Ed Freels

Background

About Ed Freels

I am a corporate IT leader and information security professional with over 20 years experience in the convenience store and travel plaza industry. I ensure that the business strategies are supported with the necessary IT components, teams and processes. I listen to the business needs and then conceptualize, articulate, organize, orchestrate and execute solutions. I always review to see if we solved the original problem or need, and if not, we do it all again until we are successful. I don't believe in IT strategies - I believe in business strategies with IT components and objectives. My specialties include systems visioning and conceptualization, implementation and execution, project management and team building. I like to "re-imagine" how we can accomplish tasks and processes more effectively and efficiently. I'm very comfortable working across business units and building relationships to produce impactful results. I am well versed in PCI-DSS requirements and have experience achieving compliance at multiple levels using in part NIST and ISO resources. Security is about developing an effective corporate culture of awareness and managing our risks; security is not a checklist.