Dr. Brian Gardner – Data Connectors

Dr. Brian Gardner is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the City of Dallas. Dr. Brian joined the City in 2017 to develop IT risk management and regulatory compliance programs.  Since taking on the role of CISO he has implemented a risk-based framework for cybersecurity strategy to assess and mature the City’s security capabilities, assure regulatory compliance, and mitigate enterprise-wide technology and business risk.

Dr. Brian’s cybersecurity industry experience extends from global financial services, national healthcare services, and Big Four consulting before entering public service. Dr. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Accounting, a Master’s in Information Security Management, and a PhD in Information Technology, Security and Assurance. As well as research and publication on Disaster Recovery, Dr. Brian also holds certifications in Cloud Security and Privacy.

Dr. Brian is a founding member of the Coalition of City CISOs. The group is dedicated to bring municipal leaders and cybersecurity professionals together advance municipal cybersecurity.

Dr. Brian and his family reside the DFW area with their six children. He and his wife actively foster children from the region in hopes to provide them a better start. Over the past seven years they have fostered over 20 kids of all ages from infant to teenagers. In addition, Dr. Brian helps out with the Dallas ISD P-TECH program and actively assists with guidance for students around the IT Security field.