Vicksburg, Mississippi, United States
Cybersecurity and technology leader with deep experience securing enterprise-scale, highly regulated environments across the gaming and hospitality industry. Currently serving as Cybersecurity Manager at Bally’s Corporation, where I lead and mature cybersecurity capabilities that protect critical systems, digital assets, and customer trust across a diverse portfolio of casino properties and online platforms. I specialize in aligning cybersecurity strategy with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and operational realities. My work spans enterprise security operations, vulnerability and risk management, compliance (including PCI-DSS and SOX), incident response, third-party risk, and security awareness—ensuring security programs are practical, scalable, and audit-ready. With a background that includes executive IT leadership, infrastructure engineering, healthcare and education environments, and military service, I bring a risk-based, mission-driven approach to cybersecurity. I am known for translating complex technical and cyber risk into clear business impact for senior leadership, enabling informed decision-making at the executive level. I hold multiple industry certifications, including CHFI and CEH, and maintain a strong focus on continuous improvement, governance, and talent development. My leadership philosophy centers on building resilient security programs, developing high-performing teams, and ensuring organizations can operate securely while supporting growth, innovation, and customer experience.
• Leads the corporate cybersecurity program for a publicly traded gaming and hospitality organization, overseeing security operations across multiple U.S. casino properties and corporate environments in a highly regulated industry. • Owns the corporate risk-based vulnerability management program, driving prioritization, remediation, and executive visibility into cybersecurity risk across endpoints, servers, applications, and cloud environments. • Serves as a key stakeholder for PCI-DSS, SOX, and state gaming regulatory compliance, partnering with internal audit, compliance, and external assessors to ensure audit readiness, evidence management, and successful assessments. • Directs the deployment, optimization, and lifecycle management of corporate security platforms, including endpoint protection, email security, web security, vulnerability management, and phishing awareness tools; evaluates and implements new technologies to strengthen security posture while balancing cost, scalability, and operational impact. • Oversees company-wide security awareness and simulated phishing programs, measurably reducing human risk and strengthening security culture across technical and non-technical stakeholders. • Manages third-party and vendor security risk, supporting acquisitions and property integrations while identifying cost-saving opportunities through vendor consolidation and contract optimization.
• Directed IT operations for a casino and hospitality property, supporting mission-critical systems including gaming, surveillance, networking, and end-user computing within a highly regulated environment. • Led cross-functional IT initiatives involving infrastructure modernization, system upgrades, and security enhancements to improve uptime, resilience, and operational efficiency. • Supervised, coached, and developed IT staff, strengthening technical expertise, incident response capabilities, and service delivery standards. • Owned PCI-DSS compliance efforts at the property level, ensuring secure handling of cardholder data, supporting audits, and coordinating remediation activities in alignment with corporate security requirements. • Supported state gaming regulatory audits by maintaining audit-ready systems, access controls, documentation, and evidence to meet regulatory and compliance expectations. • Enforced role-based access controls and security best practices to align with internal policies, PCI requirements, and gaming regulations. • Managed IT budgeting, procurement, and vendor relationships, balancing cost control with performance, security, and compliance needs. • Acted as a trusted technology advisor to property leadership and corporate IT teams, translating business and regulatory requirements into secure, scalable IT solutions.
• Founded and incorporated a nonprofit organization in the State of Missouri, establishing the legal, operational, and governance framework from inception. • Successfully obtained IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and 509(a)(2) public charity classification, ensuring regulatory compliance and long-term organizational sustainability. • Provides executive oversight of organizational operations, strategy, and financial stewardship, working closely with the CFO to manage budgets, ensure fiscal responsibility, and support mission growth. • Leads community outreach initiatives to identify and address critical local needs, strengthening partnerships and trust within the surrounding communities. • Directs programs that provide food, clothing, furniture, and essential resources to individuals and families experiencing hardship. • Organizes and oversees seasonal charitable initiatives, including toy donation and distribution programs to support children and families during the Christmas season. • Ensures organizational effectiveness and operational resilience to maximize community impact, donor trust, and long-term mission success.
• Managed day-to-day IT operations for a casino property, supporting core infrastructure, end-user systems, and business-critical applications within a regulated gaming environment. • Served as the primary point of accountability for IT service delivery, incident response, and technology support across property operations. • Coordinated system maintenance, upgrades, and vendor-supported technology services to ensure availability and reliability of casino and back-office systems. • Enforced user access controls and basic security best practices to support compliance with internal policies and gaming regulatory requirements. • Partnered with property leadership and corporate IT teams to align technology support with operational needs and business priorities.
• Delivered instruction in core information technology and cybersecurity fundamentals, covering CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and Microsoft Server concepts to high school students preparing for technology careers. • Designed and implemented structured lesson plans aligned with industry standards, translating complex technical material into accessible, practical learning experiences for diverse learners. • Mentored and advised students on career pathways in information technology, cybersecurity, and related fields, fostering professional readiness and long-term skill development. • Cultivated a positive, inclusive classroom environment that emphasized critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible technology use. • Demonstrated strong communication and leadership skills by engaging technical and non-technical audiences, reinforcing concepts foundational to enterprise IT and security operations.