Eric Coughenour
Irvine,CA
Summary
Accomplished leader in infrastructure security and technology management specializing in cybersecurity, data security, and disaster recovery. Proven track record of implementing comprehensive technological ecosystems for enterprise and multi-site corporations, beginning with a pivotal role at the United States Chamber of Commerce and advancing to key positions within the Department of Defense. As founder and CEO of Calcyberlab - Ezworknet, I demonstrated exceptional leadership resulting in 600% year-over-year client growth and securing over $2.8 billion in client data assets. Committed to excellence and continuous professional development, holding multiple technology certifications and recognized for significant contributions to cybersecurity initiatives through the California Cyber Alliance.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
10
10
Certifications
Work History
Director of Information Technology / Information Security / Facilities and Building Management Systems / Infrastructure Security
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
Los Angeles
- Current
- As the Director of Information Technology and Information Security, I am responsible for the complete design, implementation, recommendation, maintenance, and operation of all technology and communications systems. This includes various migration projects such as the separation of existing partnerships, data segmentation, and the separation of existing data structures and communications systems (carve-out), VoIP design and implementation, and data Infrastructure design, deployment, and redeployment. I am in charge of consolidating digital subscriptions and software licenses, resulting in cost savings of over $ 250,000 per year. I currently work with sponsors to secure grants and software donations totaling 1.5 million dollars to support security and infrastructure resilience.
- I hold direct responsibility for the Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Policy, Procedure, Design, and Implementation of many organizations, acting as the primary design, implementation, and response officer. Under my direction, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce has maintained 99.9999% service availability, with no security breaches or disruptions caused by technology-related issues, malware, or attacks. I have authored and currently enforce technology policy and procedure, including the LAACC Data Privacy Framework, Service-Oriented Access Policies, Non-Disclosure, and Remote Access Policies, Document and Data Retention Policies, Audio Visual Policies and Procedures, Technology Use Policies for Staff and Advisor Level Contractors, Data Loss and Prevention Policy, Sensitive Communications, and Reporting Policies, as well as Breach and Incident Response Policies and procedures, which have since been adopted by multiple Chambers of Commerce throughout the United States.
- I oversee all operations relating to Facility and Building Management Systems, also known as Infrastructure Security Design and Implementation. This includes Data and Physical Security, Fire, Life, Health, and Safety compliance, as well as perimeter entry access, security gates, camera systems, HVAC controls, vendor relationship and management, HVAC repair and management, postage and mailing systems, printers and fax, and all technology operations beyond security systems integrated and relating to Building and Facilities Management. As a member of the Building and Grounds Committee, I have been instrumental in recommending, budgeting, and implementing quarterly projects, including multimillion-dollar initiatives such as complete architectural redesigns and ultimately the sale of the building property estimated at $14 million.
- As a direct result of my supervision, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce earned a 5 Star accreditation from the United States Chamber of Commerce, becoming 1 of only 7 Chambers of Commerce with this rating in the State of California. Departments receiving perfect scores during the accreditation process were Information Technology and Facilities Management, both of which I directly supervise, and this was a direct result of policies and procedures designed and implemented using my extensive security and communications and compliance requirements.
Chief Executive Officer - Chief Information Security Officer
Calcyberlab - Ezworknet - Shadotech
- As the Chief Information Security Officer and President at California Cyber Lab (EZworknet), I play a pivotal role in establishing the organization from its inception to maintaining complete operational control. Taking charge of various responsibilities, including business communications, operations, and partnership arrangements. I skillfully developed the business structure and nurtured relationships with key stakeholders, including technology channel vendors, manufacturers, developers, and distributors.
- During my tenure, I meticulously filed, qualified, and initiated comprehensive business and marketing plans, laying the foundation for the company's growth and success. As a result of my strategic efforts, the client base grew by an impressive 600%, demonstrating my ability to drive tangible business outcomes.
- Recognized for my expertise in Information Security, Data Privacy, and Business Continuity, I actively participate in influential panels for major metropolitan Initiatives such as LA-HITEC, One LA, The Art District Re-Vitalization Board, Cyber Security Development, Survey, and Evaluation Boards, among others. These engagements allowed me to contribute valuable insights, shape policies, and foster collaboration among key industry players, reinforcing my commitment to advancing cybersecurity practices and disaster resilience.
