Mark Weatherford
About Mark Weatherford
Mark Weatherford serves as the Chief Cybersecurity Strategist at Coalfire and has a diverse background in cybersecurity, including roles in the US Navy and various leadership positions in both the public and private sectors.
Current Role at Coalfire
Mark Weatherford serves as the Chief Cybersecurity Strategist at Coalfire, a position he has held since 2024. His role involves providing strategic guidance and expertise in cybersecurity, leveraging his extensive background in the field. Weatherford operates under a remote work arrangement, allowing him to contribute to Coalfire's mission of enhancing cybersecurity measures for its clients.
Previous Experience in Cybersecurity
Weatherford has held various significant positions in the cybersecurity domain. He worked as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the State of California from 2008 to 2010 and later served as the Deputy Under Secretary for Cybersecurity at the US Department of Homeland Security from 2011 to 2013. He was also the Vice President and Chief Security Officer at the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) in 2010-2011. His experience spans both public and private sectors, contributing to his comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity.
Education and Expertise
Mark Weatherford holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Economics from the University of Arizona, where he studied from 1986 to 1988. He furthered his education with a Master of Science in Technology and Information Security from the Naval Postgraduate School, completing his studies from 1992 to 1994. His academic background supports his expertise in cybersecurity strategy and information security.
Leadership Roles and Contributions
Throughout his career, Weatherford has taken on leadership roles in various organizations. He served as the InfraGard Board President for the Denver Chapter from 2007 to 2008. Additionally, he was a Principal at The Chertoff Group from 2013 to 2015 and held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Cybersecurity Strategist at vArmour from 2015 to 2019. His leadership has influenced cybersecurity practices across multiple sectors.
Military Background
Mark Weatherford has a notable military background, having served in the US Navy as a Cryptologic Officer from 1975 to 2001. Over his 26-year tenure, he gained extensive experience in information security and cryptography, which laid the foundation for his subsequent career in cybersecurity. His military service has contributed to his strategic approach to cybersecurity challenges.