Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Karen Campbell is a seasoned Chief Information Security Officer with extensive experience in cybersecurity, IT governance, risk, and compliance management. She specializes in safeguarding mission-critical systems and data across diverse industries, including higher education, legal services, energy, and healthcare.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Information Security Officer at the Texas A&M University System, Karen is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive security strategies to protect the institution's digital assets. She leads a team of security professionals in assessing threats, implementing robust controls, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness. Under her guidance, the Texas A&M University System has strengthened its security posture, mitigating risks and ensuring business continuity.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Karen held senior security and compliance positions at leading organizations, including Mitratech, Worley, CHRISTUS Health, Korn Ferry Futurestep, and DR Horton. She has a proven track record of successfully managing complex IT security and compliance projects, driving process improvements, and delivering measurable results. Karen's diverse background also includes stints as a consultant at prestigious firms like Ernst & Young, KPMG, and PwC, where she honed her expertise in audit, compliance, and risk management.
Academic Background
Karen holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated with distinction. She is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), demonstrating her commitment to ongoing professional development and the application of industry-leading security practices.
Areas of Expertise
- Cybersecurity strategy and implementation
- IT governance, risk, and compliance management
- Security operations and incident response
- Cloud security and digital transformation
- Regulatory compliance and audit management
- Vendor risk assessment and management
- Security awareness training and change management
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Karen has led numerous high-profile projects that have had a significant impact on the organizations she has served. As the Global IT Security and Compliance Manager at Worley, she spearheaded the development and rollout of a companywide security awareness program, which resulted in a 35% reduction in security incidents. At CHRISTUS Health, she played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of a comprehensive GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) platform, enhancing the organization's ability to identify and mitigate risks.
Conclusion
With over 20 years of experience in information security and compliance, Karen Campbell is a seasoned professional dedicated to safeguarding organizations against evolving cyber threats. In her current role as the Chief Information Security Officer at the Texas A&M University System, she continues to drive innovative security strategies and foster a culture of cybersecurity excellence, positioning the institution at the forefront of data protection and risk management.
