Chad Thompson

Chad Thompson

Cybersecurity Leader & Innovator in Emerging Tech

Creating secure, adaptable solutions while diving into emerging tech and personal projects that fuel my passion for innovation

About

I'm a technology and cybersecurity leader with over 23 years in the industry, driven by a genuine curiosity for how things work and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital security. As the Director of Global Cyber Defense at TriNet, I lead a dedicated team to safeguard enterprise assets against evolving threats. I'm also an early adopter and creator, developing projects like the "Prime Cyber Insights" podcast and the AI-driven "Neural Newscast" to explore the intersection of technology, AI, and security.

Originally from Colorado, I moved to Florida in 2011 to pursue a career in music and am grateful to have had the incredible opportunity to perform at Coachella that same year. Though my focus has shifted, I still make electronic music, now with a passion for mastering Eurorack and physical synthesizers.

Beyond my career, I'm a devoted father and partner, eager to share my interests with my two sons. In my free time, I enjoy movies, building Lego collections, biking, stargazing, photography, flying drones, and relaxing on the beach. My family and my creative pursuits keep me grounded, curious, and constantly inspired.

23+

Years in Technology

10+

Years in Management

5+

Years in Security

CISSP

ISC2 Certification

Professional Experience

Director of Global Cyber Defense / Security Operations

TriNet

Apr 2022 - Present

  • Lead all aspects of a 24/7 Cyber Defense and Security Operations function, ensuring rapid detection, response, and recovery from cyber threats.
  • Architect and execute comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, policies, and incident response frameworks in line with industry best practices (NIST, ISO 27001) and regulatory requirements (GDPR, SOX).
  • Hands-on leader with extensive experience in incident response, threat hunting, and digital forensics investigations, coordinating response efforts for high-severity incidents.
  • Direct cross-functional teams to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks, establishing effective collaboration between IT, engineering, and business stakeholders.
  • Configure and optimize security tools and technologies (SIEM, EDR, XDR, SOAR, firewalls, etc.) to enhance detection and incident management capabilities.
  • Oversee end-to-end management of cybersecurity incidents, acting as Incident Commander during critical escalations to ensure structured investigation, containment, and remediation.
  • Mentor and develop security operations teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement across global, distributed teams.
  • Lead talent acquisition and performance management initiatives, successfully growing a diverse team with expertise in areas such as threat intelligence, vulnerability management, and incident response.
  • Conduct ongoing risk assessments, vulnerability assessments, and implement risk mitigation strategies aligned with evolving threat landscapes.
  • Collaborate with leadership to deliver actionable security insights, KPIs, and incident postmortems, regularly presenting metrics to C-level executives and the Board.
  • Stay abreast of emerging threats, security trends, and new technologies to continually evolve cybersecurity defenses and ensure operational resilience.
  • Ensure compliance with global cybersecurity frameworks and standards, regularly auditing and improving processes to maintain a robust, compliant security posture.

Security Operations Senior Manager

TriNet

Mar 2021 - Apr 2022

  • Reported directly to the Executive Director of Security Operations, playing a strategic role in shaping the overall security posture and risk management strategies for the organization.
  • Led the development and implementation of enterprise-wide security policies and risk mitigation strategies, including cybersecurity, physical security, and personnel management.
  • Oversaw larger cross-functional projects and ensured the seamless integration of security measures across diverse departments, collaborating with C-level executives to align security with broader business objectives.
  • Directed high-level incident response efforts, acting as Incident Commander for critical incidents, ensuring rapid containment, remediation, and post-incident reviews to continually enhance processes.
  • Managed and mentored a growing team of security professionals across multiple time zones, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
  • Developed security roadmaps, introduced new security technologies (e.g., SIEM, EDR), and continually optimized security tools and processes to improve overall operational resilience.
  • Regularly presented key metrics, reports, and incident analysis to senior leadership and board members, driving a proactive approach to security across the organization.

Security Operations Manager

TriNet

Sep 2019 - Mar 2021

  • Developed and implemented security policies, protocols, and procedures focused on protecting organizational assets, personnel, and data.
  • Managed daily security operations with a primary focus on overseeing cybersecurity monitoring, physical security measures, and personnel management.
  • Conducted risk assessments and vulnerability analyses, identifying potential security threats and implementing mitigation strategies at the operational level.
  • Collaborated with other departments to integrate security protocols into broader operational procedures, ensuring compliance with internal policies and industry standards.
  • Directed the security team’s day-to-day activities, including incident detection, response coordination, and ongoing monitoring, ensuring timely and effective incident management.
  • Provided security awareness training and guidance to team members, improving the overall operational security capabilities of the organization.

