Cyber Operations Project Management

Robert R. Manyak 757-***-**** ***.******@*****.***

linkedin.com/in/robert-manyak Clearance: TS/SCI Preferred Locations: East Coast - Current: Mclean, VA

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

With over 18 years of experience in program management, leadership, IT, and cyber operations, I have cultivated a robust expertise in high-pressure environments, including cyber red teams, Navy Expeditionary, and Special Warfare operations. My diverse skill set encompasses transformational change, program, project management, and organizational development, all contributing to team organization and leadership in planning, training, and cyber operations. I am committed to continuous improvement and am currently seeking opportunities to enhance program planning and implement positive changes. Retired US Navy (2003-23) – Honorable Discharge.

CERTIFICATIONS

Information System Security Manager (ISSM), Security +, CEH, Network +, SharePoint Administrator, ITIL V3 Foundations; ITIL Service Operations, LEAN Six Sigma, Fiber Optic Installer Ksaria, DHS (Dept. Homeland Security) OPSEC, DHS LEVEL I-III, HBSS, CISSP Bootcamp, PMP Bootcamp

SOFT SKILLS

Leadership (supportive), Time Management, Problem Solving, Adaptable, Motivation, Listening, Mentoring, Collaboration, Delegation, Communication, Critical thinking, Integrity, Confidence

MILITARY CERTIFICATION

Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES), Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Communications, Network Security Vulnerability Technician (NSVT), SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape), Airborne

EDUCATION

Master of Science in Management: Leadership & Org. Effectiveness Troy University - Troy, AL

Bachelor of Fine Arts: Graphic Design / Web Development Kansas State University - Manhattan, KS

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Cyber Product Development Team Lead CISA Arlington, VA Dec 2024 – Present

Leads a team of cybersecurity technical writers/analysts to deliver high-impact cyber products for CISA. This involves revising, auditing, and developing cybersecurity policies, procedures, and advisories to adapt to evolving mission priorities and stakeholder needs, resulting in enhanced clarity and effectiveness of cybersecurity communications.

Acts as the primary liaison to federal clients, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders, coordinating deliverables, managing expectations, and providing strategic counsel. This proactive engagement ensures high levels of satisfaction and operational success, leading to stronger partnerships and trust with stakeholders.

Oversees CTR team operations, including task prioritization, scheduling, and performance monitoring, while mentoring staff and fostering professional development. As a result, team members are empowered to excel in their roles, which improves overall team performance and job satisfaction.

Provides input for process improvements and streamlines information flow. This optimization allows for increased efficiency in operations and facilitates tracking of all phases of product development—from planning to release—ensuring compliance with CISA standards and timely communication through reports, briefings, and stakeholder engagements. These publications are essential for guiding U.S. infrastructure sectors to understand current adversary trends and tactics aimed at targeting our networks, ultimately enhancing national security.

Cyber Operations Planner COLSA Corporation Huntsville, AL Aug 2023 – Oct 2024

As a strategic and operational manager, I specialize in planning and executing large-scale, realistic, scenario-based combatant command cyber exercises for the Threat Systems Management Office (TSMO).

Lead the drafting and coordination of essential documentation, from the initial rules of engagement (ROE) to the final after-action report. Upon request, assume the pivotal role of a liaison officer (LNO), supplying briefings and updates to stakeholders of all levels. These assessments, with their global reach, significantly contribute to improving network security against cyber adversaries, thereby enhancing global security for government and military Commands worldwide.

Deliver cyber red Team services to government customers, aligning with their goals and cyber requirements throughout exercises, missions, and events (CVPA, CTT, CCMD). Actively participate in planning conferences, ensuring effective collaboration and fostering a sense of teamwork. Coordinate social and physical penetration cyber activities to gain entry to target networks (including BICES-X and JFN).

Network Engineer FDRMC Naples, Italy Aug 2020 – Aug 2023

The overall contributions reduced port time for repairs while increasing ship readiness during deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet AOR, keeping the ships ready in the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East.

