Charles Goldner

Charlie is an experienced security architect, engineer, and leader who has been deeply involved in the planning, engineering, and implementation of enterprise-wide security programs from the ground up, leveraging technologies to enhance organizational security posture. With over 15 years of experience managing multifunctional teams, he has driven innovation at every organizational level through the utilization and administration of new technologies and processes to improve efficiency, security, and profitability. He has implemented sustainable policies, procedures, and technologies to transform organizational mindsets, leaving lasting impacts.

Pursuing a lifelong love of computers, Charlie built his first computer in 2001. When it was time for college, he started in Computer Science but, like many students, followed an indirect path into cybersecurity. His undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry provided him with a unique perspective on how systems function. The catalyst for his move into cybersecurity came during his Army service, transitioning from the infantry to the signal corps with a focus on communications and IT. He discovered that many scientific methods applied to cybersecurity and, coupled with his desire to be in a fast-paced field with endless learning opportunities, he knew this was the right path. Charlie found cybersecurity to be an arena where he could continually learn, expand his skill set, and become a strong practitioner.

Grateful to the SANS cybersecurity community, Charlie feels it has given him more than he imagined possible. Inspired by his instructors to know more and be more, he decided to give back to others and contribute positively to the field.

His teaching philosophy is to make concepts easy to understand by breaking them down to their simplest level, so every student is engaged. He strives to make content relatable to any student's situation, using examples from his broad background and experience in information technology, which gives him a unique perspective on security. Charlie's goal is for students to leave the classroom with a clear path to utilize the information presented, have new ideas for success based on the knowledge provided, and be confident in applying that knowledge when they return to their desks.

Charlie holds a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and an MBA from the University of Nevada, and a Master of Science in Information Security Engineering (MSISE) from the SANS Technology Institute. In addition to his degrees, he holds the GIAC Security Expert (GSE #330) credential, numerous GIAC certifications, and other professional certifications including the CISSP. He is a member of the National Guard Association of the United States and volunteers his spare time supporting local sports and mentoring the next generation of security professionals.

In his spare time, Charlie enjoys snowboarding, traveling, playing chess, spending time with family, and mentoring others. As a lifelong learner, he is always attending new courses or studying for certifications or exams.