Michael Timms, MBA

Key Strengths

• A cybersecurity and network management expert with over 24 years of experience
• Specializing in revenue growth, product launches, complex solutions engineering, and partnership building
• Extensive leadership experience in highly sensitive and secure environments
• Strong senior leadership engagement skills and stakeholder management
• Known for fostering positive team atmospheres and influential leadership

Key Achievements

• Launched new security solutions at GDIT, resolving all critical vulnerabilities within first month
• Successfully delivered multinational contract worth over $800 million across seven countries
• Developed AI-assisted security automation suite for DevSecOps pipelines
• Achieved NSA compliance for all HAIPE devices
• Received outstanding DISA audit reviews and managed over 500 IT projects

My core services include:

• Cybersecurity Risk Assessments – Identify vulnerabilities and assess your organization's security posture.
• Compliance & Regulatory Readiness – Support for GDPR, ISO 27001, NIST, and other industry standards.
• Security Policy Development – Create or refine cybersecurity policies, procedures, and employee training.
• Network & Endpoint Security – Secure your infrastructure with best-practice configurations and monitoring.
• Incident Response Planning – Prepare your team with customized incident response plans and tabletop exercises.
• Penetration Testing & Vulnerability Scanning – Test defenses proactively to uncover exploitable weaknesses.
• Virtual CISO (vCISO) Services – Strategic guidance and leadership for businesses without an in-house CISO.
• Cloud Security – Secure cloud-based environments, including Microsoft 365, AWS, and Google Workspace.

Senior Network Security Manager

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) | 03/2016 - Present

• Technology Strategy & Business Alignment
  • Partnered with the CTO and CISO to deliver security programs aligned with U.S. Department of Defense mission requirements.
  • Provided ongoing strategic recommendations and technical leadership for high-impact network defense projects.
  • Delivered 500+ secure infrastructure deployments supporting military leadership, including classified VIP access.
  • Supported delivery of a $800M multinational defense contract across 7 countries, ensuring secure infrastructure aligned with compliance and operational requirements.
• System Modernization & Infrastructure Overhaul
  • Led infrastructure upgrades across a 3,500-user secure campus network, improving reliability and system readiness.
  • Integrated Cisco ISE (IAM), SolarWinds (SIEM), and GEM One (network management) to centralize visibility and control.
• Cybersecurity & Risk Management
  • Closed 600+ critical vulnerabilities in 30 days, drastically reducing risk across endpoints and systems.
  • Maintained NSA/NIST compliance across 350+ devices; initiated Zero Trust planning across the environment.
  • Secured $10M+ in infrastructure assets with SIEM coverage across 2,600 users, earning top DISA audit performance reviews.
• Agile Delivery & DevSecOps
  • Built custom remediation scripts for repeated incidents; improved resolution times and reduced engineer workload.
  • Managed delivery timelines and execution across multiple concurrent security and infrastructure programs.
  • Developed an AI-assisted security automation suite integrating GitHub Actions, SSL/TLS validation, and secure DevSecOps pipelines.
• Leadership & Capability Development
  • Led 15 cybersecurity professionals within a 100-person IT department; delivered role-based training to upskill team.
  • Supported certification targets; over 80% of team obtained advanced credentials under his leadership.

(Part-Time) Cybersecurity Consultant

Independent | 04/2024 - Present

• Technology Strategy & Client Enablement
  • Supported SMEs across various sectors in establishing security baselines and aligning IT posture with business objectives.
  • Acted as primary advisor to CEOs, translating cybersecurity into actionable, cost-aligned recommendations.
• Security Architecture & Scalable Solutions
  • Delivered IAM, firewall, and SOCaaS recommendations suited to organizational maturity and resource constraints.
  • Assisted in cloud migration planning and data governance for clients lacking dedicated IT or compliance teams.
• Cyber Risk Reduction & Measurable Impact
  • Reduced phishing incidents by 80% through endpoint protection rollout and awareness training.
  • Decreased external attack surface by 60% via asset decommissioning, patching, and access hardening.
  • Achieved full adoption of proposed strategies by offering tiered security options based on business capacity.

IT Consultant

Reality Communications | 08/2013 - 02/2016

• Technology Consulting & Architecture
  • Designed infrastructure upgrades and network systems to support business growth across MEA clients.
  • Combined technical delivery with pre-sales input to tailor solutions to evolving customer needs.
• Scalability & Performance Improvement
  • Reduced IT outages, saving ~120 hours/month in staff downtime.
  • Lowered annual operational overhead by 40% (~$36K) through improved infrastructure and resource use.
• Leadership & Team Development
  • Mentored 20 technical specialists, using a transformational leadership style focused on intrinsic motivators.
  • Initiated recurring "Team Training Tuesday" sessions, improving cross-team collaboration and accountability.

Lead Communications Specialist

Black Box Network Services | 12/2006 - 07/2013

Led the UAE's development and enhancement of voice and data systems. Spearheaded initiatives to optimize telecommunications solutions for businesses across various sectors. Coached, mentored, and reviewed the work of 9 personnel.

• Directed large-scale telecom upgrades across the UAE, enhancing voice and data infrastructure for government and private sector clients.
• Developed and implemented disaster-resilient communication protocols adopted across multiple Middle East sites, improving operational continuity.
• Led and coached a 9-member team, raising delivery standards and accelerating project turnaround.

Lead Voice Systems Specialist and Outside Plant Project Manager

Lockheed Martin | 09/2002 - 11/2006

• Managed end-to-end infrastructure projects for a 800+ user secure campus in Crete, aligning systems delivery with U.S. defense standards.
• Delivered a new telecommunications backbone using PMI-based planning, improving network reliability and project transparency.
• Re-engineered voice system automation, reducing operational costs by $300K annually.
• Mentored junior team members, ensuring quality execution across mission-critical environments.