Tamika Bass, CISA, CRISC, CBCP, HCISPP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

An industry friend of mine recommended Gannett Fleming, and when I interviewed with Kevin Switala, our chief technology officer, I was intrigued by his vision for the firm and instantly wanted to be a part of it.

I’ve been on the team for more than a year now, and the company culture is amazing. I appreciate all of the initiatives outside our day-to-day work that senior leadership supports to encourage, empower, and equip employees to succeed.

As the cybersecurity director, I’m responsible for oversight of the security of our network and electronic data. I work closely with my team in IT Services to support our colleagues in providing outstanding service to our clients. I also provide cybersecurity support to the corporate business groups throughout the firm.

I typically focus on effective communication. As cybersecurity professionals, it’s important that we clearly communicate risks and the impact those risks can have on our organizations. We often have to help our colleagues find alternative ways to achieve their objectives securely, so it’s important that we have the skills to do so.

The financial and healthcare industries are very heavily regulated. There are many laws that they have to comply with to conduct business, which gives them a lot more leverage to implement controls that secure the environment. I think the AEC industry is moving in that direction, especially when it involves critical infrastructure.

I’m currently serving as a mentor in the Connected Relationships™ Mentoring Program. I instantly connected with my mentee. We talk often, and I encourage her to crush all of her goals, just like I know she can.

We’re working on implementing Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) controls to achieve CMMC 2.0 compliance by the end of 2023. This is a critical project for Gannett Fleming, as this compliance will influence our ability to obtain government contracts.

Witnessing the “aha!” moments my colleagues experience when they learn about cybersecurity and its importance.

Opportunities to innovate, which will directly influence the future of the firm.

A strong cybersecurity posture results in resiliency, along with increased client loyalty and trust in our ability to provide the services we offer.

When I was a state government chief information security officer, I worked with a team to transfer the largest revenue-generating system in the state to the cloud and ensure that data was secure. This was a huge accomplishment for us as it was one of the first systems in the state to be moved to the cloud.

I focus on effective communication and listening to understand. I also believe in operating with integrity in everything I do.

ACT – Action Changes Things. To make positive changes in your career, you have to be willing to take action even when it’s uncomfortable.

My ability to adapt has led me to my current position. I started my career in Georgia as a technical trainer, as I love all aspects of training and development. Shortly after I took the job, I was told that my role had changed due to a reorganization in the company, and I was in charge of information security. At the time, I had no idea what information security was or what I would be doing, so I went back to school to learn all about it. Instead of giving in to my fear of the unknown, I adapted and learned all I could about the subject, which is how I’ve gotten to where I am today.

Spending time with loved ones, shopping, and teaching.

I have two daughters; Taj (29) is a graduate of Clayton State University, and Kaylee (13) is in 7th grade. They are my greatest inspirations, along with my mom and brother, who is 15 years my junior.

Be your authentic self. There is only one you, so be the best you there is.

The main difference I’ve noticed is how quickly people move. In New Jersey, there is a sense of urgency in everything you do, but in Atlanta, everyone seems more relaxed and not in such a rush. You rarely hear people honk their car horns in the South. And now that I live here, when I’m in New Jersey visiting, I’m amazed at how impatient everyone is. The funny thing is that when I first moved down here, I was the same way, always in a rush and honking my horn. After 15 years, I’m finally slowing down a bit.

I’m an adjunct professor at Southern Crescent Technical College, with a passion for teaching and learning.

I would choose Paris, the “City of Love,” because I absolutely love love.