James King

About James King

I’m a CISO and IT transformation executive who helps organizations modernize, scale, and secure their technology platforms while enabling business growth.Over my career, I’ve led global security, infrastructure, and enterprise IT teams through complex transformations — shifting legacy environments into cloud-first, automation-driven, and AI-enabled operating models. My work sits at the intersection of security, data, systems, and operational execution, ensuring technology is an accelerator rather than a constraint.I’m most often brought in when organizations need to:Modernize SaaS and enterprise platforms at scaleReduce cyber risk while supporting rapid growthAlign security strategy with business outcomesBuild and lead high-performing, globally distributed teamsSimplify complex systems and operating modelsMy leadership style is pragmatic and execution-focused. I believe strong security and IT organizations are built through clear priorities, measurable outcomes, and trust with the business, not through fear or bureaucracy.Areas of focus include:Enterprise & Product Security LeadershipZero-Trust & Cloud Security ArchitectureAI-Driven Automation & Operational IntelligenceSaaS & Platform ModernizationRegulatory, Compliance & Risk ManagementExecutive Stakeholder & Board EngagementCurrently open to senior leadership opportunities where security, IT, and AI-driven transformation are core to business strategy.

Experience

1. Vciso

   Sovereign Security Group Llc

   Jan 2025 — Present · US

   Provide fractional CISO (vCISO) leadership to multiple high-growth startups, primarily in the fintech and SaaS sectors, delivering end-to-end security leadership aligned to investor expectations, customer security requirements, and regulatory readiness.Led the design and execution of SOC 2 readiness programs, establishing security governance, policies, and technical controls necessary to achieve SOC 2 Type I and Type II compliance. Acted as executive owner for audit preparation, evidence collection, control implementation, and auditor coordination—driving audits to completion without disrupting engineering velocity.Partnered directly with founders, executive teams, and boards to position security as a business enabler during venture capital fundraising, supporting due diligence, responding to investor security questionnaires, and articulating security posture and roadmap to VCs, private equity, and strategic partners.Enabled startups to close enterprise and fintech customer contracts by addressing security requirements, completing customer security reviews, and translating technical security controls into clear, business-aligned assurances that accelerated sales cycles and reduced friction in procurement and legal negotiations.Delivered hands-on security leadership, including cloud security architecture, risk management, vendor assessments, incident readiness, and ongoing security program maturity—providing companies with CISO-level capability without full-time overhead.

Education

• SANS

  Information Security concepts

  2003 — 2020

• US Army (BAC)

  Basic Airborne Course

• Utah Safety Council

  First AID/AED/CPR/Wilderness Safety

  2008 — 2008

• FBI Citizens Academy

  Forensics, Criminology

  2004 — 2005

• US Army (AASLT)

  Air Assault Course

• US Army

  Rotary Aviation

• University of Utah

  Bachelor's degree, Computer Science

Skills

• Project Management
• Virtualization
• Databases
• Troubleshooting
• Software Documentation
• Sdlc
• Technical Writing
• Agile Methodologies
• Management
• Team Building
• Software Development
• Security
• Enterprise Software
• Enterprise Architecture
• Information Technology
• Voip
• Data Center
• System Administration
• Program Management
• IT Operations
• IT Management
• Business Continuity
• Disaster Recovery
• Database Administration
• Vendor Management
• Strategic Planning
• Network Security
• Vmware
• Ms Project
• Product Management
• Change Management
• Process Improvement
• Integration
• Team Leadership
• Information Security Management
• Servers
• Firewalls
• Cloud Computing
• Sharepoint
• Training