MAYOR HIRES IT SECURITY PROFESSIONAL
IT expert contracted to revamp data security protocols
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 29, 2008) -Mayor Karl Dean today announced that a specialist in information security has been hired to update and improve data security protocols for the Metropolitan Government.
Betty Steele, a certified information systems security professional (CISSP), will recommend changes based on the information collected from the data security audit completed earlier this month by Information Technology Services. Dean has also asked Steele to examine the need for an IT security and standards board made up of industry professionals.
“While it’s unfortunate that it took an incident at the Election Commission office to bring necessary attention to this issue, we now have the opportunity to improve the way sensitive information is handled by Metro, and possibly prevent an even worse situation like this from occurring in the future,” Dean said.
“Ms. Steele brings to this task unique industry expertise and the ability to focus on finding the best methods for securing sensitive information handled by different Metro departments. I look forward to receiving her recommendations soon.”
Steele has developed information security management plans and provided advice on information privacy and security matters to numerous organizations, including Fortune 100 companies, financial institutions, healthcare providers and plans, and technology companies. She has spoken and written extensively on information privacy and security topics.
Steele is currently an attorney with the law office of Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz and a member of the firm’s Business Law Department. She has formerly served as assistant commissioner for business development for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, and as president of Global Competitiveness Council, an affiliate of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Steele is also a board member for the Middle Tennessee Chapter of Information Systems Security Association and a member of the Tennessee Bankers Association Disaster Response Coalition.
For media inquiries contact:
Bonna Johnson
615-862-6461
bonna.johnson@nashville.gov