Michele R. Obrien

About Michele R. Obrien

Strategic technology and operations leader with 15+ years of experience transforming regulated, mission-driven organizations. Proven record of modernizing systems, embedding compliance frameworks, and driving enterprise-wide transformation through growth, crisis, and restructuring. Recognized for building resilient teams—many of whom now lead as directors and VPs—and for delivering results in complex environments. Skilled in cybersecurity, operations, and process improvement (CISSP-trained, PMP, Six Sigma). Equally effective in the boardroom and alongside front-line staff.Over the past decade, I’ve served as a CIO overseeing IT, cybersecurity, and many other executive functions, helping organizations modernize infrastructure, navigate crises, reduce risk, and align technology to business outcomes. I’ve led teams through mergers, CEO transitions, financial recovery efforts, and pandemic pivots—all while keeping systems running and people supported.Currently focused on consulting, fractional leadership, or permanent roles—I’m especially passionate about helping organizations:• Secure their digital environments (CISSP-trained)• Streamline operations (Lean Six Sigma & PMP)• Improve service delivery with data and automation • Build and implement strategic roadmaps that support long-term growthAreas of Expertise• Cybersecurity Risk & Compliance (HIPAA, CMMC, NIST, PCI-DSS)• Business Process Improvement (Six Sigma, Lean)• IT Strategy & Governance (COBIT, ITIL)• Project & Change Management (PMI-trained)• Digital Transformation & Cloud Migrations• Budgeting, Cost Optimization & Vendor Management• Marketing Technology & CRM Systems• Data & Analytics Strategy• Cross-Functional Leadership & CommunicationFun FactI beta-tested CISCO Online Labs for CISCO Network Academy in and Gmail for Google in 2004 and I still know how to make a patch cable in under 4 minutes. Ask me about it.

Experience

1. Virtual Fractional CIO CISO

   Big Sky Digital Solutions

   Jun 2000 — Present · Great Falls, MT, US

   Virtual CIO & CISO - Successfully providing fractional leadership, compliance consulting, business process improvement, and digital transformation for SMBs and nonprofits. Now offering managed services, and cybersecurity consulting for clients in Great Falls, Montana, and across the country.• Conduct cybersecurity assessments and implement mitigation strategies to protect client data, specializing in HIPPA, CMMC and PCI-DSS• Develop and execute strategic plans for information technology infrastructure design.• Provide remote support for out-of-state clients, enhancing accessibility and customer satisfaction.

Education

• Great Falls College Montana State University

  Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS), Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

  2000 — 2003

• Harvard Business School Online

  CORe Certification, Accounting and Business/Management

• Great Falls College Montana State University

  Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS), Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology

  2000 — 2003

• Great Falls College Montana State University

  Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS), Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design

  2000 — 2003

Skills

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Help Desk Support
• Customer Service
• Sharepoint
• Wireless Networking
• SEO
• Technical Support
• Graphic Design
• Small Business IT Solutions
• Business Process Improvement
• Computer Hardware
• Mobile Web Design
• Wordpress
• Network Design
• Data Backup Solutions
• Web Marketing
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning
• System Administration
• Php
• Incident Management
• Quickbooks
• Computer Information Systems
• Disaster Recovery
• Active Directory
• Windows Server
• Budget Forecasts
• A+
• Ccna
• Cq5
• Mobile Devices
• Novell Netware
• Microsoft Technologies
• Microsoft Office
• Freebsd
• Microsoft Exchange
• Computer Repair
• Web Design
• Remote Troubleshooting
• Troubleshooting