Gary Fish, President and Chief Executive Officer
Gary Fish is the founder and CEO of FishNet Security, Inc., headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. His career in the information security industry started over two decades ago and his innovative style of leadership has earned him recognition as a pioneer in the industry. Since founding FishNet Security in 1996, he has set the company's strategic direction and led it to become the largest independently owned information security solutions provider in the United States.
Throughout FishNet Security's history, Fish has demonstrated his strengths as both a leader and strategist. Through organic growth and acquisitions, the company has earned the trust of over 3,000 global customers in virtually all industries, acquired SiegeWorks LLC, True North Solutions and Acuity Solutions. Today, FishNet Security has revenues of close to $300 million, 27 global offices and over 300 employees. In total, Fish has raised over $112 million in private equity investments for the company.
Fish is a serial entrepreneur, involved in many business endeavors, holds advisory board positions with a number of global technology companies, and is an active angel investor. In addition to founding FishNet Security, he is also co-founder and CEO of Overland Park, Kansas-based Secure Passage, a successful software company.
Fish has earned honors and accolades from industry peers. Among his honors he was named one of the Top 25 Executives for the New Millennium in computer related fields. Ernst & Young honored him as the Technology Entrepreneur of the Year for the state of Kansas and Western Missouri, and CRN has honored him as a Security Superstar.
In addition to being heavily involved in business endeavors, Fish is very active in numerous charities and community associations.
Fish holds a degree in Electronics Technology from DeVry University and numerous technology and business certifications. He served in the US Army National Guard.
Steve Messick, Chief Sales Officer
Steve Messick has over 27 years of experience in software sales, with leadership roles in direct sales, telesales and multi-channel distribution. Messick is responsible for setting the strategic direction and leadership for the consulting, Strategic Services, Managed Security Services, training, and support lines of business for FishNet Security.
Prior to FishNet Security, Messick was president and CEO of Executive Strategy Associates, a consulting firm assisting small and medium businesses. Prior to that Messick was the Senior Vice President of Sales for the Americas at Symantec Corporation where he grew a $400 million business unit to $3.5 billion and 2,000 employees over seven years. At Symantec, Messick was responsible for all sales, services, technical services, OEM sales, online distribution, and channel partners in Canada, LAM, and the US. In addition, he had responsibility for Global Accounts, global strategy, and integrating 23 acquisitions into the business while exceeding plan 26 consecutive quarters. Earlier in his career, Messick held various senior management positions in sales at AXENT Technologies, Inktomi Corporation, Sybase, Powersoft, Legent, Knowledgeware and Morino Associates.
Messick holds a BA in Economics from the University of Richmond.
Mark Williams, Chief Financial Officer
As Chief Financial Officer for FishNet Security, Mark Williams provides strategic direction to the company and is responsible for all financial, accounting, tax and audit operations. As a member of the board of directors, his wide range of business experience and expertise contributes to the company's continued success in the information security industry.
Williams brings to FishNet Security over 17 years experience working with both publicly traded and privately held software and technology companies. Prior to joining FishNet Security, he spent six years with Mediware Information Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: MEDW), where he served as Chief Financial Officer. He also brings more than 10 years experience with public accounting firms, where he gained significant experience with mergers, acquisitions and capital markets.
Williams holds a BBA in Accounting from Wichita State University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Michael Volk, Chief Operating Officer
Michael Volk has a distinguished twelve year career in the information security and technology industries. In his position as COO, Volk is responsible for the day-to-day operation of FishNet Security's sales, consulting and marketing teams. In addition, Volk oversees the company's vision, strategic plans, budgets, financial forecasts, and acquisitions. Before joining FishNet Security, Volk was the president and COO of True North Solutions where he supervised all operational aspects of the company, including sales and delivery teams. During his tenure, he managed revenue growth from $0 to over $63 million. Earlier in his career, Volk held a variety of staff and management positions at IBM, Netrex Security Solutions, Baan, and the Air Force. He is currently a member of several partner advisory boards including RSA, Juniper Networks and Blue Coat Systems.
Volk has a Bachelors degree in Finance and a MBA in Management from Virginia Tech University.
Brandy Peterson, Chief Technology Officer
Brandy Peterson established an impressive career building and managing customer support offerings and providing security and IT leadership for FishNet Security. With more than twelve years at the largest security reseller and solutions provider in the United States, Mr. Peterson serves as the CTO, ensuring the company is well positioned to offer its customers industry-leading service and support through with cutting edge systems and technology.
In his role as CTO, Peterson has a staff of more than 10, and supports the company's 350 employees and 3,000 customers across the United States. Previously Mr. Peterson served as the Director of Technology for FishNet Security. He began his career at FishNet Security as a Systems Engineer.
Peterson earned his BS in mechanical engineering from Kansas State University.
