Cyber Defense Advisors
Tampa, FL
CDA, headquartered in the U.S. with offices and partners in major market capitals, has helped many of the world’s largest multinational companies achieve next-level value creation through digital business transformation.
As experienced industry veterans, we’ve advised top Fortune 500 companies, including GE and IBM, and federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense, on cybersecurity and IT.
We work closely with small to mid-size firms, and our current clients include PE firms, angel investors, portfolio companies, and membership associations.
MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
An Unparalleled Track Record For
Maximizing Client Performance
Since our establishment in 2001, we’ve been focused on one thing—harnessing technology to maximize value for our clients. With a veteran team of former CISOs, CIOs, and IT executives, you get more than Cybersecurity and IT consulting: you get a partner with consistent experience at supercharging your company’s value and performance.
FRANCIS SCHMUFF
Business
Leader
Frank Schmuff, a cyber industry pioneer with more than two decades of experience, has designed cyber defense strategies for the Marines and the Navy, both in combat situations and as a civilian Pentagon employee. He implemented security infrastructure at prominent organizations such as IBM and JP Morgan Chase. He founded CDA in order to bring his experience to bear on behalf of private equity companies and small- to mid-sized firms in all business verticals. He enjoys sharing his work with the public and is a sought-after speaker at professional conferences.
ROBERT GORMAN
Technology
Leader
Rob Gorman, a 25-year IT leadership veteran, spearheads our Information Technology division. His areas of expertise include CIO/CTO thought leadership, technology transformation, and enterprise grade management. At organizations such as GE, New York Hospital, RSM, IMG, Weight Watchers, Softtek and others, Rob led transformational IT projects in the areas of infrastructure, application, change and project management. He is an avid proponent of leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency and mitigate potential risks.
RICHARD RUSSELL
Engagement
Leader
Business entrepreneur Richard Russell has over two decades of leadership experience creating long-term value for hundreds of small- to mid-size companies across multiple industries. Through his collaboration with clients such as Yale University, and other small and large organizations, Rich learned that the key to success is effective thought leadership and technology transformation. His customer-centric approach has enabled him to work effectively with business and technology leaders across the world.
BRIAN BENZ
Cybersecurity
Leader
Brian Benz has over 20 years of comprehensive experience leading large-scale DoD and corporate enterprise cybersecurity efforts operating under NIST and RMF standards and practices. During his decade at the U.S. Department of Defense, he led cyber efforts, as the ISSM of the Marine Corps Aviation Training Systems, for many aviation platforms including the F/A-18 Fighter Jet, MV-22 Osprey, Presidential Helo, and several others. He is CISSP certified, with in-depth knowledge of the full suite of security domains, including security architecture modeling, security operations architecture, infrastructure security, and architect for governance, compliance, and risk management.
Protecting Clients of All Sizes
Worldwide & Across All Industries
For more than two decades, we’ve worked closely with industry leaders like you—Presidents, Business Owners, C-Suite Executives, and IT teams—to create security and value for your organization, customers, and the future.
We have vast experience identifying and reducing risk to protect your business assets with a strategic security posture built around your infrastructure, data, and digital technologies.
