Keith Brautigam

Keith Brautigam is a highly experienced IT and cybersecurity professional specializing in identity and access management. Over the years, he has advanced through various roles, ultimately achieving leadership positions, including Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Reputed University. His career has consistently focused on strengthening security measures, optimizing IT infrastructure, and ensuring regulatory compliance across sectors. Keith was born in San Diego, California, and at two years old moved to the East Bay Area of San Francisco. He developed an interest in technology early on, influenced by friends with Amiga and Atari computers. Initially captivated by video games, he became more interested in optimizing computer performance to enhance his gaming experience. Later, his family moved to Iowa City, Iowa, where he attended high school and earned a degree in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Iowa. This provided him with the opportunity to study abroad in Mérida, Venezuela. After completing his degree, Keith faced a challenging job market, especially after the 1990s eCommerce collapse. He moved to the Research Triangle in North Carolina and worked as a supervisor at a Borders bookstore. Though the role was not aligned with his long-term career goals, it allowed him to develop valuable customer service and leadership skills. He eventually returned to Iowa City and accepted an IT position at a medical research center. This marked the beginning of his career in IT, where he worked on system administration, security, and compliance, particularly in the context of HIPAA regulations. Keith later transitioned into higher education, where he worked to modernize internal processes and implement 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 moved to Big University, where he quickly rose to the CISO and Interim CIO roles. During his time there, he led several initiatives, including implementing the Shields Up cybersecurity program, which greatly enhanced the university's security. In 2023, he relocated to the Denver Metro Area and joined Hunter Douglas as the Global Cybersecurity Director of Identity and Access Management. In this role, he established an IAM program, implemented an identity governance system, and improved security across multiple regions. Keith Brautigam's career continues to be marked by his leadership and expertise in IT and cybersecurity, and he remains committed to driving innovation and ensuring strong security wherever he works.