Alan Edwards

Background

About Alan Edwards

As an executive technology leader and business partner, I bring a CIO/CISO-level success history, positioning companies for sustainable growth and vitality. With an ethos of excellence and two decades of experience aligning IT strategy with business goals, I provide value and deliver optimal security and compliance solutions. After working as a lead engineer at a few different firms, I started Whitehorse Technology Solutions with a vision for providing exceptional technical support to fast-paced start-ups and growing businesses. Over ten years, I grew Whitehorse into a premier IT consulting firm. We provided IT architecture and security services to growing clients, including a $3 billion finance firm and a significant national food chain. I sold the firm to Computerware, Inc, and served as its CIO/CISO, providing strategic direction, technical, and security expertise to clients. As a technology leader, I further expanded my impact as the CISO at NFF, enhancing their internal security processes and procedures in alignment with Microsoft, CISA, and NIST standards to achieve ISO certifications and advance toward SOC2 compliance. Functioning as a virtual CISO and senior security architect with Executives and Boards, I elevated operational security and compliance for NFF's client base, comprising of State and Local Governments, higher education institutions, and for-profit organizations across the Eastern US. This role involves substantial contributions to building and formalizing NFF's security practice, solidifying its position in the cybersecurity landscape. Early Career: I started my career in technology as a volunteer physics teacher in Kenya. Because of my low pay (you are only young once), I set up computer networks for banks and government agencies in Nairobi, Kenya as a side gig. I was then recruited by the United Nations to run the IT systems for their large humanitarian and peacekeeping missions in post-conflict Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. This early experience cultivated my ability to work hard, stay calm under pressure, and solve challenging problems holistically while considering multiple points of view. I have also learned how to work and create supportive working environments with others. Over the years, I have helped many firms realize their goals. With a win-win mindset and intense focus on satisfying the client, I maintain a strong understanding of industry needs, respond with agility to changing business priorities, and deep dive into issues and opportunities to ensure the best possible secure business solutions.