Wally Lee

About Wally Lee

I am a forward-thinking technology executive—a true problem solver with 20+ years of experience making businesses more secure, more efficient, and more profitable. I build robust, scalable IT infrastructures from the ground up and optimize existing systems and operations to facilitate and grow operations around the world. At the same time, I introduce security policies and controls to safeguard organizations from risks, threats, and vulnerabilities—compliance to CMMCv2 (NIST-800-171) standards.My background is unique. I started my career as an early adopter of information security (InfoSec). A technologist by nature and engineer by training, I used NSA-based encryption technologies and NASA supercomputers to design, develop, and test classified systems. Over the years, I served as IT Enterprise Architect, VP of Information Systems, CIO, and CTO for start-up and established companies—from Kova International to Northrop Grumman.Whether I am carving out a spinoff from its parent company, automating business processes, or leading teams of developers, risk management and security are always at the front of my mind.But when it comes to adding value, I don’t limit myself to IT, IS, and InfoSec management. I constantly look for ways to streamline, improve, and scale the business—improving the top and bottom lines.TECHNOLOGY & INFORMATION SECURITY LEADERSHIP• 20+ years of experience• Tenacious problem solver, tackling IT and security challenges—fast• CISSP, MS in Engineering (Computational Sciences), BS in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering• Security & InfoSec Training: Network Security, Cloud Security, OS Security, Offensive Security (Hacking), Cyber Infrastructure & Technology, Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR), Threat HuntingINDUSTRIES & GEOGRAPHIES• Medical devices, consumer products, defense, financial services, supply chain, and others• North America and Europe, with sales to 72 countries worldwideAPPROACH: Hands-on, people-centric leader and strategist with a growth mindset and in-the-trenches experience in IT and information security strategy, engineering leadership, application development, infrastructure design and optimization, process automation, growth planning, and project management

Experience

1. Vice President Head of Information Systems for Kova International

   Seracare Clinical Diagnostics

   Feb 2013 — Present · Orange County, CA, US

   I joined the leadership team of Kova International at a pivotal time: the private equity-owned business was being carved out from its parent company, restructured, and scaled into a high-growth global venture. I set strategy, created technology roadmaps, and directed development, implementation, and optimization of integrated information systems to meet the needs of this rapidly evolving organization.To protect the company, I introduced information security (InfoSec) systems and controls for optimal IT and security governance, risk management, and compliance. I deployed solutions and processes for cybersecurity awareness, protection, and incident response, including virus protection, intrusion detection, and business continuity.In addition, I rolled up my sleeves and tackled business challenges across the organization. I helped achieve the company’s highest EBITDA to date through process reengineering, automation, and digitization. I also uncovered opportunities and overhauled many systems on the industrial side of the business in concurrent role as VP of Manufacturing Engineering.• Established the IT and security function for start-up business. Completed the spinoff transition in six months.• Scaled the IT / IS infrastructure to grow operations in the USA and Europe, and sell to 72 countries.• Created and implemented fully integrated, cloud-based ERP (QAD) for accounting and finance, capacity planning, work order processing, material requirement planning, and revenue management.• Delivered superior reliability and availability for both business and manufacturing systems.• Brought in Six Sigma experts to drive process improvements, and led digital transformation projects (including business process automation efforts) that dramatically cut costs.

Education

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  BS, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

• UC Irvine

  MS, Engineering- Computational Sciences