Open to opportunities

Katherine Heaton

@katherineheaton

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Accomplished cybersecurity leader with extensive experience in operations management.

Zimbabwe

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that fosters innovation and supports team growth.

I am an accomplished cybersecurity leader with extensive experience driving change and modernization for both government and private sector organizations. For the past three years, I have managed cybersecurity operations for the County of Orange, ensuring essential systems are secured and functioning 24/7. My previous role involved leading cybersecurity operations for a large healthcare organization, where I ensured the protection of critical assets against pervasive cyber threats.

My expertise encompasses NIST cyber policy, Communications Security (COMSEC), and threat intelligence fusion. I am passionate about mentoring and committed to inspiring junior personnel on a path of continual professional development. I have successfully led teams through large-scale technical upgrades and implemented proactive threat hunting approaches that have significantly reduced incident frequency and severity.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Cybersecurity Operations Manager

Current

Science Applications International Corp (SAIC)

Jan 2023 - Present (2 years 5 months)

Managed the 24/7 Security Operations Center for the County of Orange, leading a 17-member team in cybersecurity operations, vulnerability management, and incident response. Expanded security monitoring to cover 94% of County Agencies and implemented proactive threat hunting techniques.

Incident Response Vulnerability Management Digital Forensics SIEM Team Leadership Cybersecurity Operations

Cybersecurity Operations Manager

Hoag Hospital

Aug 2020 - Sep 2022 (2 years 1 month)

Led cybersecurity operations for a healthcare enterprise, growing the team and implementing initiatives for email and mobile device security. Developed a Digital Forensics Program and enhanced team capabilities through training and automation.

Cybersecurity Operations Digital Forensics Incident Response Email Security Mobile Security Vendor Management Cyber Implementation

Senior Cyber-Crypto Engineering Program Manager

Arkham Technology

Jan 2018 - Feb 2020 (2 years 1 month)

Managed DoD contracts focusing on encryption and COMSEC systems. Led the development of a cryptographic System on a Chip and updated databases for the DoD Cryptographic Modernization Initiative.

Systems Engineering Cryptography COMSEC Database Management Key Management Project Management

Senior Cybersecurity Program Manager

Engility Corp (SAIC)

Jan 2017 - Jan 2018 (1 year)

Supported the USAF GPS Mission by leading teams in cybersecurity testing and compliance. Developed a modernized cryptographic key architecture and created cybersecurity strategy artifacts.

Compliance Cryptographic Key Development Project Management Team Leadership

Senior Cybersecurity Liaison to the USAF

NSA

Feb 2014 - May 2016 (2 years 3 months)

Acted as a cybersecurity representative for the NSA, focusing on security strategies and compliance. Conducted vulnerability analysis and collaborated with various organizations to enhance security measures.

Cybersecurity Compliance Collaboration Auditing

Technical Director

NSA

Jul 2004 - Feb 2014 (9 years 7 months)

Led a modernization project for the NSA's Analytic Modernization program, improving auditing procedures and ensuring compliance with defense intelligence requirements.

Technical Leadership Auditing Compliance Project Management Crisis Management Cross Functional Collaboration

Intelligence Reporter, Analyst, Linguist

NSA

Feb 1997 - Jul 2004 (7 years 5 months)

Conducted analysis across multiple mission areas, preparing assessments based on classified and open-source information. Served as an instructor for pre-deployment training courses.

Linguistics Research Training Social Network Mapping

Cryptologic Linguist / Foreign Intelligence Analyst

USAF - USAFR

Dec 1990 - Jan 2003 (12 years 1 month)

Served in active duty and reserve roles, focusing on cryptologic linguistics and foreign intelligence analysis. Deployed to support military operations.

Cryptologic Linguistics Foreign Intelligence Deployment