
BLACKMERE CASE STUDY:
Confidential CISO Executive Search for a Unicorn SaaS Company
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Client Overview:
Our client, a U.S.-based national security contractor, is dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity within critical nuclear infrastructure worldwide. Their mission includes safeguarding materials and facilities from cyber threats, strengthening global material security, and advancing defense nonproliferation research and development. To support these goals, they required a highly specialized consultant with extensive expertise in nuclear cybersecurity, control systems, and international collaboration.
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Challenge:
The client needed an experienced cybersecurity leader to support the development of nuclear cyber defense strategies, provide training, and deliver program support for critical international and national nuclear nonproliferation initiatives. This consultant would be responsible for:
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Developing strategic cybersecurity plans for nuclear nonproliferation programs.
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Leading cybersecurity training programs and threat briefings for government and international stakeholders.
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Collaborating with international nuclear research institutions and regulatory bodies to enhance cybersecurity for nuclear infrastructure.
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Delivering programmatic materials for workshops, including presentations, discussion guides, and agendas, for a Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN) workshop.
Given the sensitivity and complexity of the nuclear sector, the role required a consultant with a proven background in control systems cybersecurity, extensive experience with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and a track record of leading cybersecurity initiatives in nuclear and critical infrastructure environments.
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Solution:
Blackmere’s expertise in national security recruitment enabled us to identify a candidate with the precise mix of technical expertise, international collaboration skills, and program management experience necessary for this high-impact role. Our targeted approach focused on locating a consultant who could effectively balance technical execution with the ability to manage strategic relationships in a mission-critical environment.
Our approach included:
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Targeted Search for Nuclear Cybersecurity Expertise: We prioritized candidates with strong backgrounds in nuclear and critical infrastructure cybersecurity, particularly those who had experience working with DOE, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and international nuclear agencies.
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Emphasis on Leadership in Global Collaborations: Recognizing the client’s need for international collaboration, we assessed candidates’ experience working with global nuclear organizations and their ability to manage high-stakes partnerships. This included ensuring familiarity with cybersecurity standards and practices for nuclear and energy security in various countries.
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Evaluation of Technical Program Management Skills: We focused on identifying a candidate with robust program management capabilities, including the ability to lead multi-million dollar cybersecurity projects, develop training programs, and provide high-level advisory support to national and international stakeholders.
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Result:
Blackmere placed a seasoned consultant with over three decades of experience in control systems cybersecurity and extensive expertise in nuclear security. This individual’s background as a technical lead at a national laboratory and their experience managing cybersecurity partnerships with international nuclear agencies positioned them perfectly to support the client’s nuclear nonproliferation cybersecurity objectives.
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Impact:
Since beginning this role, the consultant has:
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Led the development of strategic cybersecurity frameworks for nuclear nonproliferation, positioning the client to address emerging cyber threats to nuclear materials and infrastructure proactively.
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Delivered comprehensive cybersecurity training to national and international stakeholders, enhancing the capacity of teams to secure nuclear assets and detect cyber vulnerabilities.
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Managed and strengthened partnerships with international nuclear agencies, providing expert guidance on cybersecurity standards and conducting collaborative assessments for nuclear facilities globally.
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Developed a suite of programmatic materials for workshops, including presentations, discussion guides, and agendas, to support the Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN) initiative, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and engagement across participating organizations.
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Key Takeaways:
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Blackmere’s focus on finding a specialized consultant with deep expertise in nuclear cybersecurity and international collaboration enabled the client to advance critical nonproliferation cybersecurity initiatives.
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Our targeted search for technical and programmatic expertise ensured a seamless integration, empowering the consultant to lead strategic projects and build valuable partnerships.
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Blackmere’s understanding of national security and nuclear cybersecurity requirements allowed us to deliver a consultant with a wealth of experience, helping the client protect nuclear assets and enhance global cybersecurity resilience.
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CASE PROFILE
Company:
A U.S.-based national security contractor focused on safeguarding nuclear infrastructure and advancing global defense nonproliferation research.
Industry:
Energy - Nuclear Power
Challenge
Identifying a consultant with expertise in control systems cybersecurity, international collaboration, and program management to support high-stakes nuclear nonproliferation initiatives.
Solution
Blackmere conducted a targeted search for a seasoned consultant with extensive experience in nuclear cybersecurity, DOE collaborations, and global partnerships, ensuring alignment with the client’s mission and technical needs.
Impact
The consultant has developed strategic cybersecurity frameworks, delivered training for international stakeholders, and strengthened global partnerships, advancing the client’s mission to protect nuclear materials and infrastructure.
Client Testimonials:
CFO: "We just had the most amazing all-hands meeting here today... We are making such an impact. It’s mind-blowing. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!"
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COO: "You. Are. AMAZING!! You totally delivered a unicorn, and [candidate] is amazing. Well done!!"
Through strategic talent acquisition and confidential search processes, our firm played a critical role in strengthening our clients' cybersecurity capabilities, enabling them to navigate complex cyber threats and drive organizational success with confidence.
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