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Christie Brandt
IT Security Project Manager at Consultant on assignment at Allianz Life
Professional Background
Chanda Brandt is a highly skilled IT Security Project Manager with extensive experience in managing and delivering projects across various sectors, particularly in IT security. With a strong emphasis on project management, security protocols, process improvements, and compliance, Chanda has established herself as a valuable asset to organizations striving to enhance their operational readiness and security landscape. Her career spans numerous prestigious firms, where she has successfully overseen IT security initiatives that ensure adherence to industry standards and regulations.
Currently, Chanda is serving as an IT Security Project Manager as a Consultant on assignment at Allianz Life. In this role, she leverages her considerable expertise to drive projects that fortify security measures and streamline operations. Prior to her current position, she made significant contributions as an IT Security Project Manager at Target Corporation, where she oversaw critical projects that bolstered the company's security infrastructure.
Chanda’s professional journey also includes a notable tenure at NetSPI, where she held the position of Manager of the Project Management Office (PMO). In this capacity, she played a crucial role in shaping the project management framework and aligning it with the organization’s strategic objectives. Additionally, her experience extends to key positions at UnitedHealth Group - Optum and GMAC-RFC, where she focused on compliance and security project management, ensuring that projects not only met deadlines but also adhered to rigorous security standards.
Her multifaceted career also includes roles as an IT Project Manager for various organizations, such as Best Buy and American Express, where she applied her project management acumen to integrate robust IT solutions. Chanda is known for her ability to navigate complex project landscapes and foster collaboration among diverse teams, facilitating a culture of success and accomplishment.
Education and Achievements
Chada Brandt has a solid educational foundation that underpins her professional capabilities. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Minnesota, which provided her with strong analytical skills and a systematic approach to problem-solving that is essential in IT security and project management domains. While her academic focus was initially on the sciences, her career trajectory has led her to the tech industry, where she has successfully bridged her scientific knowledge with IT security practices.
In terms of formal certifications, Chanda is a Project Management Professional (PMP), a credential she has earned from the Project Management Institute (PMI) and has maintained since 2000. This certification demonstrates her commitment to the field of project management and her ability to apply best practices in managing projects effectively. Additionally, she is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), which she held from 2003-2015, showcasing her extensive knowledge in information security best practices and management.
Chanda is also a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) since 2015, highlighting her expertise in Agile methodologies and her capacity to lead teams in adopting Scrum as a framework to improve product delivery and collaboration.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Chanda Brandt has achieved notable recognition for her contributions in IT security and project management. By leading various high-stakes projects, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in ensuring project delivery that meets both functional and non-functional requirements. Her ability to integrate security within the scope and execution of projects has made her a sought-after professional in the IT field.
In her role at Allianz Life, Chanda has successfully initiated multiple projects that implement advanced security measures, safeguarding sensitive data and enhancing the overall security posture of the organization. Her efforts in ensuring compliance and mitigating risks have helped organizations navigate through the challenges posed by cybersecurity threats effectively.
Moreover, during her time at UnitedHealth Group - Optum, Chanda cultivated a compliant and secure environment that encouraged innovation while adhering to regulatory standards. Her leadership and strategic vision have further contributed to establishing a culture of security awareness within the organizations she has contributed to.
Chanda's approach to project management is characterized by a strong emphasis on collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Her knack for fostering relationships among teams and management ensures that projects not only meet objectives but also propel organizations toward their overarching goals. Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of project management practices within the organizations she has been part of, making her an invaluable resource in any team she is associated with.
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