Tamika Bass
Director, Cybersecurity
Gannett Fleming
Tamika Bass is an Information Security professional with more than 16 years’ experience in information security, including information security governance and risk management. Tamika is passionate about improving communication and understanding of information security in the industry. Tamika is an active speaker, college professor and enjoys spending her time educating technical staff on the importance of communicating effectively in the Information Technology space.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
After working in the state government for almost six years, I was introduced to my current manager via a mutual friend. Gannett was looking for a cybersecurity director, and I remember being reluctant to reach out at first, because I was comfortable in the role I was in.
After a second nudge from our mutual friend, I reached out to my current manager, we talked for over an hour and I remember thinking to myself, "I want to work for that firm, I want to do something there that has never been done". I interviewed, was offered the position and I've been accomplishing AND learning so much in this role.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
I value others' opinions and have confidence in my own.
With disruption being a key theme of the past few years, where do you see your role as a CISO going in the next 1-2 years?
I see more collaboration with the CIO and other C-level executives. I see increased support of building a cyber-aware culture across the board.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the role as a CISO?
I would stress the importance of building relationships and breaking silos in your organizations.
Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself.
- I am a college professor.
- I taught group fitness classes for 10 years.
- I was a high school cheer coach.
What is the value of participating in a professional community through Evanta?
I enjoy getting together and learning from cybersecurity professionals in Atlanta. We are a lot like a "cyber" family.
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