Richard S.

About Richard S.

I am a Chief Information Officer (CIO) with deep experience scaling private equity–backed SaaS and regulated technology platforms through disciplined enterprise technology strategy, cybersecurity leadership, and IT operating excellence.I specialize in value creation for PE portfolios, including digital transformation, IT modernization, cloud security, automation, and governance models that improve scalability, margin, audit readiness, and customer trust. My approach emphasizes clear KPIs, repeatable operating processes, and alignment between technology, product, and business strategy.My background includes ownership of enterprise cybersecurity and risk management programs supporting SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, NIST, and PCI DSS, with a strong focus on SaaS security, third-party risk management, and exit readiness. I regularly partner with executive leadership, Boards, auditors, and PE sponsors to deliver risk transparency, technology roadmaps, and investment prioritization.As a PE-focused CIO, I drive enterprise architecture, IT governance, cost optimization, vendor strategy, and automation, enabling secure growth while reducing operational friction and supporting due diligence, integration, and long-term enterprise value.

Experience

1. Chief Information Officer

   Within3

   May 2021 — Present · Cleveland, OH, US

   Own enterprise technology strategy, IT governance, and cybersecurity leadership for a private equity–backed SaaS platform serving highly regulated life sciences customers.Lead digital transformation, IT modernization, and cloud security initiatives to improve platform scalability, audit readiness, and customer trust.Establish technology roadmaps, operating metrics (KPIs), and governance models aligned to PE value-creation objectives.Partner with product, engineering, and commercial leaders to enable secure SaaS growth, data protection, and enterprise customer adoption.Drive automation, vendor optimization, and cost control, improving operational efficiency and supporting margin expansion.

Education

• Baldwin Wallace University

  Master of Business Administration (MBA), Executive Management, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

  2016 — 2018

• Community College of the Air Force

  Computer Systems Analysis

  1987 — 1991

• Lorain County Community College

  Polymer/Plastics Engineering

  1995 — 1996

Skills

• Risk Management
• Process Improvement
• Requirements Analysis
• Databases
• Security
• Enterprise Architecture
• Iso 27001
• Performance Metrics
• Business Process Improvement
• Information Security Management
• Active Directory
• Information Security
• System Administration
• Business Analysis
• Software Development Life Cycle (Sdlc)
• Microsoft Sql Server
• Integration
• IT Management
• Project Management
• Network Security
• Software Documentation
• Sdlc
• IT Strategy
• Vendor Management
• Linux
• Management
• Software Development