WHO WE ARE

A nationally recognized
organization whose
members provide top-tier
cybersecurity education,
research and a superior
workforce within the
Greater St. Louis region.

Board & Officers Members

Executive Committee

OUR HISTORY

Founded in 2018

2018201920202021

Organization Founded

Representatives of cybersecurity programs offered at Washington University in St. Louis, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and (who else?) began meeting to explore the creation of a consortium to improve efforts of all members.

Sept. 26

Inaugural meeting of the board of directors held at Cortex. As the group’s incorporator, Tom Blackwell appointed directors. The group ratified the incorporation, approved bylaws and elected officers. Board members appointed executive committee. An initial budget was approved, and David Reddick was engaged as part-time executive director of the consortium.

Year 1 strategic priorities were approved:

  • Build a marketing/awareness strategy and implement a supporting plan
  • Update the web site as appropriate
  • Generate a corporate engagement strategy and implement a supporting plan
  • Recommend and establish sub-committees
  • Hold a GHECC-sponsored cybersecurity career/intern fair in Fall 2019
  • Develop a GHECC cybersecurity education and research agenda
  • Craft an outreach plan to other regional universities and colleges as ascertain their interest in joining the consortium
  • Sponsor a student-oriented event, such as a hack-a-thon

April 23

The GHECC Board of Directors approved the addition of Maryville University to the consortium

November 15-17

GHECC conducted a weekend long Cybercup sponsored by Mastercard with support from the FBI. Students formed four teams and were challenged to develop technical solutions to one of several cyber threats that especially target seniors. The students worked all weekend and ended mid-day Sunday with judging of the solutions. The event was covered by the Nine Network of Public Media.

April 16

GHECC sponsored a virtual roundtable conversation hosted by Maryville University.

August 27

GHECC sponsored a virtual industry roundtable featuring members of the board and executive committee in discussions with representatives of small to mid-sized companies that engage cybersecurity graduates.

October 9

GHECC sponsored a virtual career fair to match cybersecurity students with potential employers. The event was conducted by PluggedIn.

February 12

GHECC sponsored a virtual career fair to match cybersecurity students with potential employers.

April 16

GHECC sponsored a virtual industry roundtable featuring members of the board and executive committee in discussions with representatives of small to mid-sized companies that engage cybersecurity graduates.

April – September

Members of the executive committee crafted the organization’s vision, mission and values statement, which was approved by the Board of Directors on Sept. 14.

July – September

Members of the executive committee began work on a SWOT analysis as part of the organization’s strategic planning effort. A draft SWOT analysis was presented to the board on Sept. 14 with the request the members identify a manageable number of strategies and tactics to be undertaken in 2022.

OUR VALUES

As a regional hub for cybersecurity, we are guided by and committed to these values:

Integrity

We will be honest and show a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles

Collaboration

We will emphasize teamwork to allow groups the opportunity to use their joint creative abilities to exchange ideas and
solve difficult problems

Innovation

We will encourage open mindedness, original thinking, driving change and embracing novel solutions to information security challenges

Inclusion

We will advocate for and celebrate a diverse community across all academic and professional domains