Our Team
Part of the team that helps our security ninjas be more ninja-y.
John Strand
Owner & Security AnalystJohn Strand has both consulted and taught hundreds of organizations in the areas of security, regulatory compliance, and penetration testing. He is a coveted speaker and much loved SANS teacher. John is a contributor to the industry-shaping Penetration Testing Execution Standard and 20 Critical Controls frameworks. Pay-What-You-Can Training Courses: SOC Core Skills Getting Started in […]
CJ Cox
COOCJ Cox is the Chief Operating Officer for Black Hills Information Security (BHIS). He joined the team in 2016 and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and business capture of BHIS. CJ has over 25 years of experience in the IT industry as a systems administrator as well as an information system security officer, […]
Heather Doerges
Project ManagerHeather Doerges began with Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) in October 2015 and has found success in her Project Manager/Scheduling role. Heather has a B.S. in Health Sciences from the University of Wyoming and worked in the teaching profession prior to her time at BHIS. Heather loves working for BHIS because it feels like a […]
Melisa Wachs
DirectorMelisa Wachs has been with the Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) administrative team since the company’s origin in 2008. She serves as a Director with a variety of roles including business capture, client relations, human resources, and report editing.
Bryan Strand
Manager of Business CaptureBryan Strand began working for Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) in 2017 as a Manager of Business Capture and a Consultant. Prior to joining the team at BHIS, he worked in a variety of fields including psychology, sales, and aviation. Currently, Bryan is responsible for communicating with clients and guiding them toward a better security […]
Laura Seumanutafa
Logistics DirectorLaura Seumanutafa is from American Samoa and is bilingual, speaking Samoan & English fluently. She joined the Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) team as the Logistics Director in April of 2018 after completing her bachelor’s degree at Black Hills State University. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the logistics department and her favorite part of […]
Marita Rasche
AccountingMarita Rasche began her time at Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) as an intern in 2016 and is now the Director of Accounting and a certified CPA. Her daily work includes invoicing, paying bills, statistical analysis, bringing money in, and sending money out. She chose to work at BHIS following her internship here because she […]
Jennipher Creed
AccountingJennipher Creed is originally from San Diego, CA (born and raised), and moved to South Dakota one and a half years ago. She, her husband, and daughter are loving the small town of Spearfish and all it has to offer. She has her Bachelor’s in Accounting and 14+ years of experience.
Derrick Rauch
System AdministrationDerrick Rauch (DRock) took on his role of Systems Administrator in early 2018. He maintains and manages infrastructure, and altogether makes sure that things are always in motion and running smoothly. Prior to Derrick’s time at Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) he worked at a local MPS as a Senior Systems Administrator and made the […]
Kent Ickler
Sys Admin / Security AnalystKent Ickler has been a Penetration Tester, Security Analyst, and Systems Administrator for Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) since 2017. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology Management and a Master’s in Business Management. Kent’s education and management background allow him to be realistic and practical when aiding customers with evaluating risk on their […]
Jordan Drysdale
Sys Admin / Security AnalystJordan Drysdale has been with the Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) family since December 2015. He is a Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, and a member of the systems administration team. Jordan came to BHIS with a strong background, including many years in networking tech support and engineering for HP, UNi, and Managed Services — he […]
James Marrs
SOC Analyst / Sys AdminJames Marrs started his journey with Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) as an intern while working on his B.S. of Computer Science at South Dakota State University. During his time as an intern, James gained experience in systems administration, penetration testing, web development, and automation. He has contributed to multiple versions of Active Defense Harbinger […]
Tom Smith
Business AnalystTom Smith joined the Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) team in 2021 as a Business Analyst. He works with clients to identify their correct testing solution needs and proposal requests. Prior to his time at BHIS, he directed a business operations team in real estate. He decided it was time to make the switch when […]
Logan Bender
Business AnalystLogan Bender joined Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) as a Business Analyst in September 2021. Previously working as a technology advisor, Logan now advises clients on BHIS’s services and provides recommendations for improving security posture. He is excited to be part of an organization that is so involved in providing quality security content to the community, […]
Jason Blanchard
Content & Community DirectorJason Blanchard has been happily adopted into the hacker community at Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) since 2019, even though he “works in marketing.” He’s had every dream job imaginable: teaching filmmaking, owning the world’s most famous comic book store, and fostering the infosec community efforts for SANS. While some at BHIS call him the […]
Deb Wigley
Community ManagerDeb Wigley is the Community Manager for Black Hills Information Security (BHIS). She joined the team in 2019 after celebrating 20 years of working in customer engagement and satisfaction in the Automotive Industry. She brings her passion for helping and serving people to the work she does at BHIS. The part of her role she […]
Serena Dipenti
Security Analyst and Content CreatorSerena DiPenti joined Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) in April 2022, after previously working as a network engineer at Cisco. As a Security Analyst and Content Creator, she communicates pentester concepts through content. Serena chose to join BHIS because she wanted to be a part of a company that fosters community. She values the flexibility […]
Ryan Poirier
Video Production & EditorRyan Poirier began his time at Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) as the Video Producer and Editor in August 2020. Ryan polishes and perfects every webcast, podcast, and workshop on the BHIS, ACM, and WWHF YouTube Channels. Prior to Ryan’s time at BHIS, he worked for one of the largest public schools in the United […]
Kassie Kimball
Content ManagerKassie Kimball joined Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) in the fall of 2021 as the Content Manager. She reviews anything and everything that has to do with words and is involved in overseeing the PROMPT# zine that BHIS publishes. Kassie was already working with BHIS’s Content & Community Team as a freelance editor when she received […]