Kirk Samuels

About Kirk Samuels

I am a visionary cybersecurity executive with 20+ years of experience leading and executing business-focused security strategies for global organizations. As a trusted advisor to boards, executives, and IT leaders, I specialize in aligning cybersecurity programs with business objectives while mitigating risk and ensuring compliance with frameworks such as NIST, ISO, SEC, HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS.Throughout my career, I have transformed cybersecurity programs, built high-performing teams, and modernized security operations to protect organizations from evolving threats. My expertise spans cybersecurity governance, cloud security, incident response, third-party risk management, and regulatory compliance. Leadership & Board Engagement: Trusted by C-Suite and Boards for risk advisory, cybersecurity governance, and regulatory compliance. Cybersecurity Strategy & Business Enablement: Proven ability to develop, implement, and optimize security programs that drive business resilience. Innovation & Technology: Leveraging AI, automation, and data-driven security insights to reduce risk and improve efficiencies.I am passionate about mentoring security teams, fostering innovation and cross-channel partnerships, and delivering cybersecurity strategies that enable business success.

Experience

1. Executive Director - Cybersecurity

   Netrio

   Jan 2018 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Netrio (formerly Agio)Develop, plan, and lead the delivery of cybersecurity services for clients with complex & diverse business requirements. Highlights-Develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for internal processes and for client programs through a business-focused, risk-based approach-Lead the creation of a culture of cybersecurity including risk management and compliance, secure software development lifecycle, third-party assessments, and vulnerability management working with engineering, development, delivery teams, and business leadership-In 20••••22 created four new cybersecurity services and revamped third-party and vendor cybersecurity risk and portfolio company cybersecurity assessment programs leading to 7% annual growth in revenue-Serve as virtual CISO to over 20 of our most formidable and important clients. Hands-on experience designing, building, and operating security programs for clients in fast-paced environments-Proven track record and experience in information security policy and procedure development aligned with compliance and risk. Achieved ongoing 100% compliance audits for clients under the following frameworks: NIST 800-53, ISO 27001, HIPAA Security and Privacy Rules, PCI DSS, GDPR, SEC cybersecurity rules, and NYDFS-Improved Incident Response rates to reduce time from initial detection of event to decision on declaring an incident by establishing IR playbooks with decision trees and by conducting IR tabletops to prepare and test IR Teams-Reduced cost by 30% of key service reporting through automation. Increased margins from 35% to 50%, combining and revising existing services while reducing delivery times with new templates and new workflow processes-Built a loyal diverse team as mentor and coach, working with individual staff to develop skillsets and increase knowledge base.

Education

• Boston University

  Master of Science Computer Information Systems (MSCIS), Cybersecurity Concentration

• Boston University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA

Skills

• Data Migration
• Database Admin
• Leadership
• Market Research
• Web Analytics
• Database Administration
• Microsoft Sql Server
• Databases
• Html
• Sql
• System Architecture
• Social Media Marketing
• Migration Projects
• Data Analysis
• Pci Dss
• Google Analytics
• System Migration
• Photoshop
• E-Commerce
• Network Security
• Strategic Planning
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Nagios
• Customer Service
• Mysql
• Web Development
• SEO
• Websphere Commerce
• Performance Tuning
• Firewalls
• Sql Server
• Cloud Computing
• Network Architecture
• Server Administration
• Xml
• Web Design
• Networking
• Web Content Management
• Magento
• Project Management