Julio Sanchez, Executive Vice President of National Infrastructure
Julio Sanchez has over 20 years of business and technology experience and a history of providing leadership, direction and technical support. As executive vice president of FishNet Security's National Infrastructure team, Sanchez leads six account executives and six systems engineers who are responsible for providing network infrastructure consulting services and solutions for large service providers and small enterprise customers throughout the country.
Prior to coming to FishNet Security, Sanchez was founder and CEO of Acuity Solutions. Prior to being acquired by FishNet Security, he led Acuity to become one of the pre-eminent information security and network optimization solutions providers in the Southeast. Prior to founding Acuity, he held multiple senior management positions at IKON Office Solutions where he provided leadership, management direction, and technical guidance to the Service Response Team. During his tenure at IKON, he initiated the company's first hardware service department and grew it from three technicians to 20 while increasing profitability from $225,000 to $1.5 million. Responsible for customer satisfaction, his team successfully maintained a customer rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 against industry icons such as Hewlett Packard and IBM.
Sanchez holds an associate degree in computer engineering technology from Tampa Technical Institute and numerous industry certifications in leading hardware and software products and solutions.
Dave Gilden, Executive Vice President of Sales – Public Sector
Dave Gilden's career is distinguished by nearly 20 years of successful operational and sales management in the Security and Networking industry. As the Executive Vice President of Sales for the FishNet Public Sector Division, Gilden's organization includes 7 direct sales executives, 2 systems engineers and 2 business development professionals. Under Gilden's direction, FishNet Security has successfully entered into agreements with U.S. federal, state and local government agencies.
Prior to joining FishNet Security, Gilden was co-founder and COO of Acuity Solutions in Tampa, FL. While at Acuity, he managed sales and marketing operations and was instrumental in growing the company to $41M in revenues. Before founding Acuity Solutions, Gilden was Corporate Director for IKON Office Solutions, Inc., a Ricoh company. In his role at IKON, he was responsible for all operational aspects of the Technology Services Division, which accounted for 500M of annual revenue. Gilden is an advisory board member for industry leaders Juniper, F5, Riverbed and RSA.
Gilden holds a Bachelors degree in International Business from the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT.
Mike Bossert, Executive Vice President of Sales – Central Region
Mike Bossert has spent more than a decade developing revenue growth opportunities and defining sales direction for FishNet Security's Central region. Based on his leadership, Bossert's organization has grown to include 50 direct sales executives, systems engineers and business development professionals.
Bossert's customer centric attitude and focus on the information security industry have allowed him to successfully develop new sales and marketing programs, manage strategic vendor partnerships and consistently exceed annual revenue targets for FishNet Security. Prior to FishNet Security Bossert worked for United Parcel Service where he developed strategic logistic solutions for large enterprises. Throughout his career he has been a successful leader in corporate sales, business development, and new customer acquisition. He actively participates in partner advisory and industry panels discussing industry trends, information security issues, and customer requirements.
Bossert has a BS in financial management from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Michelle Torrey, Executive Vice President of Sales - Western Region
Michelle Torrey has over 22 years of sales experience in a number of technical disciplines including semiconductors, networking and information security. As the Executive Vice President of Sales for the western region, Torrey's organization includes 30 direct sales executives, systems engineers and business development professionals.
Prior to joining FishNet Security in 2006, Torrey was a founding employee at Check Point Software where she established the inside sales organization that generated $20 million in annual sales over seven years. Torrey also managed the OEM relationship with Nokia for four of those seven years. The Nokia/Check Point partnership has been touted as the second most successful hardware/software partnership simce that of Microsoft and Intel.
Torrey is a member of many community organizations including ISSA has been a guest speaker at many conferences where she educates attendees about IT security and its role within an organization.
Gordon Shevlin, Executive Vice President of Vendor Relations
Gordon Shevlin brings more than 25 years of technical, sales, marketing and management experience in the technology sector to his role as Executive Vice President of Vendor Relations at FishNet Security. Most recently he was part owner of Siegeworks in addition to EVP of Sales. During his tenure at SiegeWorks, he grew the company from 3 employees to 120 employees, with a West Coast and International presence and led it's successful acquisition by FishNet. Previously Gordon has held positions with both Nokia and ODS.
Additionally, Gordon has served multiple roles with ISSA including President and Vice President of Silicon Valley Chapter as well as CFO of ISSA International. He has held board positions for 3 consecutive terms. With his breadth of knowledge of the security industry, Gordon has been invited to serve on the advisory boards of 12 of the leading information security companies.
Aaron Shilts, Vice President of Professional Services
As vice president of professional services, Aaron Shilts brings over 15 years of industry experience to his chief responsibility: preservation of FishNet Security's reputation as a leader in information security professional services. To achieve this goal, Shilts leads a nationwide team of more than 100 FishNet Security consultants, providing strategic direction for each practice area and ensuring that FishNet Security services are well aligned with customers' needs. Under his leadership, FishNet Security has grown its consulting practice an average of 55 percent per year.
