James Cairns

CISO
Bow Valley College

As a cybersecurity executive and enterprise technology strategist, I bring nearly two decades of experience in cybersecurity leadership, IT governance, and risk management. My expertise spans high-availability network security, enterprise architecture, and regulatory compliance, with a strong focus on higher education, SMBs, and critical infrastructure.

I specialize in developing and executing cybersecurity frameworks, conducting risk assessments and audits at executive levels, and leading incident response and governance programs. My leadership extends to strategic IT planning, digital transformation, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that security aligns with business objectives while enhancing operational resilience.

Beyond corporate leadership, I am deeply committed to advancing the cybersecurity industry, addressing the talent gap, and fostering collaborative knowledge-sharing initiatives. Through my work as a board member, speaker, and mentor, I actively contribute to strengthening the cybersecurity community and shaping the future of the profession.