John Brady
In addition to an MS in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, John has extensive experience in several areas of IT ranging from assembler programming to web site content management on cloud-based virtual servers.
His career turned towards information security in the late 1990s when he was a technical lead charged with designing an Internet DMZ in the financial industry. After several years working in Ohio-based banking, his work evolved into a consultancy which included several banks, insurance companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers and labs. The work was in areas such as network security system design, construction, deployment and operation using OS-based security software as well as appliances. In addition to network security, he has done stints on software quality teams in the IPS appliance industry and a single sign-on implementation for a drug manufacturer's Lab Information Management systems.
Outside of work, John is an avid chess player and cyclist. He sits on the Board of Trustees of his daughter's middle school and on the Steering Committee of an online chess league.
Jake Harris
Jake grew up in Northeast Ohio and joined Westfield Group in 1998. Over the years, he has held lead roles in Network Administration, Vulnerability and Forensics, and Disaster Recovery and has been instrumental in the development and implementation of numerous key projects and process changes at Westfield.
In addition to a degree in Information Systems, Jake also holds several certifications, including Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
Currently, Jake serves as Co-Chair of the Westfield Group Safety Committee and is an advisory member to the Computer Networking Technology program at Polaris Career Center.
Outside of work, Jake's creative interests include carpentry and culinary.
Jeff Gibson
Jeff is a Cleveland State University graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. He began his IT career in 1990 and not until 1997 did he get interested in the security field. He is currently a Vulnerability Management, Compliance & Forensics Analyst at Westfield Group, located in Medina County, Ohio. He's been a member of the Westfield team since May 2006.
Prior to coming to Westfield, he was an Assistant Vice President at Keybank for 6 years peforming Vulnerability Management and Incident Response duties. Before that, Jeff was a member of the Information Protection team for three of his ten years at National City doing distributed security and creating automation/monitoring tool programs.
Jeff enjoys cycling, swimming, basketball, baseball, and soccer with his wife and two boys. There's usually a home improvement project or two in the works too.
Heather Smee
Heather Smee recently joined the Information Technology – Risk, Security, and Compliance team as a Policy Awareness Analyst where she will use her training and technical writing skills to design, develop, and communicate our information security policies, standards, and guidelines at Westfield. Heather has a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Education from the University of Akron. She joined Westfield Insurance in 2002 and has spent the majority of her career on the business side, both in Claims and in our Personal Lines Product units.
Heather lives in Strongsville with her husband and son, and enjoys golfing, gardening, reading, and cheering for her son who plays a variety of sports. In the summer months you’ll find her living mostly outdoors.
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