Governing Body Spotlight

Jermaine Oldham is a dynamic and results-driven technology executive with over two decades of experience in leadership roles within public and private companies. Currently, as the Vice President, Tech Ops and Information Security at Echo Global Logistics, he is responsible for all aspects of enterprise technology operations and information security including platform & cloud computing, network engineering, service desk & desktop engineering/support, site reliability engineering, enterprise application support, network operations center, information security, and IT risk management.

Throughout Jermaine’s career he has managed large-scale IT operations across various industries including transportation & logistics, consumer packaged goods, government, manufacturing, and technology managed services. Jermaine’s experience spans multiple facets of technology that include strategy, P&L management, infrastructure & operations, cybersecurity, application development, and product management.

Jermaine is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and spent 8 years in the military as an IT professional supporting civilian, military, and NATO personnel, IT systems, and digital technologies. Jermaine earned a Master of Business Administration/Technology Management, Master of Information Systems and Bachelor Science degree in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix. He also earned an Associates of Science degree in Information Management from the Community College of the Air Force.

Learn more about the Chicago CISO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

I spent six years in the transportation and logistics space while at J.B. Hunt in a variety of technology leadership roles. This experience prepared me for the industry. In addition, while I was at Outdoor Cap Company, I was not only the CIO, but also held the CISO role. I built Outdoor Cap Company's cybersecurity strategy and program from the ground up implementing technologies, controls, and processes that are still in use today.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

Leading from the front. While I was in the military, I was taught about the critical components of being an effective leader and follower. There are multiple qualities that an effective leader must possess including being and setting the example for others to follow.
 

What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?

One of my great challenges is keeping up with technological advancements and understanding the risks/threats involved with new technology. In my current organization, we like to run fast with new technology, and I have to balance running fast with not getting in the way, yet keeping our data, systems, and platforms secure while doing so. This requires a constant push and pull.
 

What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?

There are many keys for success when starting out in a C-level role, but one of the more important ones is understanding business strategy, priorities, and what they care about.  It's important to quickly understand business strategy and priorities, then build a technology strategy that supports where the company wants to go.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

I measure success as a leader by having a clear technology strategy with KPIs aligned to measure success and progress. Having a clear strategy with KPI's takes the guesswork out of what success looks like and how that is achieved.
 

What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?

I've been in the Evanta community for a few years. Being in this community brings experience, connectivity, and real world lessons learned to your doorstep. I absolutely love networking and learning from peers with similar challenges.

Evanta Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.
 

by CISOs, for CISOs
 

Join the conversation with peers in your local CISO community.