Sam Merrell, Cissp
About Sam Merrell, Cissp
Sam Merrell is the Chief Information Security Officer at Kennametal, a position he has held since 2023. He has extensive experience in cybersecurity, having previously served in various roles at organizations such as Covestro, Bayer, and Carnegie Mellon University.
Work at Kennametal
Sam Merrell has been serving as the Chief Information Security Officer at Kennametal since 2023. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the company's information security strategy and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Prior to this position, he held the role of Director, Global Information Security & Compliance at Kennametal from 2021 to 2023, where he focused on enhancing the organization's cybersecurity posture.
Education and Expertise
Sam Merrell holds a Master of Science in Information Technology with a specialization in Information Security and Assurance from Carnegie Mellon University, where he studied from 2008 to 2012. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from the University of Pittsburgh, completing his degree from 1993 to 1997. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his expertise in cybersecurity and information assurance.
Background
Sam Merrell has extensive experience in the field of cybersecurity. He began his career at the Software Engineering Institute / CERT, where he worked as a Member of the Engineering Staff from 2007 to 2013. He then served as the Vulnerability Management Lead at Bayer and as Head of Cyber Intelligence at Covestro. His roles have included significant responsibilities in managing cybersecurity initiatives and compliance efforts across various organizations.
Certifications and Professional Development
Sam Merrell holds several professional certifications that underscore his expertise in cybersecurity. He possesses a SANS GIAC Gold Standard Certificate in Auditing Cisco Routers and a SANS STAR Certificate focused on Critical Infrastructure Protection. These certifications reflect his commitment to ongoing professional development in the field of information security.
Public Speaking and Contributions
Sam Merrell has contributed to the cybersecurity community by participating in podcasts hosted by CERT. During these sessions, he discussed various topics related to cybersecurity, sharing insights and knowledge with a broader audience. His involvement in such initiatives highlights his engagement with current trends and challenges in the cybersecurity landscape.