Resume
Experience
2023 - Present
Chapter Leader (Application Security Community Leader)
OWASP Des Plaines Chapter
Des Plaines, IL
· Provide strategic leadership and direction to the OWASP Des Plaines Chapter, driving initiatives that promote application security best practices and foster a strong community of security professionals.
· Develop and oversee educational programs, workshops, and events focused on emerging application security trends, technologies, and challenges, ensuring the chapter remains at the forefront of the industry.
· Collaborate with chapter members, industry experts, and local organizations to identify and address key application security risks and develop innovative solutions to mitigate them.
· Establish and maintain partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to expand the chapter's reach and impact, driving greater awareness of application security best practices.
· Serve as a thought leader and spokesperson for the chapter, representing the organization at industry conferences, panels, and media engagements to share insights and expertise on application security trends and strategies.
· Mentor and guide chapter members in their professional development, helping them enhance their application security skills and advance their careers in the field.
· Manage the chapter's resources, including budget, sponsorships, and volunteer efforts, ensuring the organization operates effectively and efficiently in pursuit of its mission.
· Develop and implement a long-term strategic plan for the chapter, setting goals and objectives that align with the broader mission of the OWASP organization and the needs of the local application security community.
2022 - Present
Security Strategy Director
RedMane Technology
Chicago, IL
· Developed and executed a comprehensive security strategy, aligning security initiatives with business objectives and ensuring the protection of critical assets and data.
· Led a team of security professionals in implementing robust application security measures throughout the development lifecycle, reducing identified vulnerabilities by 40%.
· Managed the Security Operations Center (SOC) team, optimizing the use of Splunk to monitor, analyze, and respond to potential security threats in real-time.
· Spearheaded the development and implementation of a proactive threat intelligence program, successfully identifying and mitigating emerging security risks.
· Collaborated with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to drive organization-wide adherence to security best practices and foster a culture of security awareness.
2021 - 2022
Incident Response & Risk Management Lead
RedMane Technology
Chicago, IL
· Developed and implemented a comprehensive incident response plan, enabling the organization to effectively detect, investigate, and resolve security incidents.
· Conducted regular security risk assessments and audits, identifying and prioritizing vulnerabilities in cloud-based systems and infrastructure for remediation.
· Led the development and execution of a robust threat intelligence program, resulting in the early detection and mitigation of multiple high-severity threats.
· Designed and implemented targeted phishing simulations and security awareness training programs, reducing the organization's susceptibility to phishing attacks by 60%.
· Collaborated with senior management to align security initiatives with business objectives and ensure the effective allocation of resources to mitigate identified risks.
2018 - 2021
Security Operations Manager
Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Des Plaines, IL
· Developed and led security awareness campaigns and training programs, with a focus on secure coding practices and application security best practices.
· Implemented a comprehensive vulnerability management program using Nessus, identifying and prioritizing vulnerabilities in applications and infrastructure for remediation.
· Spearheaded the adoption of the NIST framework and CIS controls, enhancing the organization's application security and risk management practices.
· Utilized Splunk as a SIEM solution to monitor, detect, and respond to potential security incidents, including application-related threats.
2016 - 2018
Security Standards Coordinator
Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Des Plaines, IL
· Managed and maintained network operating systems, virtual server environments, and data backup processes, ensuring the security and integrity of applications and data.
· Led troubleshooting efforts for complex application and system issues, providing high-level support to users and minimizing downtime.
· Developed and enforced application security standards, secure coding practices, and change management procedures, enhancing the organization's overall security posture.
· Collaborated with cross-functional teams to evaluate and implement new software and applications, ensuring alignment with business needs and security requirements.
2015 - 2016
IT & Security Projects Collaborator
Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Des Plaines, IL
· Assisted in the development and implementation of IT standards and procedures, with a focus on application security best practices.
· Provided technical support for software and application-related issues, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
· Collaborated with IT personnel on various projects and deployments, including the secure implementation of new applications and software.
· Recommended and implemented new software products and solutions, considering application security requirements and industry best practices.
2015 - 2015
Security Operations Trainee
Oakton Community College
Des Plaines, IL
· Provided technical support to users, troubleshooting software and application issues to minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations.
· Assisted in the installation and configuration of new software and applications, following security best practices and guidelines.
· Conducted regular maintenance of computers and systems, ensuring an up-to-date and secure application environment.
· Gained exposure to security operations and best practices through hands-on experience and collaboration with experienced IT professionals.
Education
2018 - 2020
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science - BS, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Salt Lake City, UT
During my time at Western Governors University, I gained a deep understanding of the critical role that leadership plays in driving successful cybersecurity initiatives. Through a rigorous curriculum that emphasized both technical skills and strategic thinking, I learned how to effectively align security goals with business objectives, communicate complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. The program's emphasis on practical, hands-on learning experiences allowed me to develop a strong foundation in cybersecurity best practices while honing my ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive innovation in the face of evolving threats.
Professional Skills
Cybersecurity Strategy
Risk Management
Incident Response
Strategy Development
Security Leadership
Risk Management
Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration
Application Security & Team Management
Languages
Bulgarian (native)
English (proficient)
Russian (basic proficiency)