Mark Garton

Senior Director of IT Governance and Data Strategy at O'Reilly Auto Parts

Information security professionals should be business enablers. When business risk is well understood, better decisions are made. I see it as my responsibility to understand IT and Cyber risks and ensure the best business outcomes are achieved. If the answer is always "no", then it is likely risk is not understood. Managing compliance, software quality assurance, information security, risk, and change management teams has provided me a unique view of the business and IT operations. It allows for the improvement of operational process and procedures to achieve both operational efficiency while improving security. I understand the need to collaborate with operational leaders to achieve business requirements and strategic goals, while protecting company assets. I would describe myself as a problem solver that loves process improvement. I not only enjoy working with teams to solve difficult problems, but also helping my team members succeed on an individual level. Specialties: IT Security, Cybersecurity, Security Operations, PCI Security Standards, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning, IT Service Management, Staff Development, and Leadership.