Cherise Esparza
About Cherise Esparza
Cherise Esparza serves as the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at SecurityGate.io, bringing over 15 years of experience in operational technology and cybersecurity. She has held various roles in prominent organizations, including Rackspace, Enbridge Energy, and Ernst & Young, and has contributed to significant cybersecurity initiatives in the industrial sector.
Work at SecurityGate
Cherise Esparza serves as the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at SecurityGate.io, a position she has held since 2020. In this role, she focuses on developing and enhancing cybersecurity solutions tailored for operational technology environments. Her leadership contributes to the company's mission of providing comprehensive security measures for critical infrastructure.
Education and Expertise
Cherise Esparza holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas, Texas, which she completed from 2009 to 2011. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio, studying from 1999 to 2005. Her educational background complements her extensive expertise in operational technology and cybersecurity, with over 15 years of experience in industrial control system environments.
Background in Cybersecurity
Cherise Esparza has a robust background in cybersecurity, having guided the development of a cybersecurity program for a global pipeline company for over eight years. She led the implementation of a cybersecurity program that achieved the first Achilles Practice Certification for a fleet of offshore drilling rigs. Her experience spans various roles, including positions at Enbridge Energy and Noble Drilling, where she managed security programs and assessments.
Previous Roles and Contributions
Prior to her current role at SecurityGate, Cherise worked in various capacities across the cybersecurity and technology sectors. She was a Unix Linux System Administrator at Rackspace and held positions at Ernst & Young, Digital Defense, Inc., and the National Board of Information Security Examiners. Additionally, she served as a Co-Host at SecurityGuyRadio.com from 2015 to 2020, contributing to discussions on security topics.
Leadership and Management Experience
Cherise Esparza has demonstrated strong leadership and management skills throughout her career. She managed significant budgets, including an $80 million capital expenditure and a $30 million operational expenditure budget at a pipeline operator. Her experience includes overseeing operational technology supply chains to ensure secure operations and access, highlighting her capability in managing complex security environments.