Andrew R.

About Andrew R.

The only way to do great work is to love what you do.\" – Steve JobsAs an articulate and seasoned IT strategist, my passion lies in overseeing and optimizing information technology (IT) strategies and systems to support and drive an organization\'s overall business objectives. With over 15 years of experience in aligning technology initiatives with company goals, I have dedicated my career to ensuring the efficient and effective use of technology to enhance business processes, drive innovation, and maintain a competitive edge.My journey in IT leadership is marked by transformative initiatives, including global ERP system implementations and comprehensive information security programs. I have a deeply-rooted belief in people, and their potential, at times cultivating that potential by encouraging teams towards their strengths while identifying and supplementing for weaknesses. I am known for a collaborative leadership style grounded in humility and empathy, guiding teams through complex projects and organizational changes, and consistently delivering high-value results. My approach is underpinned by emotional intelligence, poise under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to ethical business practices.Core Competencies: Strategic IT Leadership | Customer-Facing B2B Solutions | Process Improvements | Cybersecurity & Risk Management | Program & Project Management | Team Building & Leadership | ERP Implementations | Budgeting & ForecastingKey Career Highlights:• Co-led a $70M core system implementation and process improvement initiative.• Secured board funding to develop and implement 5 year cybersecurity roadmap/enterprise risk management programs.•Elevated industry security score from 1.7 to 4.2 within 12 months and increased user security awareness by over 50%•Implemented advanced security technologies (QRadar, Rapid7, KnowBe4, Palo Alto, Cortex XDR, 2FA).•Fostered a transparent partnership between business and technology teams, resulting in the promotion of four managers and one director over a decade.My technical expertise spans a wide range of platforms and tools, from HPE and EMC to Cisco, Azure, AWS, and many more.I believe that loving what you do is the key to achieving greatness. My passion for people, technology and strategic leadership drives me to continuously seek innovative solutions that propel organizations forward. Let\'s connect and explore how we can leverage technology to achieve your business goals.

Experience

1. Head of IT CISO

   Medcost

   Feb 2014 — Present

   An Atrium-owned, integrated Healthcare benefit solutions provider serving members, providers and brokers in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina through a network of secure data exchanges, benefit platform integrations and robust self-funded offerings.Tasked with aligning an under-utilized team, modernizing Infrastructure, building cybersecurity/QAT programs and streamlining quality. Established and cultivated IT Operations, Cybersecurity, QAT, Change Management and IT-PMO sub-departments. At times, reported directly to CEO and Board, overseeing a team of 46 technology professionals to deliver on client, department and strategic initiatives often peaking at 140 projects. Served in a CIO/CISO capacity, advising executive leadership, Board and clients on key technology and cybersecurity risks.

Education

• Western Carolina University

  BSBA, Computer Information Systems

  1996 — 2001