Keith Brautigam
Keith Brautigam
Chief Information Officer (or Sr. IT Leader): Education, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Chief Information Officer (or Sr. IT Leader): Education, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Keith Brautigam is a highly skilled IT and cybersecurity professional focusing on identity and access management. Over the years, he has advanced from systems administration roles to leadership positions, including Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Penn State University. He has led numerous initiatives to enhance security, streamline IT systems, and ensure compliance across various organizations.
Keith Brautigam was born in San Diego, California, and moved to the East Bay Area of San Francisco when he was two. His early interest in technology was sparked by friends whose families owned Amiga and Atari computers. While initially enjoying playing video games, he became more focused on optimizing computer performance to improve his gaming experience.
During high school, Keith relocated to Iowa City, Iowa. He pursued a Communication and Media Studies degree at the University of Iowa, which included a study abroad program in Mérida, Venezuela.
After completing his degree, Keith faced a challenging IT job market following the collapse of the 1990s eCommerce bubble. He moved to Research Triangle in North Carolina, where he worked as a supervisor at a Borders bookstore. Although this was not his intended career path, he credits this experience for teaching him valuable customer service and supervisory skills. Later, while visiting Iowa City, he was offered a position at the medical research center where he had previously worked as a student.
He was an IT Systems Administrator at the medical research center, a role that defined his career trajectory. He recognized the growing importance of IT compliance and data security, particularly with the introduction of HIPAA regulations. Keith managed secure systems in clinical and research environments, focusing on lung imaging and supporting efforts to find cures for diseases like emphysema.
Keith began his career in higher education after seeking a new challenge. He joined a team focused on research administration, where he played a key role in modernizing internal processes and transitioning everything to online systems. During this time, he gained early exposure to Agile SCRUM software development practices and familiarized himself with newer web technologies. His growing expertise quickly attracted the attention of the central IT department at the University of Iowa, where he was recruited to join their Identity and Access Management (IAM) team.
Keith's career in IT evolved further when, in 2014, he was recruited to a management position at Penn State University. Over the next several years, he experienced multiple promotions, moving from Manager to Director, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and Deputy CIO. In 2023, Keith was appointed Interim Chief Information Officer (CIO), where he led the university's information technology enterprise. He earned several professional qualifications throughout his career, including his Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, an MBA, and a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership. Keith Brautigam continues to be a highly regarded IT and higher education leader.
As CISO, Keith Brautigam led Penn State University’s information security program, which supported over 200,000 students, faculty, and staff and protected over $1 billion in annual research expenditures. He played a key role in developing and executing the university’s cybersecurity strategy, including the Shields Up initiative, which implemented CISA's best practices to safeguard the university’s network, devices, and business email systems.
As Deputy CIO, Keith reorganized Penn State’s 600-person central IT department, aligning services with key stakeholders and improving operational efficiency. He also led the implementation of a new Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) product, enhancing security while saving the university $500,000 annually. One of his most notable achievements was modernizing the Web Single Sign-On platform using Microsoft Entra ID, transitioning over 500 applications from a legacy platform in just 12 months.
Additionally, Keith implemented an enterprise Identity Governance system, improving role-based access control and streamlining the management of 1.2 million user accounts.
In late 2023, he relocated to the Denver Metro Area to be closer to his family. In March 2024, he joined Hunter Douglas, a leading manufacturer of window coverings and architectural products in Broomfield, Colorado. As the Global Cybersecurity Director of Identity and Access Management, Keith established an IAM program, including strategy, staffing, and software.
He led the aggressive implementation of a leading Identity Governance Administrative system across North America and EMEA, replacing legacy systems and ensuring compliance with SOX regulations. Keith’s leadership also involved designing a global access management solution architecture, which included privileged account management, unified single sign-on, and privileged remote access.
Keith collaborated with IT and business leaders to enhance the security of critical HR and finance systems, meeting complex regulatory requirements across multiple countries. He also played a key role in launching a business-critical B2B service based on Salesforce, addressing its complex security needs. To achieve these goals, he managed a team of full-time staff, contractors, and implementation partners.
His career is a testament to his dedication to IT and cybersecurity, particularly in identity and access management. From his early days as a systems administrator to his leadership roles at Penn State University and Hunter Douglas, He has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive innovation, enhance security, and deliver results. Keith Brautigam remains a respected industry figure known for his strategic vision and commitment to excellence.