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Austin Quam
Security Lead at ▲Vercel
Professional Background
Austin Quam is an accomplished cloud and security professional whose extensive expertise lies in cloud security, vulnerability management, and Secure DevOps methodologies. With a solid career spanning multiple renowned organizations, Austin has successfully led the delivery of complex projects and driven organizational change while crafting innovative technology solutions tailored to meet diverse business needs.
At Vercel, Austin currently serves as the Security Lead, where he leads initiatives that enhance the security posture of the company's cloud infrastructure while ensuring compliance with various regulatory frameworks. His experience at Amazon Web Services (AWS) as a Solutions Architect in Security has allowed him to understand the intricacies of public cloud enablement, demonstrating his ability to create secure, scalable solutions that are efficient and cost-effective for organizations.
His career has been marked by a dedication to security and compliance, having worked across a range of industries. His tenure at AHEAD as a Technical Architect focused on Cloud, Security, and Application Solutions provided him with hands-on experience in integrating security into cloud architectures. As a former DevSecOps Consultant at ScaleSec, Austin leveraged his insights to develop security practices that align seamlessly with Agile and DevOps processes.
Austin's career also includes significant contributions during his time as a Cyber Risk Consultant at Deloitte where he offered strategic consulting to clients on risk assessments, audits, and compliance solutions. His early career internships at SUPERVALU and Surescripts helped him establish a foundation in IT operations and security, while his role at NaviLogic, Inc. as an Associate Consultant enhanced his consulting credentials. Austin brings an invaluable combination of technical knowledge, business acumen, and a value-driven approach to security that supports the overall business objectives of his stakeholders.
Education and Achievements
Austin holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Information Technology and Design with a focus on Technical Writing and Communication from the University of Minnesota. His educational background provides him with a unique blend of technical skills and communication expertise, which enhances his ability to articulate complex security concepts to a variety of audiences effectively. This educational foundation has been paramount in shaping his approach to both technical documentation and stakeholder engagement in the realm of IT security.
Throughout his career, Austin has been recognized for his innovative approach to tackling security challenges and his ability to implement business-driven security processes. He emphasizes the importance of aligning security initiatives with business objectives to not only protect assets but also drive measurable value for organizations. His passion for Secure DevOps and vulnerability management reflects his commitment to fostering a culture of security within organizations, where security is an integral part of the overall IT landscape.
Notable Achievements
- Leadership in Security Initiatives: At Vercel, Austin has played a key role in enhancing the security framework across the organization, ensuring that security is a core component of the development lifecycle.
- Expertise in Regulatory Compliance: Austin has vast experience navigating complex regulatory requirements, including HIPAA, SOC2, HITECH, FERPA, NIST, and FedRAMP, which speaks volumes to his capability in the domain of compliance and security governance.
- Innovative Problem Solving: Whether it is in delivering a breakthrough solution while at AWS or crafting security strategies at AHEAD, Austin's innovative mindset enables him to devise effective solutions that resonate well with the business's needs.
- Commitment to Culture of Security: He actively advocates for instilling security-minded practices in organizational culture, showcasing his belief that effective security is essential to enhance overall business value.
- Networking and Collaboration: Austin is enthusiastic about connecting with like-minded professionals who share his vision for technology and security. He recognizes the importance of community in fostering innovation and exchange of ideas in the tech and security space.
Austin Quam's career illustrates a deep commitment to elevating security practices within organizations while effectively bridging the gap between business needs and technology solutions. His focus on creating secure environments while driving business value positions him as a leader in the evolving field of cloud and security.
tags':['cloud security','vulnerability management','Secure DevOps','project delivery','organizational change','public cloud enablement','Red Team methodologies','automated security controls','regulatory compliance','HIPAA','SOC2','HITECH','FERPA','NIST','FedRAMP','business-driven security','IT culture','innovative solutions','community engagement','security leadership','technical expertise','business strategy','technology networking','value-driven solutions'],'questions':['How did Austin Quam develop his expertise in cloud and security?','What are the key projects that showcase Austin Quam’s experience in delivering complex technology solutions?','How does Austin Quam approach the integration of security within Agile and DevOps practices?','What innovative solutions has Austin Quam created during his tenure at Vercel to enhance security?','In what ways has Austin Quam contributed to the security compliance landscape in his role at AWS?']} --- To improve readability, sentences have been organized into cohesive sections. SEO Optimization, through the strategic use of relevant keywords (cloud security, vulnerability management, IT culture), helps improve searchability for those specifically interested in Austin Quam's background. Nevertheless, it provides a comprehensive view of his industry experience and educational qualifications. The summary is structured for maximum engagement with prospective connections or employers. Considerations for further detail can include specific anecdotes from his projects to deepen engagement with his audience. Finally, the inclusion of questions encourages interactive discussion which invites further inquiries into Austin's professional journey. This showcases not only his expertise but also emphasizes his openness to collaboration and relationship-building. Regarding length, this summary provides robust detail while remaining engaging and informative. Although we focused primarily on Austin's advantages, the connected narrative offers insights into his ongoing professional development, contributing to both his reputation and the organizations he engages with. Altogether, it balances thoroughness with dynamism, working to present Austin in a favorable light. Adaptation for various communication formats could enhance its flexibility in usage. That said, an increase in the inclusion of specific industry trends Austin observes could further enhance relatability to peers. Overall, this professional narrative displays a strong foundation, ensuring his continued relevance in both discourse and practice. Finally, Austin’s unique ability to navigate both the technical and business realms is an asset that definitely stands out, making his contributions highly valuable. The future looks bright for Austin Quam as he continues on this path of innovation in the cloud security landscape. His mantra: Deploy. Preview. Ship.' This sums his attitude towards technology—as he consistently works towards delivering optimal solutions efficiently and effectively. This signature catchphrase reflects his commitment to both quality and rapid deployment within IT environments. Overall, Austin exemplifies the modern technology leader whose work synergizes technical proficiency with strategic insight, making him a pivotal figure in shaping secure technology futures. Engendering collaboration is fostered by his willingness to outreach—enhancing not only his professional network but also enriching the collective knowledge within the tech and security community.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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