James Kimble

About James Kimble

Highly accomplished and visionary Information Security and Technology professional with a proven track record of delivering transformational security strategies and solutions that drive business value in the Retail and Hospitality sectors. With years of leadership experience, I bring a deep expertise in cybersecurity, risk management, IT architecture, and IT operations, coupled with hands-on knowledge of Tier 1 PCI-DSS compliance. My focus is on enabling organizations to manage risk while ensuring that security supports, rather than hinders, business velocity.I am recognized for my ability to lead cross-functional teams, align security initiatives with business goals, and collaborate effectively with C-level executives and stakeholders. I have extensive experience in assisting organizations during mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and efficiency improvements, with a relentless focus on operational excellence and risk reduction.Key strengths include the development of high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, credibility, collaboration and building strong relationships between security functions and business units. I am passionate about leveraging technology to enhance enterprise risk posture, optimize cybersecurity operations, and create scalable, secure solutions that propel organizations forward.Core Competencies- Strategic IT and Security Leadership- Cybersecurity and Risk Management- Enterprise Security Architecture and IT Solutions- PCI-DSS, NIST, ISO 27001, and Global Security Frameworks- Cloud Security and DevSecOps- Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures- Executive Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement- Data Breach Response and Regulatory Compliance- Global Privacy and Data Security Regulations- Leadership, Team Building, and Mentorship- Budgeting, Financial Planning, and Cost OptimizationI have a proven ability to design and implement cybersecurity programs that meet the highest standards while aligning with business objectives, positioning me as a strategic partner to the C-suite.Specialties: Leadership, IT Security & Compliance, Risk Management, Security Architecture, Executive Collaboration, PCI-DSS, SOX, ITGC, NIST, CIS, CISSP, C|CISO, CIPP.

Experience

1. Executive Director, Head of Cybersecurity & Compliance

   Harbor Freight Tools

   Apr 2025 — Present · Charlotte, NC, US

   Provides the vision and leadership for developing and supporting the company\'s security initiatives and meeting its obligations to protect regulated data.Leads the organization\'s cybersecurity strategy, ensuring the protection of confidential information including regulated data, intellectual property, and other sensitive data across the enterpriseResponsible for overseeing the development and implementation of cybersecurity strategy and security framework to align with business objectives while mitigating risk.

Education

• University of the People

  Bachelor's degree, Computer Science

Skills

• Cisco Routing & Switching
• Call Center Architecture
• Security Incident & Event Management
• Personnel Supervision
• Jabber
• IT Architecture
• Sip
• Cisco Uccx
• Cisco Technologies
• Compliance
• Voip
• Network Administration
• Project Management
• Remote Access
• Cisco Call Manager
• Acd
• T-1
• Ds3
• Information Security Management
• Virtualization
• Mysql
• Sql
• Linux
• Cisco Presence
• Wireless Networking
• Wan
• Nac
• Load Balancing
• Network Design
• Ipsec
• Ids
• Coaching Staff
• Mpls
• Php4/5
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Pci Dss
• Ssl Vpn
• Department Budgeting
• Virtualbox
• Network Security