Recognized as a resolute expert technician, traversing Europe and Southwest Asia, providing CANES training and mentorship for 182 technicians on 54 ships and ashore facilities. This initiative significantly enhanced ships' readiness, reduced repair times, and improved operational efficiency.

As a proven subject matter expert (SME) and leader, I wrote and contributed job descriptions for technical government roles and took part in hiring boards over a 3.5-year period.

Leadership: led the IT maintenance and audit program responsible for Bahrain, Spain, Romania, and Italy, covering all US Navy Vessels in the 5th and 6th Fleet AOR (Europe / Southwest Asia).

Hand-picked to join a specialized team to conduct an Inspection and Survey (INSURV) for NIPR/SIPR/SCI Networks onboard USS ARLEIGH BURKE. This role underscored my expertise and trustworthiness, as I led six Total Ship Readiness Assessments (TSRA) on 20 ships, evaluating NIPR/SIPR/CENTRIX/SCI networks to determine operational readiness and correct deficiencies.

Cyber Operations Chief Naval Network Warfare Command Suffolk, VA Sep 2016 – Aug 2020

Successfully led a team of more than 70 personnel, ensuring they were trained to a higher standard to identify and resolve government network vulnerabilities, effectively preventing foreign adversaries' access. My leadership directly contributed to the success of 121 cyber assessments, demonstrating my strong program management abilities and commitment to continuous improvement in processes and personnel.

Developed job descriptions for offensive cybersecurity positions and served on the hiring board, while also establishing a cyber-test lab environment as Training Coordinator; this resulted in the successful qualification of 95 Red Team operators across varying technical levels by revising eight qualification standards and updating training programs, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of simulated adversarial cyber-attacks for clients.

Led a team of intelligence analysts that produced Analytical and Intelligence Reports (ATPs) focused on Advanced Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP). These reports were integrated into the customer's planning process to ensure the achievement of training goals. Additionally, I held roles as a Cyber Analyst Operations lead and Joint Command Assessment Chief.

Over two years, I provided 23 leadership and advancement classes to 420 junior personnel, offering career development progression and mentorship. I also conducted quarterly training on SAPR (Sexual Assault Prevention and Response) for 560 government and military personnel for three years.

Led a Cyber Assessment Team that conducted social engineering and physical penetration of target buildings to gain physical access to clients' networks and conduct clients' training objectives.

As the Liaison Officer (LNO) advisor for Cyber Combatant Command, provided cyber assessment criteria for training and exercises, coordinating with Senior Staff cyber planners, the Cyber Tenth Fleet (C10F), and the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E). This collaboration improved awareness and prevention of cyber-attacks on global government networks. Key events included PACIFIC SENTRY, INTEGRATED ADVANCED, AUSTERE CHALLENGE, AUSTERE EDGE, BOLD QUEST, SILENT RESPONSE, VALIANT SHIELD, and MERCURY ARMOR 2018.

Cyber Flag Coordinator: led 28 NRT technicians to function as an opposing force (OPFOR), replicating various attacks seeking to disrupt critical US infrastructure. This event provided training to improve the security posture for Defense Information Networks for Fleet and Joint commands globally.

Led the DoD Cyber Red Team Certification & Accreditation (C&A) efforts, heading the remote demonstration team scenarios in 2017 and serving as the Navy RT Team lead for all scenarios in 2020. Demonstrated strong program management capabilities in these critical certification processes, achieving certification in all six cyber-related fields for NSA certification.

Chosen to lead the USS KEARSARGE in the COMMAND CYBER OPERATIONAL READINESS INSPECTION (CCORI)—a mission of strategic importance—I collaborated with FCC/NAVIFOR to spearhead a cyber team. We conducted remote, local, and insider adversary threat assessments, establishing a crucial baseline for future afloat CCORI evaluations.

In 2017, I led the Navy's only Persistent Cyber Opposing Force, identifying 43 vulnerabilities in Tier I/II Navy and DoD infrastructure. This resulted in immediate hardware upgrades and an FCC architectural review, enhancing the security of critical national assets.

