Brian Rhodes

Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Operations

Fractional CISO turning complexity into clarity—practical security, calm leadership, and systems that actually work.

Brian Rhodes leads technology and security organizations with a drive stemming from the simple conviction that systems exist to serve people, not the other way around. Bringing years of leadership experience, he approaches each challenge with a focus on building robust, user-centric solutions. Brian is known for his strategic vision, capacity to navigate complex landscapes, and commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and security. His career is marked by successful transformations, driving efficiency and excellence across operations.

Hire Brian

Testimonials

Brian is a trustworthy expert in Internal IT Compliance & Policy development!
TB
Tad Brockway
Chief Technology Officer, Bible Study Fellowship International
Brian has boundless energy and vision for how IT should function in an organization. Better yet, he has the skills and experience to deliver, with a strong track record to prove it. I've known Brian for over 20 years and watched him mature into a world-class executive IT professional. His specialty and passion is IT security (CISO), but he has the skills to run the entire IT organization.
ML
Matt Lindell
Senior Director, Compassion International

Work

Information Security Risk Assessment
Led a NIST CSF 2.0-based cybersecurity maturity assessment for a large construction firm with DoD-adjacent contracts. Identified key gaps in governance, vulnerability management, incident response, and recovery. Delivered target maturity modeling, subcategory scoring, and prioritized roadmaps. Provided executive-level briefings, funding estimates, and strategic recommendations to move from Level 1.88 to 3.1 maturity over 3–4 years.
- CIO Advisory
- Risk Management
Information Security Policy Overhaul
Led a full information security policy overhaul, modernizing legacy controls into a clear, risk-based, NIST-aligned framework. Consolidated fragmented policies, clarified ownership and accountability, and tailored standards to real operational maturity. Result: policies leaders actually use—enabling compliance, faster decisions, and measurable risk reduction without slowing the business.
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Compliance

Experience

Compassion International
VP of IT Security and Operations
Feb 2012 - Present
Compassion International shares the hope of the gospel in word and action, releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name. We care for vulnerable children — mind, body and soul — with programs delivered through local churches in their communities.
- Executive oversight of Information Security, IT Datacenter Operations, IT Cloud Operations, End-User Computing and Global Service Desk in 29 countries.
United States Navy - Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Enterprise Network Support Manager
Jun 2010 - Nov 2011
United States Naval Base Guantanamo Bay supports U.S. and allied naval operations in the Caribbean region by providing logistics, maritime security, humanitarian support, and regional stability. The base enables fleet readiness, contingency response, and cooperation with partner nations while sustaining a permanent U.S. military presence in the hemisphere.
- Selected to serve as the acting director of the Naval Station Information Systems Department for 6 weeks while a full-time candidate was chosen.
- Received a letter of appreciation from Rear Admiral Alexander Townsend, Commander of Navy Region Southeast, for my time as the acting director.
- Eliminated 97.4% of ~50,000 vulnerabilities identified by eEye Retina by applying group policy, DISA STIGs, and targeted patching, resulting in a successful 3-year network accreditation.
NANA Pacific
Senior Systems Engineer
Dec 2008 - Jun 2010
To improve the quality of life for our people by maximizing economic growth, protecting and enhancing our lands and promoting healthy communities with decisions, actions and behaviors inspired by our Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat values consistent with our core principles.
- Managed the receipt, integration and return of $25m worth of land/mobile radio, information technology and satellite equipment from 14 different states.
- Developed complex technical documentation in accordance with the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DODAF) for the Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC) platform.
- Developed training materials and coordinated to conduct training in 14 states including Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
InSolutions, Inc.
Senior Systems Engineer
Sep 2007 - Dec 2008
Consult with small, medium and large businesses across the front range of Colorado and provide a wide range of information technology recommendations, integrations and maintenance.
- Built the technology systems for Woodland Park Family Practice from scratch including network, servers, dictation and the electronic health records system.
- Laid the ground work to convert the Transportation Technology Center's phone systems from analog to Voice over IP.
- Provided full-scope maintenance and technical consulting to over 25 individual companies, simultaneously.
United States Army
Information Systems Operator / Analyst
Jun 1999 - Sep 2007
The United States Army Signal Corps enables mission command by providing reliable, secure, and resilient communications and information systems. It ensures commanders can communicate, see, decide, and act across all domains, from tactical operations to strategic leadership, in any environment.
- Promoted to the Information Assurance Manager of Zoeckler Station, a small enclave of Camp Humpreys. As the IAM, worked to overhaul the vulnerability management program, reducing vulnerabilities by 95% over the course of 3 months.
- Served as Acting NCOIC for communications in the 57th Signal Brigade as an E-4, filling an E-7 role. Led 11 personnel and managed a 46-node WAN supporting a full U.S. division with 99% uptime during exercises.