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 such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Penn State University. His career has consistently focused on strengthening security measures, optimizing IT infrastructure, and ensuring compliance with regulations across different sectors. Keith was born in San Diego, California; when he was two years old, he 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 pursued a Communication and Media Studies degree at the University of Iowa. This provided him with the opportunity to study abroad in Mérida, Venezuela. After completing his degree, Keith faced a difficult job market, especially after the 1990s eCommerce collapse. He moved to Research Triangle, 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 on modernizing internal processes and implementing 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 Penn State University, where he quickly rose, eventually becoming CISO and Interim CIO. 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 worked to improve security across various 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.