Information System Security Manager (ISSM) EODMU2 Virginia Beach, VA Jan 2012 – Sep 2016

ISSM: Acted as the accreditation action officer and principal advisor to the commanding officer (or CIO), overseeing all information security (INFOSEC) matters following governing directives and instructions. Led the implementation of risk management programs, ensured compliance with security policies and procedures, and authored EODMU2 system security accreditation documentation and supporting materials. Managed operations across four locations, including Alabama, Indiana, and two sites in Virginia.

Conducted quarterly information security awareness training for 120 military personnel, and provided physical fitness training for 90 personnel thrice a week.

Coordinated and supervised the installation of the CENTRIX network and the installation of the SVTC suite ($270,000.00) for Command Task Force (CTF) 56.1, including coordinating off-base contractors and asset purchases (Manama, Bahrain).

Orchestrated the move of 80 personnel and network assets between two bases in Bahrain while coordinating the migration of 120 personnel and 70 network assets (servers, port configuration, routers, and security) between two local buildings with near-zero downtime.

Implemented the Trusted Agent (TA) program (activation and issuing of SIRP tokens), which increased productivity by 30%.

Team leader for exercise VIGILANT SHIELD 2015, onboard USS SOMERSET, orchestrating a team to assemble an onboard TOC providing network and voice communications between USS SOMERSET, small boats, and the battalion HQ TOC ashore 1200 miles apart; a first for EODMU TWO.

My meticulous approach to asset management ($4.6M of C4I network assets) resulted in 100% accountability for all assets and zero auditing, certification, and accreditation deficiencies over a 4-year term.

Information Technician / Asset Manager SME NCDOC Virginia Beach, VA Jan 2009 – Jan 2012

Managed the Information Assurance (IA) inventory, accounting for 2,835 assets totaling $5.2M with zero discrepancies.

Implemented and managed the Defense Property Accountability System (DPAS) program, a comprehensive initiative that tracks high-value assets throughout their life cycle.

Conducted monthly Basic Life Saver (BLS) classes for 20 personnel for 2 years, and three times a week, physical fitness training for 40 - 80 personnel.

Hand-selected by the Inspector General (IG) to conduct pre-inspection reviews, directly contributing to the success of the IG inspection and the command's accreditation as the Navy tier III CND Service Provider.

Provided career coaching and performance/development guidance to 39 network technicians, earning 30 industry certifications. This project management approach ensured the development of highly skilled technicians and a certified team, increasing work efficiency.

Information Technician and Radio Communications SME Jul 2004 - Jan 2009

Naval Special Warfare Group Two (NSWG 2), Virginia Beach, VA

Expert tactical radio and satellite voice communications SME, advanced NIPR/SIPR network installation, and Tactical Operations Center (TOC).

Deployed with NSWG 4 / Special Boat Team (SBT 12) Twelve, NSW SEAL TEAM 2 & 4 to Kenya, AF, Stuttgart, DEU, Pusan, Korea, and Fallujah, Iraq.

Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Oct 2017 – Aug 2023

Transsporter, Virginia Beach, VA

A strategic C-suite executive leader who managed all IT services for a new start-up called “Transsporter.”

Conducted a comprehensive long-term cost analysis comparing brick-and-mortar operations to Software as a Service (SaaS). Played a key role in developing the company’s website and iOS app, managed all business accounts, and created slide decks and other presentations for conventions aimed at generating sponsors for future funding.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The Office of the Secretary of Defense, through the Director Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E), recognized my team for contributing to DoD network security.

In 2019, IT Town Hall (Suffolk, VA) Selected by TYCOM to update the Navy’s IT rating: supplied direct input for IT cyber qualifications and training pipeline for the new Cyber IT NECs (certification).

Qualified voting board member of the DoD Cyber Red Team Certification & Accreditation (C&A) team 2017 – 2020: Travels to C&A or recertifies all DoD cyber red teams for all military and Government agencies.

By name request to aid and advise Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two (EODGRU TWO) for an ISIC Cyber security inspection contributing to their 2015 certification and accreditation.

Volunteered for 18 years with New Boston Veterans Nursing Home (Sandisfield, MA)

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