Mic Merritt
About Mic Merritt
In my small town childhood, computers were my gateway to world beyond fences and pastures. Rainy days were spent honing my skills in programming and delving into the intricacies of network connections. I explored a larger universe far beyond the distance I could ride my bicycle. Unexpectedly, my path shifted toward a career in the military. First in law enforcement, then information technology, and ultimately landing in cyber warfare. In the 24 years I spent in the US Air Force, I mastered the tools of cybersecurity trade and embraced the values of diversity, resilience, and perseverance. Today, I am the founder of a cybersecurity firm specialized in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning systems and web/mobile application penetration testing, I'm at the forefront of specialized services in a domain where few have ventured. Concurrently, I serve as an Instructor at Western Governors University (WGU), where I bring my real-world expertise into the classroom. At WGU, I specialize in cybersecurity courses, ensuring that my students are equipped with the latest knowledge, skills, and abilities. My teaching philosophy is centered on a learner-focused, competency-based approach, utilizing technology and innovative methods to cater to the varied needs of students and creating a dynamic, inclusive learning environment. My career spans over three decades of leadership, with more than 20+ years in IT and cybersecurity. This journey has taken me from the disciplined ranks of the Air Force, where I honed my skills in Red Team Operations and Penetration Testing, to the strategic arenas of Security Engineering and Risk Management. Beyond my primary roles, I engage in public speaking, board memberships, teaching, and consulting. My mission has always been to demystify complex cybersecurity topics and bridge the gap between technical expertise and strategic business needs. My journey as a non-binary, queer, and neurodiverse individual in a predominantly male-dominated field has been challenging yet transformative. Through my own individual struggles, I have forged my personal strength and unique perspective. My story is a tale of personal triumph and a narrative of breaking barriers and paving new paths. I am driven by a mission to empower, inspire, and lead. My commitment to the next generation, unwavering. I am a strategist at heart, a mentor driven by passion, and a relentless pioneer in cybersecurity innovation. *Statements and opinions posted are my own and do not represent my past, current, or future employer.