Josh Goudy

Technology Strategist | IT Leader | CISO | Expertise in Cloud Transformation, Cybersecurity, and IT Modernization | Delivering Business-Driven Technology Solutions

Fairfield, Iowa, United States

About

Strategic IT Executive with 28+ years of experience driving digital transformation, operational excellence, and information security in financial services, education, and consulting. Proven expertise in leading large IT teams, managing budgets up to $20M, and delivering technology solutions that align with business goals. A visionary leader adept at modernizing IT infrastructure, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of innovation and resilience.

Experience

  • Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. (15 yrs 1 mo)
    • Vice President Data Strategy and Emerging Technology
      Oct 2025 - Present · 10 mos

    • Vice President of Technology and Innovation
      Mar 2025 - Nov 2025 · 9 mos

    • Assistant Vice President of Information Technology
      Apr 2019 - Apr 2025 · 6 yrs 1 mo

      • Oversee a 75+ member IT organization with $25M financial responsibility, including Service Desk, Infrastructure, Information Security, and Production Support. • Led the successful remote transformation of a 950-employee workforce in under 30 days during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Architected data center modernization, implementing private cloud and multi-cloud strategies to enhance scalability and reduce downtime. • Chair the Information Security Risk Committee and serve as CISO, driving enterprise-wide cybersecurity initiatives for 3,800+ branch offices, ensuring FINRA and SEC compliance. • Designed layered security architectures and vendor risk management frameworks, strengthening the organization’s cybersecurity posture. • Partnered with executive leadership on M&A activities, leading technology integrations and divestitures. • Implemented employee retention strategies, achieving <4% attrition during “The Great Resignation” while improving team satisfaction ranking. • Elevated IT alignment with business goals by participating in peer groups, Enterprise Technology Leadership committee, Risk Coalition and New Century Council. • ScrumMaster for three Agile Dev/Ops teams responsible for corporate website, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, and financial professional compensation system (PayCheque).

  • Technology Director at Pekin Community School District
    Aug 2010 - Jul 2011 · 1 yr

    • Championed the district-wide 1:1 computing initiative, increasing student engagement and technology adoption. • Designed, implemented and supported 1000 student Macbooks, and 100 Teacher Macbooks. • Migrated IT systems to cloud services, reducing resource needs, improving scalability and reliability. • Designed and implemented information security protocols to safeguard student data.

  • Founder & Managing Partner at Affinity Wireless Solutions, LLC
    Jul 2005 - Jul 2010 · 5 yrs 1 mo

    Wireless Internet Service Provider providing internet service to 6 underserved rural communities in Southeast Iowa

  • Manager IT Consulting at Clifton Gunderson LLP
    Aug 2008 - Jan 2010 · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Designed and implemented the Financial Institution Managed Services Program, delivering tailored IT solutions to community banks ranging from $20M–$1B asset size. • Architected, designed and implemented virtualized infrastructure and network security solutions (VMware, Cisco ASA, Fortinet) while ensuring GLBA and FFIEC compliance. • Represented financial institutions during regulatory exams and audits. • Advised financial institutions on disaster recovery strategies and IT risk management.

  • Founder & Managing Partner at Affinity Business Solutions
    Oct 2002 - Jul 2008 · 5 yrs 10 mos

    • Built and scaled a successful IT consultancy specializing in community financial institutions ($20M–$250M), K–12 education, and manufacturing clients. • Architected, designed and implemented enterprise virtualization, network security, and information security solutions. • Designed data centers and network cable plant management systems • Company acquired by Clifton Gunderson LLP