, Jacksonville, FL

Senior Information Security Risk Manager – Global 2016 – 2019

Developed comprehensive security policy framework and IT governance model, boosting global cybersecurity posture. Monitored global integration project, synchronizing IT capabilities and security controls across data centers in 35 countries for seamless operations and compliance. Oversaw infrastructure supporting 3M end users across 100+ countries.

Led an 11-person global team spanning nine countries, including US, LATAM, EMEA, and APAC, supporting 4.5K-person workforce with operational excellence.

Standardized enterprise-wide risk visibility and governance by redesigning Global Risk Management function and implementing structured reporting framework.

Led GDPR compliance readiness, implemented the ISO 27001 Information Security Management System, and spearheaded publication of over 50 IT and security policies and standards.

Delivered $3M cost-saving solution through organizational transformation, partnering with CSO to craft annual budget.

Comerica Bank, Auburn Hills, MI

Senior Security Engineer, VP 2011 – 2016

Directed cross-functional IT team of onshore and offshore contractors. Drove vulnerability and patch management, system configuration maintenance, and performance monitoring to maximize security and operational efficiency. Established and enforced SLAs, ensuring patching and secure configurations.

Facilitated successful attestations and strengthened regulatory adherence by championing development and implementation of PCI DSS and SOX compliance processes.

Reduced 89% vulnerabilities and resolved three federal audit findings by spearheading FinTech security overhaul, enhancing safeguards for 3K+ Windows/Linux servers.

Additional Experience

Infrastructure Administrator Streck Omaha, NE

Systems Administrator Omaha World Herald Omaha, NE

Systems Administrator Hamilton Center Terre Haute, IN

Network Administrator First Bank & Trust Paris, IL

Education

Doctor of Philosophy in IT/Information Assurance & Security

Capella University, Minneapolis, MN

Master of Science in IT/Information Assurance & Security

Capella University, Minneapolis, MN

Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems/Network Administration

Kaplan University, Davenport, IA

Certifications

Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C/CISO)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)

ITIL4 Foundation Certified

SAFe Agilist Certified

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Training

ICAgile Certified Professional – Leading with Agility (ICP-LEA)

Technical Proficiencies

Microsoft Office Suite, M365, Microsoft Defender, AWS, Microsoft Azure, SIEM, Vulnerability Management

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