Debra Watkins

About Debra Watkins

As a high energy technology leader, I listen and learn every day. I am a strong connector both for people and systems - understanding who needs to be at the table, connecting teams and experts - and leveraging systems thinking, the intertwined relationships between tech components, timing, people and process.* Over 10 years IT applied in finance, manufacturing and business process automation* Over 5 years in IT consulting services advising at the VP and Director level* Over 5 years in Cybersecurity for a large global manufacturing company* Leading teams to execute complex, strategic IT infrastructure, development projects * Agile Development Methodologies* Enterprise Risk Management and Business Continuity Planning* Managing $6M+ departmental and project budgets* IT applied to health care (5 years), global supply chain (3 years), Engineering, R&D, & manufacturing (8+ years) and financial verticals (4 years)* Event driven technologies including architecture and design of workflow systems and integration* Successfully facilitating large group meetings, workshops and presentations.* Proposal preparation and delivering IT consulting services where high business value is attained.* Knowledge of both sides of the RFP/RFI Process with success negotiating and winning bids.Specialties: Innovative, energetic, business focused technology strategist with leadership skills to mentor and motivate. I enable companies to use technology as an accelerator to build their business. My expertise is in collaboration and working teams to design and execute technology strategies in complex and critical environments. With a diverse and flexible leadership style, I am an easily approached, professional and deeply embody ownership, accountability and delivery.

Experience

1. Senior Global Security Leader

   Gentherm

   Jan 2021 — Present · US

   I am so glad I made a career shift back into IT Security. I did networking and firewall work as a Senior System Administrator over 10 years ago and security work as a Sr. Program Manager and Technical Produce manager migrating systems from on prem to the cloud for GE. Cybersecurity is challenging and the landscape changes so fast but it is a rewarding and important place to be.

Education

• DeSales University

  B. S., Computer Science

• DeSales University

  Bachelors of Science, Computer Science, Computer Science