- Navigating through challenging operational changes and restrictions, I spearheaded the successful expansion of California Cyber policy into new territories, working with various local and statewide legislators and committees to redesign and develop technology training and policy. Through meticulous planning and execution, I engineered resilient client environments, ensuring zero downtime solutions for all clients and service providers. By implementing cutting-edge security measures, I safeguarded over $2.8 billion worth of estimated data value for our clients, solidifying California Cyber Lab's position as a trusted data security partner.
Lead Services Manager / Project Manager
Computer Solutions Group
Los Angeles, CA
- I supervised the technology support service desk, providing Information management and engineering support to a variety of organizations. Managed Active Directory Configuration and Management, Exchange Development and Management, Server configuration, setup, management, and maintenance; Windows (all variants) configuration, troubleshooting, networking, installation, migration, and design; Mac OS troubleshooting, configuring, networking, and management. As part of the outsourced help desk and incident response team, interfacing with multiple vendors and developers to resolve system issues, I played a key role in ensuring client satisfaction and served as the primary engineer and relations representative to executive-level client personnel on sensitive technology issues.
- My secondary role was on-site field technologist. I directly communicated with multiple levels of executive management for clients, recommended IT management and security products and procedures, and served as the primary contact for all IT-related matters. I managed vendor relationships and ensured quality of service, acting as the Project Manager and Lead; I coordinated, analyzed project requirement timelines, and managed resources for email migration, data migrations, corporate-wide PC upgrades, Mac data migration, PC replacement, onboarding of new clients, and implementation of sales to service transfers. I designed innovation strategy with executive management and participated in decision-making and planning sessions for the future implementation of multi-phase projects and the escalation of service delivery.
Technical Support Advisor
Daily Radio Show Colonel Ray
Corpus Christi, Texas
- This position allowed me to leverage my technical prowess to deliver seamless broadcasts and ensure smooth behind-the-scenes operations. I have applied my troubleshooting skills and understanding of networking protocols to maintain impeccable system security configurations, safeguarding data integrity and protecting against potential threats.
- I was responsible for delivering comprehensive technical training to users on various software suites, including Microsoft Office, Corel Suite, Visual Studio, and Internet browsing technologies. I advised staff on identifying and resolving complex technical conflicts. I recommended and implemented effective courses of action to address problems faced by small- to medium-sized businesses. Through my guidance, these organizations have overcome technical challenges and achieved heightened efficiency and operational success.
- Overall, I acted as a webmaster and E-commerce advisor, systems troubleshooting, networking protocol engineering, system security configuration, and hardware technical support.
Computer Specialist, GS-0334-11
United States Department of Defense - Department of the Navy - Naval Postgraduate School
Monterey, CA
- I served as a senior member of the Information Technology Response Department, which handled all computer support for the academic, staff, and student body. I was responsible for implementing hardware and software systems and developing strategies to motivate and maintain end-user adoption of innovative solutions. This included the administration and operation of classified and unclassified systems and networks, including PC, Apple Mac, and SPARC Unix-based minicomputer systems, as well as LANs.
- My duties ranged from ensuring system access security for all students, staff, and professor-level accounts to account security and account hygiene. I managed and maintained network and personal print services, implemented hardware and software systems, and oversaw overall design and configuration specifications. I served as one of many software and systems consultants on PC, Apple Mac, and Sparc Unix systems-related matters, and on the implementation of systems strategies for a variety of instructional and research projects, as needed for management, maintenance, updates, and systems integrity.
- I created the first inventory and asset management system of unused systems, and those systems were processed for removal from service and destruction (DoD 5220.22-M). This inventory management system enhanced the efficiency of system deployment, maintenance, and removal, and directly improved procurement and the acquisition of new materials as needed. I was responsible for the Preparation of software (application) installations, providing standards adherence, specifications, and guidelines for Naval Postgraduate Academic Professors, staff, students, and special advisors, foreign and domestic. I provided direct administration and operation of classified and unclassified computer systems and networks, including PC and Apple-based LAN and minicomputer systems. I additionally provided management and maintenance of user account creation, security levels, and access controls management to student, advisor, and professor access. This included remote and roaming profile access.
- During my operations period, I was the recognized systems expert for Apple Mac-based systems assigned to the National Security Affairs Department, the Naval War College (NWC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Information Resources Officer
US Dept. of Commerce - Census
Los Angeles, CA
01.1999 - 06.2000
- During my time as the Information Resources Officer, I was recognized as the technology supervisor for three offices in Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Monterey Park. Each of these offices maintained a staff of over 50 individuals, and it was my duty to provide them with comprehensive information resource management. As the primary support and point of contact for regional headquarters, I played a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations and efficient communication across the organization for staff in the office and in the field.
