Can you tell me a bit about your background and your role at Calian? 

I’ve worked in cybersecurity-related fields since 2006, starting as an analyst for Canadian Government services and advancing to Senior Analyst and Incident Handler. At Secure Technologies International (STI) from 2011, I specialized in multi-faceted cybersecurity roles to support the Value Added Reseller (VAR) business line.  

After Calian Group acquired STI in 2018, I continued expanding my expertise. I’m proficient in network security including firewalls, IPS, secure web/email gateways, data loss prevention and cloud security solutions. I’ve also led administration courses for multiple vendor solutions and maintained skills in infrastructure and endpoint security for customer interactions. 

Today, as the team lead of security specialists in Calian’s Government Solutions and Critical Infrastructure group, I guide a small-but-mighty and talented team who operate in both the cyber security and emission security fields. Among our team’s many tasks, we provide pre- and post-sales support to our salespeople and clients, emissions testing and certification of facilities and equipment, and professional service engagements including operational support engagements, solutions architecture, and electronic bug sweeping.  

How is your role linked with Canadian national defence? 

My role in the Canadian national defence industry focuses on providing products and services to defence-related entities. These solutions include radio frequency (RF) shielded equipment, which may end up in many parts of the world; the architecture of cyber and emission security solutions for Canadian defence projects; and software solutions across both domains, for use across the Canadian defence industry. Through our partnership and investment of Field Effect Software, we also offer Cyber Range customizable military cybersecurity training for Canada as well as NATO members. 

As one example, I’ve been involved in developing deployable kits for overseas use, which include the necessary technical solutions while adhering to strict RF emission security standards. We’ve also developed in-house software for performing emission security testing and validations of equipment or facilities. 

I also work closely with Canadian defence industry partners—providing expertise and services as part of larger defence contracts, including projects that will protect Canada’s interests both at home and abroad. 

How does your role support the security of Canada and the rest of the world? 

At Calian, my involvement in Canadian defence projects directly supports the defence of Canadians and our trusted allies. For example, the RF-shielded equipment we supply plays a crucial role in safeguarding data for Canada and its allies, whether it’s deployed domestically or for NATO missions abroad. Moreover, we offer guidance on architecture and testing for defence projects, which not only protect Canada’s borders and operations but also have potential applications in international engagements. 

Beyond defence projects, I also help provide equipment and services to protect critical Canadian data which—if it were obtained by a bad actor organization or nation-state—could have a devastating impact to Canada’s infrastructure, economic and global standing. 

What is your favourite part of your job? 

My most enjoyable part of my job is the people—especially our team of sales, technical and administrative resources, many of whom I have worked with for more than a decade. I also greatly enjoy the variety of technologies, customers and industries that I’ve had the opportunity to work with. Working across multiple security domains with a myriad of vendors and solutions, and with clients ranging from small businesses to large enterprises and small government divisions through to the largest government organizations, provides a continually challenging environment to work in—but also provides a wealth of experience that can be carried forward into future opportunities. 

How does your work at Calian fit with your view of your place in the world? 

I find that Calian’s emphasis on leveraging collective skills across various business units and teams to meet client needs resonates well with my own values and beliefs. I have a very strong tendency towards collaboration—I believe both small and large problems, whether locally or globally, can be best solved through collaborative efforts. 

What are you looking forward to at CANSEC? 

At CANSEC 2024, I’m looking forward to meeting with industry partners and discussing active and future opportunities to drive mutually beneficial success. I’m also looking forward to meeting customers and having meaningful discussions surrounding existing and future projects—including how Calian can help them be successful. I’m always amazed by the amount of innovative technology on display and look forward to visiting many of the booths. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

Outside of work I attempt, often poorly, to juggle my free time amongst my fitness activities and hobbies. On a given week, I am usually at the arena for 4-6 games of hockey, and I help run a twice-a-week pickup group with a friend. I also try to weight train a few times a week and enjoy mountain biking on the weekends in the summer. I’m an avid aquarium and pond fish keeper and also enjoy around-the-house activities like casual gaming, books, board gaming and 3D printing.