Cybersecurity | Faculty
Kenneth Williams, Ph.D., CISSP, ITiL v3
Director of Cybersecurity
A retired US Army IT officer with 24+ years of service, a cybersecurity expert, author, researcher, and public speaker. Dr. Williams has a Graduate and a Ph.D. degree in Cybersecurity from Capella University and has focused intently on cybersecurity, including compliance, governance, and other related aspects of cybersecurity mitigation. Dr. Williams serves as a subject matter expert (SME) in various cybersecurity forums, consults as a cybersecurity SME for multiple organizations such as the US Cybersecurity Command and US Coast Guard, and authored IT/cybersecurity curriculums for various universities. Dr. Williams also serves as a mentor and reviewer for the NSA/DHS National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C) to various academic institutions. Dr. Williams spearheaded the launch of the Cyber Bytes Academy (CBA) a cybersecurity continuation education center focus on cybersecurity certification and workforce development. Dr. Williams served as a cybersecurity academic SME for the California Community College Chancellor's office to develop the first fully online zero textbook cybersecurity collaborative program for the various community colleges.
He has also served as a panel member on multiple cybersecurity forums and as a keynote speaker. Dr. Williams successfully spearheaded the NSA/DHS National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) effort for the American Public University System (APUS), resulting in its designation as an NSA/DHS National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). Dr. Williams has been a cybersecurity visiting and adjunct professor for various universities since 2011, including DeVry University, University of Maryland Global Campus, Strayer University, Sullivan University, and Northern Virginia Community College. Dr. Williams served on a panel of three cybersecurity experts as the academic representative and advisor to address the unique issue of training the future cybersecurity warrior; this panel, held in Augusta, Georgia, was commissioned by the US Cyber Command. Dr. Williams also served as one of the academic cybersecurity representatives to the US Coast Guard to address unique cybersecurity issues related to threats to US ports and flag vessels. He has spoken to a national group of US high school cybersecurity individuals during the National Cybersecurity Summit in Huntsville, Al, sponsored by the National Security Agency and Homeland Security. Dr. Williams also presents at cybersecurity conferences and is a published author in peer-reviewed cybersecurity journals. Dr. Williams holds current cybersecurity and Information Technology certifications, including the Sec+, Network+, Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP), and the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)v3. He is an accomplished cybersecurity-published author and authority with viewpoints in trade journals such as CSO Online and Security Magazine.
Scottie O’Neal Jackson is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel with over 25 years of service as a communications officer. With an extensive background leading overall technical operations and developing robust technology strategies, Scottie has held IT program management and cybersecurity leadership positions for the U.S. Army (Active Duty), Army Reserve, NASA, and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Most recently, he led a team of 40 staff members and sub-contractors as an IT Program Manager focusing on providing technical counsel/advice and leadership for TechOPS Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Support of integrated IT services and solutions at the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) agency. He holds certifications in Project Management Professional (PMP), SAFe Agile Scrum Master, ITIL4, SecDevOps, CompTIA Network+, and Security+. He has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Technology from Alabama A&M University, a Master of Information Systems from Central Michigan University, and a Master of Strategic Studies – Strategic Leadership from the U.S. Army War College. He lives in New Orleans, LA, with his wife and son.
Brandi Grimaldi, M.S. is a distinguished University Professor of Cybersecurity at Southern University at New Orleans, bringing over 14 years of expertise in information technology and cybersecurity. She holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Information Systems, underpinning her deep technical proficiency in areas such as network operations, security engineering, and customer service. Her career began at AT&T as a Technical Support Specialist and has spanned roles including Network Operations Coordinator at Southern University at New Orleans and Security Engineer at DXC Technology.
Brandi Grimaldi is dedicated to advancing her field through education and innovation, aiming to become a leading scholar in cybersecurity. Her commitment extends beyond academia into entrepreneurship, operating a successful e-commerce business focused on brand and business coaching since 2021. With a personal mission to inspire and uplift others, Brandi Grimaldi aspires to make a significant impact as a humanitarian and philanthropist.
A New Orleans native, Brandi Grimaldi balances her professional endeavors with a rich personal life as a mother of three, embodying the values of dedication and community enrichment. Her overarching purpose in life is to edify and inspire, striving to leave a lasting legacy in both her professional field and her community.
Adrienne Roussell
Office Manager of the Cybersecurity Program
Email: aroussell@suno.edu
Phone: (504)286-5063