Dispel, a provider of zero-trust remote access, data streaming, managed attribution, and DMZ unification for industrial control systems, announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Dean Macris as the company’s new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
Macris, a seasoned cybersecurity expert, will oversee the company’s compliance with a range of rigorous standards, including NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, NIST 800-172, NERC CIP, IEC 62443, SOC 2, and ISO 27001.
The announcement was accompanied by a statement from Chris DiLorenzo, Dispel’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), emphasizing the multifaceted nature of modern cybersecurity challenges.
“Given the environments, our systems are being asked to operate in, we needed someone who recognized cybersecurity was not only a programming and process problem but also an electromagnetic problem,” DiLorenzo noted. “Dean has that firsthand knowledge.”
Dean Macris: Diverse Experience in Cybersecurity
Macris’s career spans significant roles in both operational and information technology. His experience includes serving as the Theater Operations Officer of U.S. Forces Korea and Cyber Technical Director for Naval Special Warfare.
At General Dynamics Electric Boat, Dean Macris managed the Signature Secret Network, the company’s largest classified information system. Additionally, he has an academic background as an instructor of Cyber Systems at the United States Coast Guard Academy, where he led the development of the Seagoing Vessel Testbed for Industrial Controls within the Control Environment Laboratory Resource.
Dean Macris also continues his military service as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy. Macris’s appointment signals Dispel’s commitment to integrating enhanced cybersecurity measures into its product lifecycle.
Ian Schmertzler, Dispel’s President and Co-founder, highlighted this approach. “We wanted someone who would work to meet the spirit, as well as the letter, of cybersecurity standards,” Schmertzler said. “That is not only the right thing to do, but also a competitive differentiator in our markets.”
Impressive Academic Background
Macris holds a BS in Systems Engineering from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. He is also pursuing advanced studies, including a Master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a PhD in Computer Engineering from the University of Rhode Island.
Dispel, founded in 2015, has quickly established itself as a leading provider of zero-trust remote access, data streaming, managed attribution, and DMZ unification for industrial control systems.
The company’s technologies serve a diverse array of clients, representing roughly half a trillion dollars in annual manufactured output worldwide. With cybersecurity threats on the rise, Dispel’s proactive stance on security compliance is critical for protecting industrial control systems that underpin essential sectors like energy, manufacturing, and transportation.
Macris’s extensive background is expected to enhance Dispel’s ability to deliver secure, innovative solutions. His blend of military, academic, and industry experience equips him to address the complex security challenges faced by Dispel’s clients.
This appointment comes at a time when cybersecurity is more crucial than ever, especially for the critical infrastructure that Dispel’s solutions help protect.
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