Leif Thomas

About Leif Thomas

Director of Technology and Security delivering enterprise cybersecurity and infrastructure transformation across multi-location manufacturing operations. Proven track record in strategic technology leadership, driving business-critical initiatives including information security, enterprise architecture, network infrastructure, and data governance with measurable ROI.Manufacturing cybersecurity strategist specializing in OT/IT convergence where system availability directly impacts production. Industry-leading security posture achieved through comprehensive vulnerability assessment, protective measure implementation, and compliance assurance across distributed operations. Demonstrated expertise securing legacy systems (IBM i) and modern infrastructure through ROI-driven security investments.Strategic technology executive aligning complex IT initiatives with business objectives through comprehensive risk management and infrastructure transformation. Cross-functional leader optimizing enterprise workflows across Sales, Finance, IT, and Operations while strengthening security posture and operational resilience.Recognized thought leader in cybersecurity trends, IT governance, centralized security frameworks, and technology decisions that drive manufacturing excellence and sustainable business growth.

Experience

1. Director of Technolgy and Security

   The Ohio Art Company

   Mar 2020 — Present

   Partner with executive leadership across Sales, Finance, Operations, and Manufacturing aligning technology strategy with business objectives and delivering measurable ROI through strategic technology investments.Directed end-to-end post-acquisition technology integration including due diligence, planning, and execution for multi-site manufacturing company. Successfully transitioned acquired operations to enterprise platforms, effectively driving synergies and cost savings while maintaining operational continuity.Built enterprise cybersecurity infrastructure encompassing technical defenses, infrastructure hardening, policy frameworks, and incident response capabilities. Delivered end-to-end security across distributed manufacturing operations protecting both operational technology and business systems.Developed organization-wide security awareness program achieving 71% proficiency exceeding 64% manufacturing industry average. Reduced phish-prone rate to 3.8% outperforming 5.2% sector benchmark through sustained behavioral change initiatives and risk mitigation protocols.

Education

• Purdue University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Management Information Systems

  1987 — 1993

Skills

• Marketing Strategy
• Social Media
• Software Project Management
• Translation Memory
• Marketing
• Business Intelligence
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Process Improvement
• Team Leadership
• Leadership
• Business Analysis
• Translation
• Business Development
• Project Planning
• Strategy
• Six Sigma
• Content Marketing
• Project Management
• Transcreation
• Integration
• Program Management
• Business Process Improvement
• Strategic Planning
• New Business Development
• Management
• Team Building
• Customer Service