Keith Brautigam is a dedicated IT and cybersecurity professional with a wealth of experience in identity and access management. Throughout his career, he has progressed through various roles, ultimately achieving leadership positions such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Penn State University. His work has consistently focused on improving security systems, enhancing IT infrastructures, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards across several organizations.

Born in San Diego, California, Keith moved with his family to the East Bay Area of San Francisco at a young age. His interest in technology developed early, and he was influenced by friends who owned Amiga and Atari computers. Initially, he was drawn to video games, but his passion quickly shifted toward optimizing computer performance to enhance his gaming experience. Later, his family moved again to Iowa City, Iowa, where he attended high school and pursued a Communication and Media Studies degree at the University of Iowa. This opportunity also allowed him to study abroad in Mérida, Venezuela.

After earning his degree, Keith faced a tough job market, particularly after the 1990s eCommerce collapse. He relocated to Research Triangle, North Carolina, where he worked as a supervisor at a Borders bookstore. Although this role was unrelated to his career goals, it provided him with valuable experience in leadership and customer service. Eventually, he returned to Iowa City and was offered an IT position at a medical research center. There, he began his career in IT, focusing on system administration and data security, especially in the context of HIPAA regulations.

Keith later transitioned to higher education, where he helped modernize systems and implement new technologies. His experience with Agile SCRUM software development practices led to his recruitment by the University of Iowa’s central IT department. In 2014, he joined Penn State University, where he advanced through various positions, eventually becoming CISO and Interim CIO. While at the university, he led several initiatives, including implementing the Shields Up cybersecurity program, which significantly strengthened the university’s security posture.

In 2023, he relocated to the Denver Metro Area and took on the Global Cybersecurity Director of Identity and Access Management role at Hunter Douglas. There, he established an IAM program, spearheaded the implementation of an identity governance system, and worked to improve security across multiple regions. Keith Brautigam’s career continues to reflect his expertise and leadership in IT and cybersecurity, and he remains committed to contributing to the field and making a lasting impact wherever he works.