Keith Brautigam
Chief Information Officer (or Sr. IT Leader): Education, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Keith Brautigam is an accomplished IT and cybersecurity professional with extensive experience in identity and access management. Over the years, he has progressed from systems administration to leadership roles, including Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Reputed University. He has spearheaded initiatives to enhance security, optimize IT systems, and ensure compliance across diverse organizations.
Early Life and Education
He was born in San Diego, California, and relocated to the East Bay Area of San Francisco at age two. His early exposure to technology came through friends whose families owned Amiga and Atari computers. While initially enjoying video games, his interest soon shifted to optimizing computer performance to improve his gaming experience.
During high school, Keith moved to Iowa City, Iowa. He pursued a degree in Communication and Media Studies at the University of Iowa, including a study abroad program in Mérida, Venezuela.
Early Career
After graduating, Keith faced a challenging IT job market following the burst of the 1990s eCommerce bubble. He moved to the Research Triangle in North Carolina, where he worked as a supervisor at a Borders bookstore. Although this was not his intended career path, he values the customer service and supervisory skills he gained during this time. Later, while visiting Iowa City, he was offered a position at the medical research center where he had previously worked as a student.
Keith was an IT Systems Administrator at the medical research center, shaping his future career. He recognized the growing importance of IT compliance and data security, particularly with the introduction of HIPAA regulations. He managed secure systems in clinical and research environments, focusing on lung imaging and supporting efforts to find cures for diseases like emphysema.
Transition to Higher Education and Leadership
Keith transitioned to higher education, seeking new challenges and joining a team that modernized research administration processes by moving them online. This role introduced him to Agile SCRUM software development practices and newer web technologies. His expertise soon led to his recruitment by the University of Iowa's central IT department, where he joined the Identity and Access Management (IAM) team.
In 2014, Keith was recruited for a management position at Reputed University. Over the next several years, he was promoted multiple times, advancing from Manager to Director, then to Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and finally to Deputy CIO. In 2023, he was appointed Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO) and oversaw the university’s information technology enterprise. During his tenure, he earned several professional qualifications, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, an MBA, and a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership.
Leadership at Prestigious University
As CISO, Keith Brautigam led a big University’s information security program, which supported over 200,000 students, faculty, and staff and safeguarded over $1 billion in annual research expenditures. He was pivotal in developing and executing the university’s cybersecurity strategy, including the Shields Up initiative, which implemented CISA's best practices to protect the university’s network, devices, and business email systems.
He also led the implementation of a new Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) product, enhancing security while saving the university $500,000 annually. One of his most significant achievements was modernizing the Web Single Sign-On platform using Microsoft Entra ID, transitioning over 500 applications from a legacy platform in just 12 months.
Additionally, Keith implemented an enterprise Identity Governance system, improving role-based access control and streamlining the management of 1.2 million user accounts.
Moving to Hunter Douglas
In late 2023, Keith relocated to the Denver Metro Area to be closer to family. In March 2024, he joined Hunter Douglas, a leading manufacturer of window coverings and architectural products in Broomfield, Colorado. As the Global Cybersecurity Director of Identity and Access Management, Keith established an IAM program, including strategy, staffing, and software.
He led the aggressive implementation of a leading Identity Governance Administrative system across North America and EMEA, replacing legacy systems and ensuring compliance with SOX regulations. Keith’s leadership also involved designing a global access management solution architecture, which included privileged account management, unified single sign-on, and privileged remote access.
Keith collaborated with IT and business leaders to enhance the security of critical HR and finance systems, meeting complex regulatory requirements across multiple countries. He also played a key role in launching a business-critical B2B service based on Salesforce, addressing its complex security needs. To achieve these goals, he managed a team of full-time staff, contractors, and implementation partners.
His career reflects his dedication to IT and cybersecurity, which is marked by significant contributions to identity and access management. From his early days as a systems administrator to his leadership roles at Prestigious University and Hunter Douglas, Keith has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive innovation, enhance security, and deliver results. Keith Brautigam remains respected in the field and is known for his strategic vision and commitment to excellence.
Following his tenure at Hunter Douglas, Keith transitioned to Radiology Partners in 2025, maintaining his focus on IAM strategy. Portfolio: https://keithbrautigamcio.com
Website: https://keithabrautigam.com
