James Brake
About James Brake
James Brake serves as the Director of Cyber Security for Operational Technology Cybersecurity Services at LCRA, where he has worked since 2019. He has extensive experience in cybersecurity and energy management, having held various roles at organizations such as ERCOT, CPS Energy, and Associated Electric Cooperative.
Current Role at LCRA
James Brake serves as the Director of Cyber Security, Operational Technology Cybersecurity Services at LCRA. He has held this position since 2019, contributing to the organization's cybersecurity initiatives in Austin, Texas. His responsibilities include overseeing cybersecurity measures specifically related to operational technology, ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure.
Previous Experience at ERCOT
Before joining LCRA, James Brake worked at ERCOT as the Identity and Access Management Lead from 2017 to 2019. In this role, he focused on managing user identities and access controls, playing a crucial part in maintaining the security of ERCOT's operational environment in Taylor, Texas.
Education and Expertise
James Brake holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Computer Science from Missouri State University, which he completed from 1983 to 1987. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science & Technology, studying from 1994 to 2000. His educational background supports his expertise in cybersecurity and operational technology.
Career History in Energy Sector
James Brake has extensive experience in the energy sector, having worked in various roles at Associated Electric Cooperative. His positions included Manager of Energy Management Systems, Manager of Information Technologies, and Database Administrator/Database Administration Supervisor from 1997 to 2013. His work involved developing energy management systems and overseeing database administration.
Achievements in Cybersecurity and Energy Management
James Brake achieved 100% compliance in the spring 2013 NERC CIP version 3 audit for the IT infrastructure department. He also performed a security architecture standards assessment and developed a NERC CIP version 5 readiness process for a large enterprise infrastructure migration project. Additionally, he developed an hourly electricity delivery costing algorithm that resulted in $16 million in annual savings in corporate taxes.