Samantha Cowan, MBA
About Samantha Cowan, MBA
Samantha Cowan is the Director of Information Security at Nylas, where she has successfully led initiatives to enhance data privacy and compliance. She has a diverse background in cybersecurity and compliance, with previous roles at organizations such as HackerOne and Zenefits.
Work at Nylas
Samantha Cowan currently serves as the Director of Information Security at Nylas, a position she has held since 2022. In this role, she has led initiatives to enhance the company's information security framework. Notably, she spearheaded the effort to obtain ISO 27701 certification within one year of her hire, achieving this milestone with a reduced team size. Additionally, she has implemented key elements of the privacy program, including privacy by design and a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) process. Cowan has also focused on increasing automation within standard team processes, optimizing resource use, and improving team efficiency.
Education and Expertise
Samantha Cowan has a strong educational background in cybersecurity and business administration. She earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2014. Additionally, she holds a Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity from the same institution, achieved in 2013. Cowan has also completed a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Technology and another in Foundations of Cybersecurity, both from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Her academic foundation is complemented by a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Oregon State University.
Background
Samantha Cowan has a diverse professional background in information security and compliance. She began her career as an Office Automation Clerk at the National Park Service from 2010 to 2014. Following this, she worked in various technical support and security roles, including positions at the Social Security Administration and Zenefits. Cowan transitioned to more specialized roles in security compliance and governance at HackerOne and OneLogin before joining Nylas. Her experience spans multiple organizations and includes roles such as Security Engineer and Compliance Manager.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Samantha Cowan has achieved significant milestones in information security and compliance. At Nylas, she successfully revamped the entire company privacy program within six months of joining, demonstrating her agility and expertise. She has effectively reduced the time spent in audits, optimizing resource use and minimizing disruptions to business operations. Additionally, she implemented a comprehensive vendor management program, enhancing vendor relations and oversight, which is crucial for maintaining robust security practices.