Donald Gardner
Governance Risk and Compliance Analyst
(425) 245-4899 | Charlotte, NC | Donald.gardner1234@proton.me
Customer-focused cybersecurity professional specializing in
applying the NIST and CIS frameworks to enhance organizational security
posture. Reduces
cyber risk and operational delays by teaching best practices. Communicates
technical information to non-technical people. A lifelong learner who is quick
to adopt and implement new technologies. Business instructor experience brings
a financial approach to determine cost-effectiveness
of security controls. Continuously upskilling through certifications, home lab
work, and GRC frameworks to stay current in GRC and cybersecurity.
Key Accomplishments
· Prepared system security plan for 3 small businesses using the CIS IG1 framework.
· CompTIA Security+, Network+, A+.
·
Akylade Artificial Intelligence Security Practitioner, Cyber Resilience
Fundamentals
· Developed scripts in Linux and Python.
· Rebuilt recycled computers for low-income residents, promoting digital inclusion.
· Saved government agency $250,000 by designing and building monitoring system for Microwave Landing System using an in-house solution. Bonus for exceeding project requirements.
Professional
Experience
Fractional Governance Risk and Compliance Analyst | Secure My Cyber 3/2024 – present
· Led a CIS IG1-security audit that raised a small business's security posture from Tier 1 to Tier 2 by identifying critical gaps such as missing backups and outdated systems.
· Taught a cybersecurity course for Mangate (India), instructing students from South Korea on risk management, security controls, and best practices in IT security.
· Collaborated on vulnerability assessments for MAI Capital Management, analyzing security risks in Google Analytics and browser plugins.
· Upgraded skills using a VMware home lab focused on ethical hacking and security testing.
Certification Instructor | Industrial Automation &
Cybersecurity for America Foundation 2/2023
– 2/2024
Provided remote instruction for CompTIA Security+, Network+, and A+
certifications.
·
Recorded 20+ YouTube videos to clarify
concepts and support students with course labs.
·
Increased student engagement through
interactive labs and YouTube tutorials.
·
Facilitated the creation of home labs to
enhance students’ practical experience.
Cybersecurity Intern | Four-18 Intelligence
Cyber Tradecraft WA Internship 4/2022 – 9/2022
Participated in several
key projects, including:
· Designed, tested, and documented a detailed ransomware disaster recovery plan at T. Bailey Inc. to ensure business continuity. Ensured availability by backing up and restoring files, folders, servers, and Active Directory user accounts. Wrote report with step-by-step instructions and YouTube videos to restore deleted items. Used the 3-2-1-1-0 backup storage strategy in recovery presentation.
· Participated in a team project on the MITRE ATT&CK Framework with three members. Presented tactics of reconnaissance, initial access, execution, and persistence.
·
iQ4 certification. Collaborated in a team of
five to deliver nine presentations on the NIST framework.
CISO and System Administrator | Student Circle
Tutoring 9/2018 – 12/2022
Chief
Information Security Officer and website administrator for front-end and
back-end of website.
· Installed backup and multi-factor authentication plugins for website.
· Aided in designing parts of website.
Platform
Engineer | Abbtech Professional Services 1/2021 – 7/2021
Serviced 19 Foot Locker locations across
Western Washington as a contractor.
· Migrated Windows 7 workstations to Windows 10.
· Configured endpoints for remote maintenance.
· Deployed 9 Windows 10 laptops with external monitors.
· Assisted in installing encryption software and setting the password to secure BIOS.
Help Desk
and Media Technician | Edmonds College | Lynnwood, Washington 7/2019 – 6/2020
Provided Tier 2 help desk
support. Installed and configured
endpoints and media equipment.
· Diagnosed and resolved technical issues in classroom.
· Remotely re-imaged over 30 endpoints to ensure compliance with school policy.
· Developed procedures to configure media equipment.
Cybersecurity
Technical Writer at Nanning Normal University | China 9/2016 – 4/2022
Edited the following
cybersecurity manuscripts:
· Practical Insecurity Protocol with XOR in Two’s Complement
· Secure File Storage and Retrieval in the Cloud, 9th Int’l Conference on Industrial Technology
· Improved Secure RSA Cryptosystem, IJNS (International Journal of Network Security)
Business
Instructor at Huizhou University,
Huizhou, China 9/2012 – 7/2018
· Business and Finance teacher. Initiated “Elite Financial Management” class. Taught class how to analyze financial statements from popular companies such as Microsoft using financial ratios.
· Classroom policies resulted in 98% attendance.
· De-escalated conflict: resolved grading issues with assistance from student monitors.
· Studied beginning Chinese language.
Education
& Training
Associate of Technical
Arts, Cybersecurity Digital Forensics | Edmonds College
One year of Cisco networking
coursework
Digital
Forensics | University of Washington at Tacoma
Master of Science,
Organizational Management | Information Technology
University of
La Verne, Anchorage, Alaska Branch
Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering | Seattle University
Certifications
CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+
Akylade Artificial Intelligence Security
Practitioner, Cyber Resilience Fundamentals
Akylade Certified Cyber Resilience Practitioner (expected 11-14-2025)
MITRE Adversary Emulation Methodology, Cyber Threat Intelligence
Community Involvement
ISC2 Charlotte Metro Chapter
Provides a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among professionals passionate about practical cybersecurity solutions.
ISSA Charlotte Metro
The Charlotte Metro Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) is a non-profit group dedicated to providing educational and networking opportunities to members in order to promote the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and growth within the information security profession.