Modern CISO Network: Board Book

Arshad Mahammad brings over 22 years of experience in leading platform engineering/operations, DevOps, SRE, and security teams across various sectors. He excels in implementing robust frameworks, driving digital transformations, and enhancing infrastructure resilience. Arshad is recognized for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration across departments.

Currently, he holds the position of VP for Cloud, DevSecOps, SRE, and Security at CentralReach, a leading provider of software and services in the behavioral health sector. His expertise includes implementing robust frameworks, driving digital transformations, and enhancing infrastructure resilience. He is known for promoting a culture of continuous improvement and fostering collaboration across departments.

At CentralReach, Arshad has led cross-functional teams responsible for end-to-end infrastructure, application deployment, and security initiatives, covering infrastructure, applications, networks, databases, and microservices. He implemented a robust security framework from scratch, ensuring compliance with NIST, CIS, HIPAA, and SOC2 standards. His leadership in adopting SRE practices has significantly reduced downtime and improved SLA compliance.

Arshad has collaborated with C-level executives to align DevOps, SRE, and security strategies with organizational goals. He instituted a DevSecOps culture (shift-left), resulting in a reduction in security incidents. He has been instrumental in leading teams, ensuring continuous skill development, and fostering a collaborative working environment.

His involvement extends to leveraging AI/ML and Generative AI, working on a framework to secure GenAI. Prior to joining CentralReach, Arshad worked for various companies, including IBM, Symantec, Home Depot, and Chase, serving as a Unix Architect, Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Architect, and managing DevOps and security teams. He managed the transformation of legacy systems to cloud-native architectures, achieving significant cost reductions.

Arshad has successfully managed diverse and skilled teams, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and ongoing enhancement. He began his IT journey as a Unix Engineer (AIX, Linux) and then transitioned to cloud technologies, security, and DevOps. He holds multiple certifications in cloud technologies, IaC, Kubernetes, and security, along with a master’s degree in mathematics.