Cybersecurity and Compliance Leader

CAESAR VELEZ, PhD, CISSP (******)

Active Security Clearance: Top Secret//SCI with FSP and SAP Access

**** ******** ****, *******, ** 32950 -- 321-***-**** -- ******.*****@*****.***

Professional Summary

Results-driven leader specializing in strategic planning, team development, and delivering customer excellence

Proficient in cross-functional collaboration, resource optimization, cybersecurity, and compliance activities

Recognized developer of 32 CFR Part 117, DAAPM, JSIG, ICD 503, NIST SP 800-53, and NIST SP 800-171 implementation, bridging the gap between government requirements and the front end of the business priorities

USAF veteran who delivers cutting-edge solutions for safeguarding data and mitigating cyber vulnerabilities

Published doctoral researcher regarding optimization of corporate insider threat programs for defense contractors

Graduate-level experience implementing ISO 27000/27001, SOX, PCI, and CMMC requirements and controls

Work Experience

DIRECTOR OF CYBERSECURITY & COMPLIANCE

Nightwing Intelligence Solutions Palm Bay, FL April 2024 – Present

Directed all aspects of cybersecurity and compliance programs, providing strategic leadership and mentorship to a geographically dispersed team of 30+ professionals

Maintained the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) of critical systems in alignment with multiple national security directives and regulatory frameworks

Spearheaded the integration of AI-driven tools and automation frameworks into cybersecurity operations, resulting in a 40% reduction in RMF body of evidence development time and improved overall security posture

Led risk-based initiatives to address and remediate audit findings, ensuring timely, effective, and sustainable resolutions across the enterprise

Partnered with both technical and non-technical stakeholders to drive the integration of cybersecurity controls, enhancing organizational compliance and overall security maturity

Supported senior leadership by executing enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategies, aligning security objectives with organizational goals through metrics, reporting, and performance tracking

Oversaw the full lifecycle of cybersecurity compliance and vulnerability solutions, from design and evaluation to enterprise deployment and user training

Conducted in-depth research on emerging technologies to drive continuous improvement and innovation in cybersecurity capabilities

Managed a $30M budget to ensure alignment of cybersecurity initiatives with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements, optimizing resource allocation and cost efficiency

Led efforts to formalize, update, and enforce incident response policies, procedures, and technical standards to strengthen operational readiness

Recommended and managed resource allocation strategies to effectively meet cybersecurity and compliance demands, including workforce planning, training, and operational support

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, CYBER LEADERSHIP

Raytheon Technologies Palm Bay, FL August 2014 – April 2024

Served as the business unit’s subject matter expert on cybersecurity compliance, advising on requirements across JSIG, ICD, NIST, and other authoritative doctrine

Delivered strategic briefings to senior leadership on cybersecurity initiatives, enabling proactive response to emerging threats and timely dissemination of critical threat intelligence

Managed a $5M cybersecurity budget, overseeing allocations for training, travel, merit programs, staffing, and labor forecasts to support mission readiness and compliance

Engineered cost-effective security solutions to safeguard classified information, CUI, intellectual property, and other sensitive data across enterprise environments

Supported the zero-trust methodology by verifying access requests, implementing least privileged access, conducting continuous monitoring, utilizing multi-factor authentication, and validating device health

Led internal inspections, peer reviews, and program assessments to validate compliance with accreditation standards, implementing corrective actions for identified vulnerabilities

Designed and executed test procedures to verify RMF control implementations, confirming alignment with customer and regulatory requirements

Contributed to cybersecurity architecture planning by analyzing current posture and forecasting future trends to support long-term enterprise security objectives

Liaised with customer stakeholders, executive leadership, and external partners to address cyber hygiene issues, strengthen communication, and enhance collaborative risk mitigation

Interfaced with customer representatives, senior leaders, and external groups regarding cyber hygiene issues

INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY MANAGER

L3Harris Corporation Palm Bay, FL October 2008 – August 2014

Served as Information System Security Manager (ISSM) for 40+ DoD programs, operating under DCSA-approved type authorization authority and verifying full compliance with RMF and JSIG requirements

Led internal vulnerability assessments of classified systems, providing expert remediation guidance to align with corporate security standards and federal regulations

Established and chaired monthly Configuration Control Board (CCB) meetings with key IS Security stakeholders, driving the development of Defense program standards, security baselines, and enhanced operational efficiency

Managed secure information system architecture through rigorous configuration management, asset inventory, and scheduled system audits to maintain accreditation integrity

Validated and hardened security configurations for network infrastructure, including routers, firewalls, host-based IDS, and centralized log management systems

Directed multiple high-visibility cybersecurity projects, including evaluations of industry-leading SIEM platforms, digital forensic tools, file integrity monitoring solutions, and content inspection technologies

Led numerous data spillage response and remediation efforts, minimizing impact to government and corporate assets while serving as the primary liaison for customers, program teams, and L3Harris executives

Oversaw full lifecycle of secure systems operations, including maintenance, sanitization, and disposal activities in accordance with DoD and agency security protocols

Developed and disseminated cybersecurity policies and procedures to safeguard classified customer data, hardware, software, and associated critical infrastructure

Provided senior leadership with timely assessments and insights related to data spillages, emerging vulnerabilities, and systemic security issues impacting mission operations

Education

PhD Information Assurance and Cybersecurity (Insider Threat) Capella University, Minneapolis, MN

MS Information Assurance University of Maryland Global Campus, Adelphi, MD

BS Information Systems University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX

Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - ISC2 Member ID 377260

Specialized Training

Raytheon Technologies – Insider Threat Investigation Course

SANS FOR 508 - Advanced Computer Forensic Analysis and Incident Response

SANS SEC 504 - Hacker Techniques, Exploits & Incident Handling

SANS SEC 506 - Securing Linux/Unix

Professional Associations

National Society of Leadership and Success – Capella Chapter – 4.0 GPA

SALUTE National Academic Honor Society for Student Veterans – Alpha Tier

Society of Industrial Security Professionals (NCMS) - Florida Space Coast Chapter

Community Association for Information System Security Working Group (CAISSWG)

Contractor Special Access Program (SAP) Security Working Group (CSSWG)

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