For over 25 years, I’ve been on the front lines of technology, turning complex challenges into strategic advantages. My career journey (from Network Consulting and Infrastructure Engineering to specializing in Compliance Leadership and Cyber Liability) has forged a comprehensive, 360-degree understanding of the IT landscape.
I am Eric Near: thoughtful leader, seasoned advisor, and a perpetual student of emotional intelligence.
My Core Expertise:
- Cybersecurity Compliance & Risk Management: I provide the vision and leadership for IT/IS Risk Management, ensuring the security and integrity of business processes, data, systems, and networks. I’m adept at maintaining internal controls for cybersecurity regulations and ensuring adherence to critical cybersecurity compliance frameworks. My experience includes successfully assisting in obtaining a SOC 2 report and managing PCI compliance.
- Strategic Leadership & Execution: I’ve led large-scale project management teams, directed automation efforts that saved over 1500 hours of engineer time, and provided visionary leadership to teams, including Cyber Liability Advisors. I focus on strategic initiatives and tangible results, and articulating clear expectations for continuous quality improvement.
- Forward-Thinking Technology: Beyond traditional IT, my proficiency extends to Generative AI Coaching, AI Strategy, and leveraging AI by creating GPTs to assist in knowledge transfer. I apply this cutting-edge knowledge while rigorously safeguarding critical assets, implementing policies that ensure private company data is not used to train language models and restrict AI use to secure company containers and datastores.
- Remote Work Colleague: I excel at optimizing remote work setups by addressing both the physical and digital components of a home office. This involves ensuring ergonomic excellence and advising on the right home office supplies to reduce friction, coupled with expert guidance on productivity software for seamless communication and task management. By integrating these strategies, I ensure the distributed workforce operates with maximum efficiency and security.
My ethos is simple: offer strategic technological insight and hands-on leadership, driving forward-thinking IT solutions while fiercely safeguarding against evolving threats. I bring technical acumen, strategic insight, and emotionally intelligent leadership to every challenge.
Take a closer look at my offerings and contact me to see how I can increase the trajectory of your productivity.
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