About Me

More than 20 years of technology experience, increasingly focusing on cybersecurity with a specific passion for securing Industrial Control Systems and critical infrastructure. Acting as evangelist and building relationships between developers, researchers, law enforcement and security professionals around the globe I am dedicated to ensuring safe drinking water and electricity remain uninterrupted and available throughout North America.

Recognizing the value of a strong community, I devote countless hours in leadership roles on key cyber security associations and initiatives including: Canadian Cybersecurity Alliance, (ISC)² Alberta Chapter, Control System Cyber Security Association International (CS)²AI, Calgary Security Professionals Information Exchange (SPIE), and Calgary Bsides.

I am also passionate about ensuring kids are protected online. A frequent, respected and influential speaker, I regularly share my family’s personal stories about cyber bullying, online predatory behavior, and raising children in the social media age to help the community help each other.

Contact Details

Najo R. Ifield
587.215.8809
najo.ifield at outlook.com

Download Resume

Skills

  • Repeated success in developing long term, loyal business partnerships with senior security and business leaders who have critical infrastructure accountabilities.
  • Developing and delivering persuasive presentations building general cyber security awareness and highlighting specific organization capabilities to solve problems and deliver value.
  • Leads by example with a commitment to service excellence, flawless delivery and post-sales follow through.
  • Valued contributor and champion for cyber security communities with local, national and global responsibilities.
  • ICS Cybersecurity
  • Risk Assessment
  • Incident Response
  • Strategic Roadmap Development
  • Workshop Management
  • Marketing & Brand Management
  • Vendor Channel Management
  • Solution Delivery

Work

Accenture

Business Development - ISC Cyber Security • September 2016 - February 2017

  • Identified and acquired ICS cyber security consulting opportunities within Accenture’s growing Resources division.
  • Target clients consisted of medium and large oil and gas companies, and major public energy companies.
  • In most cases the drive for security comes from the CIO/CISO while the budget for remediation lies with the operations lead. Relationship development is required at both injection points for the sale to be sponsored, budgeted and closed; often building relationships and awareness within the client organization is the first step.
  • Within the first 14 months following hire, successfully procured 10,000 hours of consulting to deliver risk assessment, incident response planning, strategic roadmap development and operational delivery procedures.

Accuvant

Named Account Manager • October 2014 - June 2015

  • Built regional brand awareness by leveraging extensive relationships in established cyber security communities and targeted, executive marketing events.
  • Worked closely and proactively with vendor partners to identify mutually beneficial opportunities and champion their technology to clients. Maintained a current understanding of partner pricing models and deal registration programs to ensure efficient and streamlined delivery.
  • Clearly communicate expectations with clients, vendors and delivery staff throughout the sales lifecycle to ensure satisfaction of all parties and maximum effectiveness of the delivery.

TELUS Communications Inc., TELUS Security Solutions

Director Business Development • Feburary 2013 - October 2014

  • Consistently exceeded sales, revenue and profit objectives month over month.
  • Reporting to the Vice President, TELUS Security Solutions, I was expected to grow the cyber security business across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba as well as nationally within the energy vertical.
  • Directly accountable for management of the sales team, oversight of the Security professional services team, planning, creation and delivery of marketing events focused on the delivery of managed security services, consulting and advisory services, and product resale and integration.
  • Exploited understanding of the business impacts of cyber security risks to establish lasting relationships with senior client executives.
  • Productive integration with other business unit sales teams within TELUS to identify and recommend cross-product opportunities to leverage security as a differentiator and enhanced revenue opportunity.
  • Development and management of direct and indirect sales channels, partnerships and local strategic contacts in the industry across the spectrum of cyber security solutions: firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, SIEM, endpoint and mobile security, data leakage protection vulnerability management and GRC automation.
  • As a member of the TELUS Security Solutions national senior leadership team, I participated in the definition and execution of the Security business unit objectives while balancing the competing objectives of regional business units each with unique operating cultures.

Trend Micro Canada

Channel Development Manager • November 2009 - December 2011

  • Increased channel participation 300% through classroom education, marketing events, deal registration program and leveraging global manufacturer alliances to increase company profile.
  • Reporting to the Canadian Director of Channels and Marketing, I maximized the revenue potential of Trend Micro products within channel partners.
  • Accountable for planning, organizing and managing all channel related functions to achieve the company objectives for revenue growth, profits and visibility.
  • Developed annual business plans which established revenue and non-revenue objectives which included events, certifications, technical training and other strategic metrics for the channel partners.

Accuetrust Security

Senior Account Manager • January 2009 - November 2009

  • Drove the selling cycle of several multi-million dollar, multi-year deals often initiated through competitive RFP process.

Long View Systems

Corporate Account Manager • January 2007 - January 2009

  • Reporting to the Director of Sales, was responsible for closing professional service deals and hardware sales across the company’s 11 core practices.
  • Improved revenue growth rate by 625% and increased margin from 30% to 45%

Education

University of Saskatchewan

Bachelor of Commerce• April 2007

Client Testimonials

  • Najo is an exceptional person to work with. She recognizes the long term benefits of excellent solution delivery and retains ownership of every engagement ensuring all parties are satisfied in the end. I trust her opinion and often seek out her advice.

    Steve Biswanger, Director Information Security

  • More awesome things to be said about Najo! here.

    Cast of thousands

Get In Touch.

Do you need help achieving your ICS Cybersecurity goals, or are you still trying to figure them out? I am here to help:

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