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Austin Cole

Deputy Director / Chief Information Security Officer
Genesee, Idaho KF7SIW

Professional Summary

Experienced IT leader with over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, infrastructure management, and emergency preparedness. Currently serving as Deputy IT Director and Chief Information Security Officer for Latah County, Idaho. Passionate about leveraging technology to strengthen communities and enhance emergency response capabilities. Active in amateur radio, emergency management, and nonprofit leadership.

Core Competencies

Cybersecurity & Risk Management
  • Information Security Program Development
  • Risk Assessment & Mitigation
  • Compliance & Governance
  • Incident Response Planning
IT Leadership & Strategy
  • Strategic Technology Planning
  • Team Leadership & Development
  • Budget Management
  • Vendor Relations
Emergency Management
  • Emergency Communications
  • Disaster Response Coordination
  • Community Preparedness
  • Amateur Radio Operations

Professional Experience

Deputy Director / Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Latah County, Idaho
October 2024 - Present
Sr. System Administrator
Latah County, Idaho
June 2022 - September 2024
IT Systems Administrator
Latah County, Idaho
October 2016 - October 2022
System Technician
Latah County, Idaho
October 2014 - September 2016
MSP Owner / Web Developer / Cybersecurity Specialist
Independent Consulting
January 2012 - Present
IT Specialist
Various Organizations
January 2004 - December 2012

Leadership & Volunteer Service

Emergency Management Leadership
Unit Commander & County Emergency Coordinator
Latah County Auxiliary Communications & ARES
EMT/Firefighter
Genesee Fire Department
Volunteer
IT Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC)
Nonprofit Leadership
President & Founder
CommUnity NexUs, Inc.
Community technology and emergency preparedness nonprofit
President & Founder
DSARC (Digital Systems Amateur Radio Club)
Amateur radio club focused on digital communications

Education & Certifications

Professional Certifications
  • NREMT, Idaho & Montana EMT Licenses
  • AHA Faculty Trainer (BLS & Heartsaver)
  • Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED, Trauma & EMR Instructor
  • CompTIA Security+
  • FEMA Emergency Management Certifications
  • Amateur Radio Extra Class License (KF7SIW)
Technical Skills
Systems & Infrastructure
Windows Server • VMware • Active Directory • PowerShell • Linux Administration • Network Management
Security & Compliance
Risk Assessment • NIST Framework • Incident Response • Vulnerability Testing • Compliance Solutions
Specializations
Public Safety Systems • Emergency Communications • Radio Systems • CAD Systems • 911 Infrastructure