Biography:

After graduating from the Cisco Networking Academy with honors, he’s achieved AAS degrees in Computer Networking and Network Security, as well as BS in Network Engineering. Twice awarded the National Science Foundation Scholarship; and a recognized SME by the CSIAC, CompTIA, and ISC2. He has sat on the advisory boards for both undergraduate colleges as well as served as the Chair - Cybersecurity Training Working Group for the US Army. Michael has a demonstrated ability to deliver complex technical instruction in a clear and understandable manor. This ability earned him recognition by the Southern Association of Colleges as an outstanding educator in 2010.

Michael has served as the Sr. cybersecurity advisor to a 1, 2 and 3 Star commander(s) and senior executive management regarding advanced techniques and developments in the Information Assurance / Cybersecurity arena of Automated Information Systems (AIS). Responsible to both identify risk and recommend appropriate countermeasure within the enclave, isolated and tactical computing environments of the DoD. He has a proven ability to manage highly technical staff working with multiple levels of data sensitivity [ranging from Public to Top Secret/SCI] with duties ranging from design and architecture, security engineering, installation, and integration of systems and/or enclaves.

As a fully qualified United States Marine Corps NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) validator, Michael is responsible for the planning, organization and execution of risk management assessment for Department of Defense Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) activities, identifying security vulnerabilities utilizing a variety of classic and modern exploit tools and techniques. He is a highly skilled IT consultant focusing on large-scale software upgrades and rollouts, network troubleshooting, modernization and design. Configuration and support for Intrusion Detection/Protection Systems, Firewalls, and Network Security. Michael has also provided network modernization and design consulting services for the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps specializing in secure virtual infrastructure design and deployment.

Additionally, he has helped many IT professionals achieve not only their desired certifications but also, their advanced degrees in both Computer Networking and Network Security. Michael’s students have gone on to secure employment within the DoD, State, Federal and commercial arenas.

Michael is certified in and has authored courses in Cisco ICND 1 & 2, EC|Council Certified Ethical Hacker, CompTIA Security+, Network+, Linux+, and CASP, ISACA CISM, and CISA, and ISC2 CISSP and CAP. With an active TS/SCI, he’s been a speaker at the Atlanta Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) Summit, NETCOM Cybersecurity Workshop and Cybersecurity informational workshops for corporate companies like HP, Booze Allen and Northrup Grumman, Harris Communications and others.