242. How to become a NIST Cyber Security Professional in 2024 Part 1

David is an experienced software developer and consultant with expertise in management, agile methodologies, and change management. His unique perspective on team building, organizational change, and risk identification is informed by his military background. He is the lead author of two books, Fundamentals of Adopting the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and A Practitioner’s Guide to Adapting the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, both published by TSO. In his role as the content architect of the DVMS Institute, he actively works with subject matter experts to develop relevant content for organizational leaders and practitioners.

David is an NCP (NIST Cybersecurity Professional) Practitioner and a NCP Specialist. 

David's proudest professional achievement includes pre-dating ITIL version 1, rescuing an 18-month behind-schedule project, finishing it in 8.5 months using what today would be recognized as agile and ITIL. On a personal level, David believes that his proudest achievement is setting off his daughters and their families on the right path, a joy which he shares with his wife. 

Mike Battistella likes to say that he wears a couple of hats.

Mike’s primary role is the President & CTO of Solutions³ LLC, an award-winning IT Service Management & Cybersecurity consulting & training organization. Solutions³ provides full lifecycle IT Management & Cybersecurity solutions in the US federal and commercial markets.

Mike is also one of three Strategic Affiliates for the DVMS Institute having global responsibilities along with a primary focus on U.S. Government Solutions. The DVMS Institute focuses on cybersecurity career development and teaching organizations of any size how to build an Adaptive, Cyber-Resilient Digital Value Management System (DVMS) capable of Creating, Protecting, and Delivering (CPD) digital business value to clients and stakeholders.

Achievements:

• Advisory Board for the College of Business at Seton Hall University
• Advisory Board for the College of Engineering at Fairleigh Dickenson University
• CIOReview Magazine: 20 Most Promising Defense Technology Solution Providers
• Regular Cybersecurity Contributor to the MeadowlandsUSA Magazine
• HP Software Rising Star Award
• HP Software Crystal Globe Award
• The C12 Group Nehemiah Award
• SBA Emerging Leader 2015
• Technical course developer for HPE Software and other software vendor & training partners

I am a recent graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, where I received my bachelor’s in computer science with a concentration in Cybersecurity. I represented my campus as the only Student Ambassador studying Computer Science (2018-2022) and led as President of the FDU Association for Computing Machinery (2021-2022). These roles allowed me to help build the foundations of those pursuing careers in an ever-evolving field. The chance to use those leadership skills during a Summer Internship with Solutions3 LLC was incredibly appealing and educational. Now, I will be continuing my growth in knowledge and skills with Solutions3 LLC as a Cybersecurity Staff Consultant. I am excitedly looking forward to continuing working with the amazingly skilled team and involvements.

Awards:

Carolyn Jane Scott Charitable Trust STEM Award Recipient

Proudest Achievement:

My proudest achievement was to be the first in my family to graduate from college. Being a daughter of an Immigrant parent has allowed me to recognize perseverance as a necessity to become a successful individual in any capacity. Receiving my degree after enduring the pandemic felt emotionally momentous.

With over 18 years of experience, Ira specializes in building uniform Data Protection and Information Security, Compliance, and Risk programs from the ground up. This includes identifying the framework(s), compliance requirements, strategic plan for the company, incurred costs, ROI and implementation plan for the program. Ira started Gira Group that consolidates the experience along with the need in the market to connect the various compliance programs.

Ira's proudest achievement is transitioning from employment to start her own company dedicated to addressing a specific and important need to build the next generation workforce.