Louis (Lou) Lyons is a seasoned security professional who has lead Information Technology (IT) and Security programs for over 20 years.  He is the Founder and CEO of Shadow Rabbit Cyber, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business focused on helping companies meet IT and Security requirements in a cost-effective way.

Lou is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for ReynCon Educational Services & Training (REST) where he is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for the company’s security management of data, technology, processes and risks.  In this role, he established a cyber risk strategy and implemented a framework that integrates governance and risk compliance controls, requirements, oversight and validation of IT operations while underscoring vigilance across multiple customers.  He effectively manages cyber risk ensuring effective and evolving technological defenses by monitoring reporting and operational processes including incident management. He ensures compliance with the strategic cyber security framework ensuring sustained capability, development, and performance.  

Lou currently serves as the Vice President for the Ohio River Valley Chapter of the Cloud Security Alliance, the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining and raising awareness of best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment.  

Previously, Lou was the Director, of IT Security & Compliance as DWS Designer Shoe Warehouse where he led the Compliance, Risk, Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Security teams for DSW Inc companies.  He was responsible for developing an integrated IT & security strategy, identifying and reporting security risks, and proactivity implementing policies and standards for information security.  

Lou has served in other security related positions such as Sr. Manager, Global Information Security / CISO for Cooper Tire & Rubber Company; Manager, Information Security Operations for the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company; IT Director for the U.S. Department of Transportation; CISO for the Veteran Administration; and Information Assurance Network Officer (IANO) for the US Army.

As a retired Master Sergeant, Lou served in the U.S. Air Force for over 22 years in a variety of roles consisting of:  IT Manager; Quality Assurance and Logistics Support Director; Avionics Maintenance Manager; Airborne Systems Engineer (ASE); and Electronic Warfare Technician.

Lou has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Cyber Security from Jones International University; a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Maryland; and holds multiple certifications such as: PMP, CISSP, CHSP, Comptia A+, Network+ and Security+.