Richard Cocchiara

Chief Innovation & Security Officer
Cognitient Corp.

Richard is an innovative and goal-oriented Senior IT executive with a proven track record of accomplishments in helping companies to minimize IT risk and improve operational resilience.

Hands on skills in IT risk management, cybersecurity, IT operations, business continuity, cross functional product development, executive project & resource management, cost management, multi-site implementations and product support & training. Full knowledge and adherence to strict budget control processes addressing company need and promotion of growth. An executive who is very adept at inter-departmental relationship building, contract negotiations, media relations, crisis management, services management and problem solving. Possesses significant experience advancing a positive company image through public presentations, industry briefings, press interviews and client interaction.

He is the former Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at the New York City Department of Education where he was responsible for the overall IT risk management strategy including cyber security, data management, business continuity, IT security governance and specific compliance reporting.

Richard was an Executive Vice-President of Risk Management Services for Spruce Technology and former CIO/CTO of the Smarter Risk Corporation where he created an integrated risk management solution for companies and organizations looking to actively manage internal and external risks from multiple threats.

He retired from IBM as an IBM Distinguished Engineer, CTO & Consulting Managing Partner for IBM’s Resiliency Services where he led a global team of IT Risk consultants and drover over $100M in revenue. He received new numerous awards and was named to IBM’s prestigious Academy of Technology for his work around Business Resilience.

He is a certified consultant who has personally led client engagements that have helped to identify IT risks, assess current capabilities, design new architectures, create strategic plans and implement new technology and services to manage IT risk. He meets regularly with the CIO/CTO’s of major companies to help them improve their resilience and reduce IT risk. He has been a featured speaker at many major conferences around the world and has been published in multiple industry and technical publications.