Phoenix Chapter Officers

Walter Opaska
President

A CISSP and member of ISC2 since 1994, Walter has had over thirty five years work and management experience in cybersecurity and IT audit with Federal government agencies, Inspectors General, and contractors. Besides being a CISSP, he is also a CISA, an MBA, and a CPA licensed in two states, Arizona and North Carolina. Previously, Walter was Treasurer of the Quantico, Virginia ISC2 Chapter. In addition to Treasurer, he served as Quantico’s Membership Chair. An experienced presenter, Walter spoke at meetings for the Quantico and Richmond, Virginia ISC2 Chapters on The Default Password Conundrum.

Walter currently holds ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Shaun Angley
Vice President & VP of Membership

Throughout his 20+ year career, Shaun has worked in most IT disciplines and held many roles. He has experience building and managing IT operations and IT teams across multiple industries.  Over the past 8+ years, Shaun has been working in various Cybersecurity disciplines and formally transitioned into a full time Information Security Management role in January of 2022 where he leads Information Security at an insurance company.

Shaun holds multiple certifications including ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

Larry Heinz
Treasurer

As an Arizona state employee, Larry spent 20+ years working in data, video voice, and security for agencies such as the Department of Health, Arizona Game and Fish, and the Department of Revenue. Larry also taught for 10+ years as Adjunct Faculty at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) teaching Cisco Networking and oversaw the Cybersecurity program at EMCC. Currently, Larry works at the Arizona Department of Public Safety, focusing on information security.

Larry currently holds ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Josh Howard
Secretary

Like many, Josh entered Cyberecurity from software development. Josh has extensive experience managing multiple small teams working on engineered BIM projects, tending to the needs of internal/external stakeholders, and being a good steward of project compliance. Later, Josh moved to the software development industry and actively works to balance the needs of development with requirements of adequate controls.

Josh has passed the ISC2 Certified Cloud Security Professional (CSSP) exam and is actively closing in on meeting the full requirements.

Marcos Saiz
VP, Programs

Marcos Saiz is a cybersecurity professional with over 20 years of experience in the information security industry. He has extensive experience in enterprise risk management, security architecture, incident response, and cybersecurity operations. As CISO at TBC, he is responsible for Managed Cybersecurity Services which includes GRC, 24x7 SOC, and xTDR. Marcos also serves a member of the Air National Guard, working part-time as an incident responder with AZ-DHS.

Marcos holds multiple certifications including ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and EC-Council Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO).

Vacant
VP, Communications

The Chapter's Vice President of Communications position is available

Vacant
VP, External Relations

The Chapter's Vice President of External Relations is available

Akash Verma
Director-at-Large

Akash is a seasoned cybersecurity professional bringing over a decade of expertise in threat intelligence, information security, and technology risk management. With a track record of spearheading critical projects in renowned organizations like Google, LinkedIn and Discover Financial Services, he excels in operational risk and regulatory compliance. 

Akash holds multiple certifications including ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), and ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), alongside a Master's in Information Systems and BE in Electronics Engineering

Alfred "Griff" Griffith
Director-at-Large

Griff's experience includes two decades of experience implementing technology security strategies and deploying highly successful data protection technologies. He have engineered, deployed and overseen a host of security and data protection technologies, processes, and security awareness training modules.

Griff currently holds ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and ISC2 Cloud Computing Security Professional (CCSP).

Jayanth Kumar Mallapu 
Webmaster

Jayanth Kumar Mallapu is the Chapter Webmaster for ISC2 Phoenix Chapter. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Anna University and a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Northern Arizona University (NAU), where he served as a Webmaster. Jayanth has experience in full-stack development, AI/ML, and backend technologies. At Think Book Company, he contributed to backend functionalities and web development, working on no-code platforms and personalized connectors. He also applied his web technology skills while conducting research at NAU.     

He is currently studying for his Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) credential from ISC2.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
 

Board Candidacy Application and Additional Information


We are looking for exceptional people to volunteer and help the Chapter succeed in providing information security content, CPEs, and networking opportunities to Arizona's cyber community. Click here to apply and join the Chapter Board. 

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Chapter's Secretary via email:
president@isc2chapter-phoenix.org