60Keith Brautigam is an experienced IT and cybersecurity professional specializing in identity and access management. Throughout his career, he has advanced from roles in systems administration to leadership positions, including Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Penn State University. His work has consistently focused on strengthening security, enhancing IT systems, and ensuring compliance across various sectors.
Keith was born in San Diego, California, and moved with his family to the East Bay Area of San Francisco at age two. His early exposure to technology came from friends who owned Amiga and Atari computers. Initially captivated by video games, he became more interested in improving computer performance to enhance his gaming experience. Later, his family relocated to Iowa City, Iowa, where he pursued a Communication and Media Studies degree at the University of Iowa, allowing him to study in Mérida, Venezuela.
After earning his degree, Keith entered a challenging job market, especially following the burst of the 1990s eCommerce bubble. He moved to Research Triangle, North Carolina, where he worked as a supervisor at a Borders bookstore. Though the role wasn’t aligned with his original career goals, he found the experience valuable in developing customer service and leadership skills. He returned to Iowa City later and accepted an IT role at a medical research center, marking the start of his career in IT. There, he worked on system administration, compliance, and security, focusing on HIPAA regulations.
Keith transitioned into higher education, where he contributed to modernizing systems and integrating new technologies. His experience with Agile SCRUM software development practices led to his recruitment by the University of Iowa’s central IT department. In 2014, he joined Penn State University, where he advanced through various roles, ultimately becoming CISO and Interim CIO. At Penn State, he led initiatives such as the Shields Up cybersecurity program, which significantly bolstered the university's security posture.
In 2023, he relocated to the Denver Metro Area and joined Hunter Douglas as the Global Cybersecurity Director of Identity and Access Management. There, he quickly established an IAM program, led the implementation of an identity governance system, and worked on improving security across multiple regions. Keith Brautigam’s career continues to be defined by his expertise and leadership in IT and cybersecurity, and he remains committed to advancing the field wherever he works.