- As a member of the office management team, I actively participated in various managerial duties and strategy sessions to increase technology utilization and access. One of my primary focus areas was providing software and hardware support to staff, addressing technical issues, resolving software glitches, and ensuring all hardware functioned optimally. Additionally, I spearheaded the integration of new technologies into existing systems, conducting thorough research and implementing innovative solutions that enhanced productivity and efficiency.
- I managed user accounts (UAM), ensuring access to relevant resources while upholding necessary security policy and restrictions. I actively participated in maintaining user databases, regularly updating and organizing them to ensure streamlined access and data management.
- I was responsible for managing accessibility options and addressing usage limitations. I worked closely with staff to identify specific accessibility requirements and made necessary accommodations. I enforced usage policies and guidelines, ensuring resource utilization maintained operational efficiency and that organizational policy and procedures standards were adhered to.
- Through my tenure as the Information Resources Officer, I gained extensive experience in managing multiple distributed data sites, providing technical support, integrating new technologies, managing user accounts, and addressing accessibility and usage concerns. My ability to effectively coordinate with diverse teams and leverage my technical expertise played a pivotal role in optimizing operations across all three offices.
Education
Applied Psychology
Regis University
Psych/Law
University of California at Irvine
Technology Policy
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Paralegal Certificate
University of California, Irvine
Information Systems Security Program
University of California, Irvine
Skills
- Disaster recovery
- Risk management
- Information security
- Enterprise architecture
- Cybersecurity
- Systems analysis
- Infrastructure development
- Department management
- Business continuity planning
Affiliations
- Information Systems Security Association
- Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE)
- Recognized Member of the Los Angeles Community College Technology Board – LA Hi-tech
- National Cyber Security Alliance
- California Cyber Alliance | CalCyber.org (Founder and President)
- Leadership Los Angeles – Southern California Leadership Network (SCLN – LLA)
- Leadership Southern California – Southern California Leadership Network (SCLN-LSC)
- Electronic / Financial Task Force – Advisory Task Force - United States Secret Service (USSS-EFTF)
Certification
- Certified Cisco Meraki Associate
- Resilient Accord – Exercising Continuity Plans Cyber Incidents (IS-523) -FEMA
- Diversity Awareness IS FEMA
- Civil Rights: FEMA Disaster Assistance
- FEMA - Ethics Orientation
- Workplace Violence Awareness Training
- Flood Frequency Analysis Met Ed
- Oracle Systems CBT Certification
- ISC2 - CEH – Candidate
- ISC2 - CISSP - Candidate
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS / FORMAL TRAINING
- Pro CPR Certification
- Pro-First Aid Certification
- MCP Certification
- MCSA Server
- MCSA Server Office 365
- Win Server MCSA
- Interconnecting Cisco Networking Device Management (ICND- Level 1)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate
- UNIX Systems Certification
- EC-Council – Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO)
- EC-Council – Certified Ethical Hacker
- ISC2 – CISSP - Candidate
- FEMA Certification - Critical Infrastructure Security and FEMA Resilience – Exercising Continuity Programs for Pandemics
- FEMA Certification - Preparedness and Technology Curriculum
- FEMA – Introduction to Continuity of Operation
- FEMA – Planning for Pandemic Influenzas
- FEMA– Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce
- FEMA- Federal Resources in Emergency Management
- AML Foundations (V2) Anti-Money Laundering Foundations ACAMS
- Training Camp – CISSP Boot Camp
- Over 500 Hours of FEMA training
- FEMA Certification Business Continuity
Timeline
Information Resources Officer
US Dept. of Commerce - Census
01.1999 - 06.2000
Psych/Law
University of California at Irvine
Paralegal Certificate
University of California, Irvine
Information Systems Security Program
University of California, Irvine
Applied Psychology
Regis University
Technology Policy
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Director of Information Technology / Information Security / Facilities and Building Management Systems / Infrastructure Security
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
- Current
Chief Executive Officer - Chief Information Security Officer
Calcyberlab - Ezworknet - Shadotech
Lead Services Manager / Project Manager
Computer Solutions Group
Technical Support Advisor
Daily Radio Show Colonel Ray
Computer Specialist, GS-0334-11
United States Department of Defense - Department of the Navy - Naval Postgraduate School