CISO Council

Visionary, results and solutions-driven professional with 20+ years of experience in progressively responsible Cyber Security and IT leadership roles in the financial services, insurance, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, consumer goods,and chemical manufacturing industries. Adept in building and leading global Cyber Security, IT technical and support functions. Creative, resourceful problem solver with a track record of success in delivering cost-effective and value-added services to his customers. Additional experience in industrial engineering and process improvement. Specialties: Areas of expertise include: Cyber Security, Network Security,Application Security, Infrastructure Management and Security Incident Management, Disaster Recovery, Forensic Investigations, Operations Management, Financial Management, Project/Portfolio Management, Policy/Procedure Development, Budget Preparation, Strategic Planning, Process Design/Implementation, Risk Mitigation, Enterprise Architecture, IT Governance, Manufacturing/Laboratory Automation, Organizational Design, Vendor Audits, System, Start-Up Operations, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), Talent Development/Mentoring, International Team Management, and Regulatory Compliance

VJ Viswanathan is a veteran global technology executive recognized and awarded for technology innovation, capability transformation and inclusive leadership. Most recently, VJ is the founding partner at CYFORIX, a global cybersecurity research, advisory & strategy firm delivering solutions to public and private sectors. He serves as the CEO at TORQE, a specialized due diligence, advisory and technology services firm delivering value through analytics and automation. VJ is also the co-host of ELEVATEINTEL, a podcast series at the nexus of technology, social and defense.

With over 25 years of Enterprise technology, Cyber Security, Privacy, Compliance and Risk Management experience, VJ has a detailed track record of designing, implementing and leading highly successful programs, products & services at multinational brands spanning CPG, Telecom, Media, Supply-chain & Finance segments.
As a strategic thought leader, VJ has delivered the first of its kind "Supply Chain Security" & “Omni-channel Risk management” frameworks. As a published author and featured keynote speaker at global industry events, he approaches disruptive digital paradigms with innovation, creativity and active collaboration with his key industry peers, national & international law enforcement and defense groups.

VJ is an active advisor, investor at select incubators & accelerators groups. As a strategic advisor to VC & PE firms, he specializes in developing market analysis, competitive product road map and guides in opportunity mapping. As a Board member and subject matter advisor to CEOs and Corporate directors, VJ evaluates and audits cyber security program for veracity and operational effectiveness.

VJ is passionate about animal rights and giving back to the technology & security industry. He has created a rescue & foster care group for large breed dogs. He is actively engaged with academic institutions and purpose driven professional groups like ‘Minorities in Cyber security’, where he serves as the Board member and chair of mentorship programs to develop the next generation talent through coaching and facilitating scholarships for cyber security education.

Visionary, results and solutions-driven professional with 20+ years of experience in progressively responsible Cyber Security and IT leadership roles in the financial services, insurance, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, consumer goods,and chemical manufacturing industries. Adept in building and leading global Cyber Security, IT technical and support functions. Creative, resourceful problem solver with a track record of success in delivering cost-effective and value-added services to his customers. Additional experience in industrial engineering and process improvement. Specialties: Areas of expertise include: Cyber Security, Network Security,Application Security, Infrastructure Management and Security Incident Management, Disaster Recovery, Forensic Investigations, Operations Management, Financial Management, Project/Portfolio Management, Policy/Procedure Development, Budget Preparation, Strategic Planning, Process Design/Implementation, Risk Mitigation, Enterprise Architecture, IT Governance, Manufacturing/Laboratory Automation, Organizational Design, Vendor Audits, System, Start-Up Operations, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), Talent Development/Mentoring, International Team Management, and Regulatory Compliance

HealthPartners offers health insurance and care. Operating in six states including 90 clinics and hospitals. HealthPartners includes 1.8 million insured members and employs 26,000. Teresa provides strategic oversight and management of HealthPartners’ IT Risk and Compliance Programs; ensuring an annual minimum 30% reduction threshold in HealthPartners’ IT risk posture, addressing vulnerabilities, aligning IT’s control structure to regulatory requirements, and overseeing IT’s Service Management program. In addition to Information Technology Risk and Compliance oversight activities; provides subject matter expertise towards process improvement, disaster recovery, development efficiencies, ITIL functions, organizational structure, and IT Governance. V3 ITIL Manager, and ITIL Service Manager Practitioner; additionally earning the Certified Information System Auditor and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control Certifications. Teresa is an alumnus of the University of Iowa and the Mini Masters program at St Thomas University.

With over 30 years of experience in the IT industry, including more than two decades specializing in cybersecurity, I am a seasoned professional known for visionary leadership and comprehensive expertise in safeguarding organizations from evolving cyber threats. Key Highlights: * Cybersecurity Visionary: Throughout my career, I have consistently developed and executed robust cybersecurity strategies that align seamlessly with organizational objectives. I excel at protecting critical assets, data, and systems while proactively identifying and mitigating risks. My specialties encompass advanced threat analysis, cyber risk management, incident response, security architecture design, and regulatory compliance. As a cybersecurity visionary, I have pioneered solutions that fortify organizations against emerging threats. * Agility and Problem-Solving: My career has been marked by my ability to tackle complex challenges with agility and innovation. I leverage my expertise in cybersecurity methodologies, industry best practices, and compliance standards to provide effective solutions. * Mentorship and Leadership: I take pride in guiding and mentoring cybersecurity teams to excel in vulnerability assessment, threat detection, incident response, and recovery. I am deeply committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. * Communication and Work Ethic: My strong work ethic, exceptional interpersonal skills, and adept relationship-building capabilities are complemented by my proficiency in multitasking and effective communication. I thrive on embracing challenging tasks and delivering results. I am passionate about the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity and committed to contributing my expertise to secure and protect businesses in the digital age. Let's connect and explore opportunities to collaborate or share insights in this dynamic industry.

VJ Viswanathan is a seasoned global technology executive recognized and awarded for technology innovation, capability transformation and inclusive leadership. Most recently, VJ is the founding partner at CYFORIX, a global cybersecurity research, advisory & strategy firm delivering solutions to public and private sectors. He serves as the CEO at TORQE, a specialized due diligence, advisory and technology services firm delivering value through analytics and automation. VJ is also the co-host of ELEVATEINTEL, a podcast series at the nexus of technology, social and defense. With over 25 years of Enterprise technology, Cyber Security, Privacy, Compliance and Risk Management experience, VJ has a detailed track record of designing, implementing and leading highly successful programs, products & services at multinational brands spanning CPG, Telecom, Media, Supply-chain & Finance segments. As a strategic thought leader, VJ has delivered the first of its kind "Supply Chain Security" & “Omni-channel Risk management” frameworks. As a published author and featured keynote speaker at global industry events, he approaches disruptive digital paradigms with innovation, creativity and active collaboration with his key industry peers, national & international law enforcement and defense groups. VJ is an active advisor, investor at select incubators & accelerators groups. As a strategic advisor to VC & PE firms, he specializes in developing market analysis, competitive product road map and guides in opportunity mapping. As a Board member and subject matter advisor to CEOs and Corporate directors, VJ evaluates and audits cyber security program for veracity and operational effectiveness. VJ is passionate about animal rights and giving back to the technology & security industry. He has created a rescue & foster care group for large breed dogs. He is actively engaged with academic institutions and purpose driven professional groups like ‘Minorities in Cyber security’, where he serves as the Board member and chair of mentorship programs to develop the next generation talent through coaching and facilitating scholarships for cyber security education.