Blake Penn, information security policy and compliance manager for cyber security at the Georgia Institute of Technology, will become Colgate University’s first chief information security officer and director of information security, beginning March 15, 2021.
“We look forward to welcoming Blake to campus as he takes up this important role,” says Chief Information Officer Niranjan Davray. “Colgate is committed to ensuring the safety of data entrusted to us by members of our community and those who engage with us. The establishment of the CISO position within Information Technology Services underscores that commitment — and our Third-Century Plan intention to bring the best and brightest to Colgate.”
As CISO, Penn will provide operational oversight on issues of data privacy and information security, including data compliance, business continuity, user awareness, incident response, operational security, and more. He will also provide leadership in developing information security policies and best practices.
Penn’s career in cybersecurity spans nearly two decades, with duties ranging from engineering to executive management. Prior to joining the Georgia Institute of Technology, he served as director of information security at the CPA firm KirkpatrickPrice. He spent eight years as a principal consultant at cybersecurity company Trustwave and has also served as CISO at University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.
Currently completing his doctorate in public administration at Valdosta State University, Penn holds a BS in applied biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in computer science from Columbus State University.
The national search for Colgate’s CISO, among a strong pool of candidates, was carried out by Davray, alongside Dan Partigianoni, assistant vice president for finance and administration; Ken Segall, professor of physics; Lindsey Hoham, director of advancement operations; and Sarah Curtis, classroom digital media and events manager.
“I want to thank my fellow search committee members for engaging with this process even as they were participating in the University’s pandemic response. I also want to recognize Provost Tracey Hucks and Christopher Wells, senior advisor to the president, for making this a strategic priority,” Davray says.