..The Blueprint: Built, Not Born “Doug Was Built, Not Born” is more than a tagline—it is the definition of my professional life. My path was not inherited; it was deliberately constructed through discipline, experience, and continuous evolution. From the technical front lines to the rigor of high-level assessment, every transition was intentional and driven by a commitment to mastery. This is the story of a reputation forged by doing the work, learning from the field, and earning credibility at every stage.

The Foundation: Naval Service

My career began in the U.S. Navy, specializing in electronics and IT within high tempo environments. This service instilled the accountability and operational discipline required for mission critical work and lessons in leadership that continue to define my approach to technology and risk.

The Expansion: Federal & Defense Leadership

Supporting U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the Department of the Interior (DOI), I advanced from Field Service Engineer to Technical Project Manager. This evolution bridged the gap between hands on engineering and enterprise strategy, providing a deep, practical understanding of how federal IT environments actually operate.

The Pivot: IT Audit & CMMC Assessment

As an IT Systems Auditor and CMMC Assessor, I now focus on protecting systems rather than building them. I look beyond compliance checklists to help organizations manage risk, ensuring systems are defensible, secure, and truly ready for the missions they support.

The Strategic Balance: Business & Finance

Complementing this technical background is a deep proficiency in business operations. With an MBA in Finance and a focus on global economics, I view cybersecurity not just as a technical hurdle, but as a critical component of broader business health and financial viability.

Conclusion

Together, these experiences bridge the gap between technical execution and business strategy—turning compliance into a vital asset for organizational resilience.

Doug Was Built Not Born