Ms. Paula Hodge

My dedication is in growing the next generation of Cyber professionals and ensuring the current workforce remains up-to-date in the constantly changing landscape. My blueprint for success begins by bringing people together to solve problems. As the ICT/DM (Information and Computer Technologies – Digital Media) Regional Director in the South Central Coast Region (Northern Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties), I have built a mutual trusted partnership in convening faculty and industry to address cyber-related workforce challenges that are vexing countless communities across the country. To me, it is all about being local growing to national persistence. The ability to cover what is most in-demand within the region and provide follow through aligns with Secure the Village mission. As the ICT/DM Regional Director, I have played a critical role in developing pilot programs that have paved the way for new community college cyber security offerings. In addition, building the pipeline from 5^th grade forward to encourage the next generation to know of and consider cybersecurity as a career. Prior to supporting academia, my background is that of an IT Director veteran. Working for an SMB, my responsibilities included security, privacy, compliancy, technological infrastructure, and business applications for six geographically disparate locations with an internal staff of seven.