John Hellickson has more than 25 years of IT experience, the last two decades focused on security and risk management. He's served as an executive security consultant and trusted partner, providing companies with risk management strategies aligning technology, people, and processes with business objectives. At First Data, he rose from security engineer to CISO, leading a global team to create a business-driven, risk-balanced strategy and cybersecurity program. Hellickson served seven years in the US Air Force, his last assignment protecting systems supporting the country's nuclear war plan. He is a certified information systems security professional (CISSP) and board member of the nonprofits Security Advisor Alliance and Veteran's Passport to Hope.