ISSA Des Moines is the community of choice for Iowa-based cybersecurity professionals dedicated to advancing individual growth, managing technology risk and protecting critical information and infrastructure.
The ISSA Des Moines Chapter is the local chapter of Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)®, which is a not-for-profit, international organization of information security professionals and practitioners. It provides educational forums, publications, and peer interaction opportunities that enhance the knowledge, skill, and professional growth of its members.
Core Purpose
To promote a secure digital world.
Mission Statement
ISSA Des Moines is a nonprofit organization for the information security profession committed to promoting effective cyber security throughout Iowa.
Board of Directors
Stacy Baker, GWAPT
PresidentStacy has worked in Information Technology for 25 years in the Insurance and Financial sector. As an Assistant Director of Engineering at Principal Financial Group, she leads Vulnerability Management where her team provides Offensive Security testing services for the organization. In Stacy’s career at Principal, she’s led several application development teams, been a developer, and been in Information Security for seven years.
Matt Heit
TreasurerAfter graduating from East Waterloo High School in 1996, Matt served in the Navy as a Cryptologist for 20 years. During his 20 year Navy career, he served in a number of capacities primarily revolving around strategic, operational, and tactical military intelligence. Due to the nature and classification of his military career, he has been involved in Information Security since 1997.
Matt’s first three duty stations include Naval Security Group Guam, where he served as a signals analyst. USS Roosevelt (DDG-80) homeported in Mayport, Florida where he was a supervisor of the Ships Signal Exploitation Space, and in 2003 he became an Instructor for Navy and Marine Corp Analysis and Reporting Course at Goodfellow AFB, Texas. In 2006 Matt and his family were stationed in Yokosuka, Japan where he served as the Technical Operations Manager at Navy Information Operation Command, Yokosuka.
In 2010, Matt transferred to the USS Shiloh (CG-67), homeported in Yokosuka, Japan where I served as the Senior Intelligence Officer. His final tour was at Fort Meade, Maryland where he helped develop and build out eight Navy Cyber teams consisting of over 250 personnel. Upon retiring from the military, Matt was a Defense Contractor for ClearRidge Defense and was the Senior Cyber Planner for Marine Corps Cyber Headquarters. Before moving back to Iowa, he was a Department of Navy civilian and served as the Senior Cyber Analyst and Reporter for the Navy Cyber units at the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, MD.
Matt is currently pursuing the CISSP certification and holds the PMP and SEC+ certifications, and works as a Senior Information Security Analyst at FBL Financial. He and his wife Brianne have been married for 15 years and have two children. His son Dylan decided to stay in Maryland and works for the NSA, and his daughter Cassie is an 8th grader at PrairieView in Waukee. His hobbies include physical fitness, playing darts, and watching the Hawkeyes, Cubs, and Bears play. He’s seen firsthand the negative impact poor security practices can cause an organization and wants to be a part of integrating best practices into all organizations.
Samanth Sixta
Secretary
Jordan Engbers
Director of MarketingJordan serves as the Director of Marketing at Heartland Business Systems (HBS). Jordan has a proven history of success in business administration and marketing. He is the former President of information security services company Pratum. Prior to that he served as Project Manager and Creative Director for a leading technology company.
The Iowa native graduated Summa Cum Laude from Drake University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He also earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Graphic Communications from Hawkeye Community College.