Before joining FishNet Security, Shilts served as a senior consultant for VeriSign, delivering security solutions to its customers worldwide. Before VeriSign, he founded and ran eSecurity Consulting, Inc., a security consulting firm that serviced dozens of customers throughout the United States. Earlier in his career, Shilts served as a senior security engineer in telecommunications, leading teams of technical engineers performing network security and systems administration functions.
Shilts holds a BS in business computer information systems from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota; served proudly in the Army National Guard; and holds a variety of technical certifications.
Tom Schmatz, Vice President of Support Services
Tom Schmatz has over twenty five years of experience working in the information security environment and is considered as an expert across multiple technology disciplines. In his position as vice president of support and managed services, Schmatz established the company's managed services programs and is responsible for providing leadership to a team of security professionals delivering world class 24x7 support and managed services.
Prior to FishNet Security, Schmatz managed technology teams for two prominent law firms, Shook, Hardy & Bacon and Stinson, Mag & Fizzell that provided support for information technology systems and productivity tools to assist in the litigation process. Earlier in his career, Schmatz worked for Knight-Ridder Financial Services where he was responsible for product management, technical and support services and led the development of progressive customer service models. Schmatz is considered an expert in Security Operations Management, Risk Management strategies, Security Program Management and Solutions development and is a member of many FishNet Security partner advisory boards including Juniper, Blue Coat and f5 Networks.
Schmatz is a graduate of DeVry University and holds both ISC2-CISSP and ISACA-CISM industry certifications.
Barry Cooper, Vice President of Education Services
Barry Cooper has over 20 years of experience in information technology and has designed and provided training for technical courses for over 15 years. Cooper has significant expertise in systems analysis, programming and network engineering. Cooper is responsible for security education services, operations, management and leadership of the SecureSkills training organizations. In addition, he manages vendor, security and distance learning product development.
Under Cooper's guidance, FishNet Security has expanded its SecureSkills training program to include 18 national training centers offering well over 100 courses. He also developed FishNet Security's Computer-Based Training (CBT) and virtual remote training delivery systems from the ground up.
Cooper has over 70 multiple high-level security and technical certifications including CISSP, JNCI (Juniper instructor), CCSI (CheckPoint instructor), CTT+ (Certified Technical Trainer). He is a member of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and the United States Distance Learning Association.
Cooper earned a BS in organizational leadership from Calvary Bible College and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in education.
Mark Carney , Vice President of Strategic Services
Mark Carney has over 10 years of experience in the information security industry with significant expertise in the information security risk management, regulatory and privacy compliance, vulnerability management, application and database security, and incident management fields. At FishNet Security, Carney has worked with industry practitioners and CISOs to solve business and security challenges. He built the Information Assurance division into a multi-million dollar line of business, started the Payment Card Industry security and compliance practice, and led efforts enabling the company to become a Visa Qualified Incident Response Assessor (QIRA), and MasterCard Qualified Forensic Investigator (QFI).
Before joining FishNet Security in 2002, Carney spent two years at Anderson in the Technology Risk Consulting division concentrating on information security, enterprise resource planning (ERP), application integrity, data mining analysis, and quality assurance testing. As an industry speaker, he has presented at various regional events and conferences, including ISSA, ISACA, HTCIA and Secure360, has served on the board of directors for the local Kansas City-ISSA chapter, and is a member of the local ISACA and InfraGard. As an industry thought leader, he has published papers and articles in various journals and periodicals, including Secure Computing (SC) and Chief Security Officer (CSO) Magazine.
Carney holds a both a Bachelors in Business Administration and an MBA, with an emphasis in management information systems, from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Dan Thormodsgaard, Director of Solutions Architecture
Dan Thormodsgaard has over two decades of experience in the information technology industry and engineering field. As the director of solutions architecture for FishNet Security, Thormodsgaard is a strategic advisor of Fortune 50, enterprise accounts and government institutions. He supports customers' long-term security infrastructure initiatives, evaluates security tools and provides technology recommendations for customers and FishNet Security's partner program.
Thormodsgaard joined FishNet Security in 2002, prior to his current role, he was the regional manager for FishNet Security's Minnesota region and spent several years as a sales engineer. Before joining FishNet Security, he served as a principle consultant at Midwest Systems. He has presented as a keynote speaker for wireless security events at ISWT and has spoken on other security topics at various national ISSA and ISACA chapter events.
Thormodsgaard holds a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Minnesota, and a number of specialized technical certifications, including CCSE, CCNP, CCSA, CCNA, MCSE and other security and infrastructure certifications.