Avery “oversees all information security across the TAG portfolio, including process and documentation, policy and training, audit readiness, and process design and implementation,” the company said in a news release. “He has a history of developing innovative solutions, which will further strengthen Direct Technology’s Cybersecurity Services.”
Direct Technology’s Kyle Keyser, vice president of public sector, said, “We are excited to have John on the team and look forward to his contributions to the public sector and the IT community.”
“We know cybersecurity has a resource problem,” Avery said. “It’s often underfunded, and everyone is competing for very limited talent. That’s why we’ve built a solution to assess your environment and your unique risks, then help you build a layered defense with tools and services to protect your data, applications, endpoints, network and perimeter – and especially your first line of defense: employees.”
Before joining Direct Technology/TAG, Avery’s work supported the cybersecurity initiatives at one of the largest credit unions in North America, where he coordinated efforts in compliance, IT and leadership to achieve organizational change. He also worked with one of the largest global banks, where “his unique set of skills drove innovative solutions within the Third-Party Risk Management division,” the company said.
“Over a decade of my life has been invested in what I consider to be the most exciting space in technology today: information security,” Avery said. “Throughout my journey, I’ve built and led programs with financial services and health-tech companies, but I’m perhaps most proud of what I had achieved at a managed-services provider.”
Avery’s educational background includes a Master of Science in information security and a Master of Business Administration. He also holds the following credentials:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH)
- Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator (C|HFI)
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
“When he’s not working with stakeholders to reduce their business risk,” the company said, “John can be found gardening, baking or watching Formula One (Go Team RedBull!). Please help us welcome John to the team. You can listen to his interview by our 2021 Intern Class on their podcast ... .”