Information Technology Service Desk Manager

TriNet

Sep 2015 - Sep 2019

  • Managed day-to-day operations of the Technology Service Desk for both colleague and client-facing issues.
  • Managed a team of 25 individuals across multiple states and countries.
  • Resolved 25,000+ incidents and 13,000+ requests annually.
  • Provided metrics and reporting to senior management.
  • Successfully aided in the deployment of ServiceNow across the technology organization.

Senior Technical Support Analyst - Tier-2

TriNet

Jun 2012 - Sep 2015

  • Primary client-contact in IT tasked with resolving a variety of long-standing issues.
  • Provided PeopleSoft HRMS, Financials, and CRM support for a client base of over 200,000.
  • Identified, diagnosed, and resolved technical issues.
  • Regularly provided hardware and software support for nearly 1,000 employees.

Digital Marketing Manager and Video Editor/Producer

Modern Coin Mart

Nov 2011 – Jun 2012

  • Managed and optimized company presence across Facebook, YouTube, and other social media platforms, increasing audience engagement and visibility.
  • Administered the MailChimp digital mailing list, growing the subscriber base and optimizing campaigns to enhance open and click-through rates.
  • Served as lead editor and producer for weekly television shows and video shorts, overseeing the full production cycle from concept to final delivery.
  • Created, proofed, and edited weekly digital and print-based advertisements, ensuring cohesive branding, messaging consistency, and high-quality output.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align marketing initiatives with broader company objectives, driving brand awareness and customer engagement.

IT Technical Support Manager

Intel Corporation

Jan 2006 - Jan 2012

  • Recruited and managed a team of local and remote IT support staff
  • Oversaw day-to-day operation of the on-site computer service center
  • Managed trouble ticket queues for the entire support services department
  • Implemented policies and procedures to ensure customer satisfaction goals were met
  • Provided hardware and software support for Windows and Unix servers, desktops, and laptops
  • Asset management and auditing for all IT-owned equipment including computers, servers, and peripherals

Geek Squad Manager

Best Buy

2004 - 2005

  • Managed new PC sales, upgrades, and repairs, providing tailored solutions to meet customer needs.
  • Oversaw shipping and receiving processes for vendor and off-site repairs, ensuring timely and accurate service completion.
  • Handled customer notifications for completed services, maintaining clear communication and enhancing customer satisfaction.
  • Led back-office operations for the Geek Squad at the local store, ensuring seamless workflow, inventory management, and operational efficiency.

Certifications

  • CISSP
  • ServiceNow ITIL

Top Skills

  • Cybersecurity Strategy & Leadership
  • Incident Response & Crisis Management
  • Team Leadership & Development
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Risk Management & Vulnerability Assessment
  • Technical Support & Service Management
  • Security Tools & Technology Optimization
  • Digital Marketing & Media Production
  • Technical Troubleshooting & Support
  • Stakeholder Reporting & Metrics

Thought Leadership

Prime Cyber Insights

I created this daily podcast to make cybersecurity news, emerging threats, and industry innovations accessible. Built from scratch with Python and various APIs, it's a platform to keep people informed and engaged in the fast-moving world of cyber defense.

Neural Newscast

Neural Newscast is my AI-driven news podcast, delivering national and global news in both long and summary formats. It's fully powered by custom Python code I developed, bringing cutting-edge technology into the world of news media.

Endless Novels

Pioneering AI-driven storytelling through 'Endless Novels,' a podcast featuring procedurally generated narratives. Developed end-to-end with custom scripts to ensure continuity, quality, and audience engagement.

Engaging Presentations

My background in Communications has led to frequent speaking engagements on Technology and Cybersecurity. I'm often invited to share my insights, whether on current trends or the broader future of tech, with audiences of all types.

Cybersecurity Futurist

I enjoy exploring what's next in cybersecurity. With years of experience, I bring forward-looking insights on emerging trends and challenges, and I have a knack for spotting what's on the horizon that could reshape our field.

Creative Problem Solver

I thrive on tackling complex challenges with creative solutions, especially in tech and cybersecurity. Whether building a tool or optimizing a process, I enjoy finding fresh ways to make things work better.

Continuous Learner

My curiosity keeps me in a constant state of learning. Whether it's a new programming language, the latest in AI, or advancements in cybersecurity, I'm always looking to deepen my expertise and expand my toolkit.

Strategic Cybersecurity Leadership

As Director of Cyber Defense, I lead a dedicated team protecting our organization against ever-evolving threats. My goal is to build robust, proactive defenses and keep our operations safe in a dynamic security landscape.

Technology Enthusiast & Early Adopter

Technology is a genuine passion of mine—I'm constantly experimenting with new tools and gadgets to see what's possible. As an early adopter, I dive into understanding how things work, fueling both my curiosity and my drive to stay at the cutting edge.

Contact

Email

chad@thompsonchad.com

LinkedIn

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