David Cook is a seasoned executive with over three decades of experience in information security, IT operations, and business enablement. As a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), advisor, and mentor, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to develop and implement world-class security programs that drive business growth and resilience. Based in Santa Cruz, California, Cook has a proven track record of scaling startups and optimizing security for large, complex organizations. Notably, he contributed to the hyper growth of Databricks, a startup from $100 million to over $50 billion valuation in less than 6 years, an accomplishment that underscores his aptitude for aligning security strategies with business objectives.

Currently serving as CISO at Sequoia Consulting Group, Cook leads the organization’s security initiatives, safeguarding personnel, physical assets, and critical information systems. His responsibilities span IT governance, cloud security, and physical security. Additionally, Cook advises innovative companies like Wiz and Gigamon, providing strategic guidance on compliance frameworks such as ISO, CMMC, and FedRAMP.

Previously, as CISO of Databricks, Cook architected and led the company’s security vision, ensuring compliance with standards including ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR. His collaborative approach to partnering with engineering and product teams not only enhanced security but also fostered customer trust. During his tenure at Jive Software, Cook held dual roles as Chief Security Officer and Head of TechOps, where he oversaw security for a SaaS portfolio serving over 2,000 enterprise customers.

Cook’s expertise encompasses a wide array of specialties, including risk management, security training, information security architecture, and compliance. He has successfully led numerous organizations through critical audits and certifications, including ISO 27001, SOC 2, HiTRUST, HIPAA, and FedRAMP. His technical acumen, combined with his ability to build and lead high-performing teams, has solidified his reputation as a transformative leader in the security domain.

Cook holds a Master of Science in Information Assurance from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from the University of California, Santa Cruz. His career began with roles at Apple and HP, where he honed his skills in IT analysis, web development, and security consulting.

Through his dedication to mentoring and his commitment to fostering a culture of security awareness, David Cook continues to empower organizations to navigate the evolving landscape of cybersecurity while achieving their strategic goals.

Character
David Cook exemplifies integrity, leadership, and a commitment to fostering secure and innovative environments that prioritize organizational and customer trust.

Knowledge
With deep expertise in security frameworks, IT operations, and risk management, Cook applies cutting-edge strategies to safeguard complex systems and drive business success.

Strategic
Cook leverages his extensive experience to align security initiatives with business objectives, scaling organizations and enhancing operational resilience.

Communication
An effective communicator and mentor, Cook fosters collaboration across teams, translating complex security concepts into actionable insights for stakeholders at all levels.