Dr. Dwayne Hodges, U.S. Army (ret.)

Cybersecurity Leadership and Expertise Dr. Hodges is a highly accomplished cybersecurity leader and CMMC Lead CCA, bringing over 30 years of combined military and industry experience to complex cybersecurity challenges. His expertise spans Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), NIST frameworks (800-53, 800-171), CMMC, ISO 27001, NYDFS, and more. He excels in conducting CMMC ML 1 & 2 self-assessments and certification assessments, performing gap analyses, and developing Security System Plans (SSPs), effectively preparing organizations for successful certifications. Proven Track Record Across Diverse Sectors Dr. Hodges has a proven track record of implementing and managing robust security solutions in diverse sectors, including DoD, manufacturing, commercial, telecommunications, and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). His expertise includes cloud and on-premises environments, operational technology (OT) security, supply chain security, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes like ITAR and CUI. He is adept at leveraging advanced security tools to enhance threat detection and optimize risk management. Specialized Expertise and Consulting As a Cybersecurity Advisor, Dr. Hodges specializes in CMMC, OT/Manufacturing security, and cloud security (AWS/MS), driving tangible business outcomes through enhanced security posture and compliance. He guides organizations through successful CMMC certification by performing detailed gap analyses, conducting SSP reviews, and developing effective security policies for CUI, FCI, and ITAR data. His consulting services include vCISO and CMMC support . Education and Certifications Dr. Hodges holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (Ed.D.), Masters in Information Systems Technologies/Management Information Systems, and a Master’s in Public Administration, along with a Bachelor’s in Sociology/Criminal Justice. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified CISO, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Network Defense Architect (CNDA), Security+, ITIL, ECES, Certified CMMC Professional (CCP), and Certified Assessor (CCA) Lead. Distinguished Military and Academic Career A retired Army Officer and decorated Combat Veteran with over 20 years of military service, Dr. Hodges held leadership roles in communications, information security, logistics, and transportation. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) supporting the US Ambassador and worked with host nations to develop cybersecurity programs. Dr. Hodges also has over 20 years of experience in higher education as a professor, consultant, and advisory board member. He developed cybersecurity curricula guidelines for George Washington University and currently serves on the Florida Institute of Technology College of Psychology and Liberal Arts (CoPLA) Advisory Board and the IT Education Industry Board for Strayer University. He is had developed cybersecurity courses for Udemy for Business, teaching advanced cryptography concepts, and is a former Global Knowledge instructor for CISSP and Security+ courses. He also served as Technical Editor for CISSP Exam Cram. Recognition and Awards Dr. Hodges is a 2023 Global Top 100 Cybersecurity Awardee, C|EH Hall of Fame, Author, TEDx speaker, and contributor to NIST’s PKI work. He has testified before the National Academy of Sciences on cybersecurity threats and received numerous military awards, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.