Topeka – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that John Godfrey will be Kansas' new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). He will lead the Kansas Office of Information Security (KISO) and be responsible for the development and implementation of information security strategies, including cybersecurity strategies.
Mr. Godfrey assumes this role following the appointment of Jeff Maxon as Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO) for the State of Kansas in October 2023.
“John Godfrey’s years of experience in information security gives him a unique perspective on the challenges we face in providing secure and reliable digital services to Kansas.” Governor Laura Kelly said:. “I look forward to working with him as we build a statewide approach to cybersecurity.”
Mr. Godfrey comes to the state after serving as resident CISO and founder of Lionheart Cybersecurity Advisors in Kansas City, Kansas. He also has extensive experience working with several regent universities in the state. He worked at the University of Kansas Medical Center for over 10 years, six of which he served as CISO and Vice Chancellor for Information Security. Additionally, Godfrey spent over five years as a senior cybersecurity engineer, systems administrator and information security analyst at Kansas State University.
“This is an exciting time to join KISO and advance the strategy set out by my predecessor.” John Godfrey said. “Coordination and cooperation are essential to advancing Kansas’ cybersecurity posture, and KISO has been active in building a statewide cyber community that includes all 105 counties. For the future of information security We look forward to working with this dedicated group of professionals.”
In 2021, Mr. Godfrey was a member of the Governor’s Cybersecurity Task Force and chaired the Statewide Communications and Collaboration Subcommittee. The task force produced a final report to the Governor's Office that included 41 recommendations.
Godfrey holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from American Intercontinental University and a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies and Information Networking and Telecommunications from Fort Hays State University. He holds a Master of Science degree in Information Assurance from Capital University of Science and Technology and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Science degree in Cybersecurity from Capital University of Science and Technology. Additionally, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS), CompTIA's Security+ and Network+ certifications, and multiple National Security Agency (NSA)/Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) certifications.
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