Randy Mefford

About Randy Mefford

Security-focused Program Manager with 15+ years of herding cats—also known as leading complex, cross-functional programs across global manufacturing environments. A CISSP-certified network/systems engineer who evolved into a program leader with deep expertise in NIST, ISO 27001, secure system design, and IT infrastructure. Known for translating terrifying technical risks into plans humans can actually follow, aligning stakeholders who don’t agree on anything, and delivering on time even when everything is on fire.Professional Activities:• 2024 Member InfraGard – Cincinnati Chapter 2022 - 24 • 2021 Coach Youth Football (2021 League Coach of the Year) • Fairfield City Council – Design Review Committee• 2019 Microsoft Top Team Award for Healthcare • 2019 Glazier National Football Clinic Chicago & Cincinnati – Voted Best Coach Speaker• 2018 Microsoft Top Team Award for Healthcare & Education • 2017 Toyota Project Manager of The Year• 2017 Best New Application Award of Excellence - Toyota • 2015-17 Consumer Electronic Show – Las Vegas, NV• 2016 Toyota Volunteer Service Award• 2015 Presidential Volunteer Service Award – Awarded by the White House • 2015 Marvin Lewis Community Fund – Cincinnati, OH• 2014 Gartner Security Summit – Washington, DC• 2014 RSA Security Conference – San Francisco, CA• 2014 Toyota Project & Program Management – Erlanger, KY• 2013 Toyota Diversity 1 & 2 Training – Erlanger, KY• 2014 Fairfield Public Schools Levy Board Member – Social Media and Website Coordinator• 2013 Presenter at FORENSECURE Conference in Chicago, IL – (Rated Top Speaker based on attendee evaluations)• 2011 Information Systems Audit and Control Association Conference• 2005 National Leadership Award - Presented by National Congressional Committee

Experience

1. Strategic Program Manager for Applied Artificial Intelligence (Ai) - Kroger

   TEKsystems

   Feb 2026 — Present · Cincinnati, OH, US

   Kroger - Act as the crucial link between technical AI research/development and business execution. Define the strategic direction for AI adoption, translate high-level business goals into actionable programs, and ensure the successful deployment of AI initiatives to increase organizational efficiency and productivity.

Education

• University of Dayton

  Master's Program

  1996 — 1997

• Wilmington College (OH)

  BA, Political Science, Criminal Justice

  1989 — 1992

Skills

• Software Development
• Scrum
• Active Directory
• Windows Server
• Information Security
• Mobile Devices
• Qualys
• Networking
• Security
• Cloud Computing
• Disaster Recovery
• Business Process Improvement
• Mobile Security
• Rsa Network Dlp
• Secure Network Architecture
• Process Improvement
• Information Security Management
• Project Management
• Titus
• Varonis
• Vendor Management
• IT Management
• Virtualization
• Network Security
• Microsoft Sql Server
• Computer Security