Keith Brautigam is a highly skilled IT and cybersecurity expert with significant experience in identity and access management. Throughout his career, he has moved from roles in systems administration to leadership positions, including Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Penn State University. His career has been centered around improving security, optimizing IT systems, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations in various organizations. Keith was born in San Diego, California, and relocated to the East Bay Area of San Francisco with his family when he was two. His early fascination with technology was fueled by friends who owned Amiga and Atari computers. While initially interested in video games, he quickly shifted to improving computer performance to enhance his gaming experience. Later, the family moved to Iowa City, Iowa, where he attended high school and went on to pursue a degree in Communication and Media Studies at the University of Iowa. This also offered him the opportunity to study abroad in Mérida, Venezuela. After completing his degree, Keith faced a difficult job market, mainly due to the downturn of the eCommerce industry in the 1990s. He moved to Research Triangle, North Carolina, where he worked as a supervisor at a Borders bookstore. Although the position was not in his field of study, it allowed him to develop essential leadership and customer service skills. Eventually, he returned to Iowa City and accepted an IT position at a medical research center, which marked the beginning of his IT career. He focused on system administration and data security, specifically in compliance with HIPAA regulations. Keith transitioned to higher education, where he worked on modernizing IT systems and introducing new technologies. His experience with Agile SCRUM software development practices led to his recruitment by the University of Iowa’s central IT department. In 2014, he was recruited to Penn State University, where he moved through multiple positions, eventually becoming CISO and Interim CIO. During his tenure at the university, he led several impactful projects, including implementing the Shields Up cybersecurity program, which enhanced the university's overall security. In 2023, he moved to the Denver Metro Area and joined Hunter Douglas as the Global Cybersecurity Director of Identity and Access Management. In this role, he quickly established an IAM program, led the implementation of an identity governance system, and worked to improve security across various regions. Keith Brautigam’s career continues to be marked by his expertise and leadership in IT and cybersecurity, and he remains dedicated to advancing security in the organizations he serves.