Brian Jefford is a highly accomplished cybersecurity executive with over 26 years of professional experience at the intersection of aviation, IT strategy, and cybersecurity. Currently serving as a board member for Hedera Hashgraph as chairman of the Finance committee and member of the Risk committee, Brian advises Hedera on operational best practices and corporate risk mitigation in the web3 and digital ledger technology space.  Previously, as a Senior Executive in Cybersecurity at Boeing, Brian leveraged more than 2 decades of experience within the aviation and national defense industries to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure the robustness of the company’s security posture. In this capacity, Brian applied a combination of strategic IT management and a deep understanding of manufacturing process improvements to deliver comprehensive security solutions across Boeing’s extensive global operations.

Brian held a variety of leadership roles at Boeing, consistently contributing to the company’s information security, risk management, and business integration efforts. His expertise spans multiple domains, including Identity and Access Management (IAM), NIST 800-53 compliance, cloud computing, logistics & supply chain, as well as cybersecurity governance. Over the years, Brian has progressively advanced through the ranks, first as an Information Technology Manager, then as Director of Information Security, and now as the Senior Executive in Cybersecurity. His leadership has been instrumental in aligning IT initiatives with business strategy, ensuring operational resilience, and leading teams toward successful project outcomes.

In addition to his role at Boeing, Brian serves on the Advisory Council of Hedera Hashgraph, a leading distributed ledger technology platform. Since 2019, he has contributed to Hedera’s pioneering work in blockchain technology, particularly in decentralized and self-sovereign identity solutions. His knowledge of IT project and program management, coupled with his passion for innovation, has allowed him to play a pivotal role in exploring how decentralized technology can enhance security and identity management for businesses worldwide. As the Finance Chair of the Advisory Council, Brian applies his strategic oversight to ensure the financial sustainability of key blockchain initiatives, driving the adoption of secure, distributed ledger solutions.  Brian is also a member of the Risk committee helping to oversee and advise on governance risk and compliance strategies and mitigations for Hedera.

Brian’s educational background is equally impressive. He holds an MBA in Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management from Washington University in St. Louis, where he developed a strong foundation in organizational leadership and business process design. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership, Business Administration, and Information Technology from Illinois State University. His academic achievements underpin his ability to lead complex IT initiatives and align them with broader business goals, making him a valued strategic advisor in both the corporate and emerging technology spaces.

Brian’s skill set includes IT & Business Strategy Alignment, IAM, cybersecurity operations, cloud computing, integration, requirements analysis, enterprise architecture, and risk management. His technical expertise is complemented by his strong leadership in process improvement, cross-functional team leadership, and program management. Brian has demonstrated a deep commitment to solving complex business challenges through innovative solutions, making him a go-to leader for any organization seeking to fortify their systems against evolving threats.

Outside of his professional achievements, Brian is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying activities such as hunting, fishing, and camping. He is also a private pilot, reflecting his passion for aviation both professionally and personally. His love for adventure and new challenges mirrors his approach to work, where he constantly seeks out opportunities to push boundaries, innovate, and drive meaningful results.

Currently, Brian is looking to expand his advisory work, with a focus on supporting smaller, agile companies that are navigating the complexities of cybersecurity and business growth. His vast experience at Boeing has equipped him with the ability to apply mature principles from large corporations to newer companies, particularly in protecting intellectual property and securing their IT infrastructure. Brian is passionate about helping organizations achieve operational maturity, while safeguarding their assets and future-proofing their businesses against the risks of the modern digital landscape.

Throughout his career, Brian has earned a reputation for his teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and strategic vision. As a member of the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) and a valued contributor to various industry conferences and panels, his network spans across aviation, IT, and cybersecurity sectors, allowing him to stay at the forefront of industry trends and emerging technologies.

Brian Jefford’s dedication to cybersecurity and business strategy makes him an invaluable asset to any organization looking to innovate securely. His leadership, both at Boeing and in the blockchain space with Hedera Hashgraph, has set a standard of excellence in protecting and advancing critical infrastructures. As he transitions to focus more on advisory roles, Brian’s unique insights and multifaceted experience will continue to drive success for the companies he works with, positioning them for long-term growth and security.

Character:
Brian Jefford is a dedicated and driven professional known for his integrity, commitment to excellence, and strong work ethic. He consistently fosters teamwork and leadership, guiding organizations through complex cybersecurity and IT challenges with a calm, steady approach.

Knowledge:
With over two decades of experience, Brian possesses deep expertise in cybersecurity, IT strategy, risk management, and emerging technologies like blockchain. His knowledge spans from traditional corporate structures to decentralized solutions, enabling him to provide innovative, future-focused insights.

Strategic:
Brian’s strategic mindset allows him to align IT and cybersecurity initiatives with broader business objectives, ensuring long-term success and operational resilience. He excels at applying mature principles from large corporations to help smaller, agile companies grow and secure their assets.

Communication:
Known for his clear and effective communication, Brian simplifies complex technical concepts for stakeholders at all levels, from executive leadership to technical teams. His ability to foster collaboration and articulate a shared vision is key to driving successful outcomes in both corporate and advisory roles.