Maria Small
Chesapeake
Summary
Dynamic Cybersecurity professional with over 15 years of experience in defensive cyber operations, governance, and compliance within high-security environments. Expertise in leading cyber teams, deploying advanced security tools, conducting comprehensive risk assessments, and aligning cybersecurity strategies with overarching business objectives. Proficient in NIST frameworks, RMF, and endpoint protection systems, with a strong track record of mentoring cross-functional teams and driving security automation initiatives. Recognized for a commitment to operational excellence and team success, enhancing departmental performance through strategic initiatives and effective resource management in fast-paced, dynamic settings.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cybersecurity Analyst - Intern
CyberNINES
Remote
03.2026 - Current
- Perform internal and external security audits
- Analyze security breaches to identify the root cause
- Verify the security of third-party vendors and collaborate with them to meet security system requirements
- Developed documentation for security policies, procedures, and best practices to improve compliance and awareness.
- Collaborated with team members on security audits, ensuring adherence to protocols and identifying areas for improvement.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements to ensure organizational compliance with security standards.
- Assisted in the development of cybersecurity policies and procedures for improved organizational security posture.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of emerging cybersecurity trends, implementing best practices into daily tasks.
- Assessed, developed, and maintained NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity governance practices to protect sensitive information and assets.
IT Department Leading Chief Petty Officer
Navy Information Warfighting Development Center
Norfolk, VA
01.2024 - 03.2026
- Directed daily operations of a 21-member team overseeing management of over 250 classified and unclassified systems.
- Supervised upgrade and installation of live virtual constructive lab, facilitating advanced fleet training and enhancing threat simulation effectiveness.
- Oversaw issuance and accountability of 969 unclassified, classified, and top secret network accounts, along with 120 classified network tokens and 1,646 IT support tickets as Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO).
- Spearheaded cyber training initiatives, resulting in 16 industry certifications and 5 paygrade advancements within the team.
- Authored comprehensive instructional materials for cyber qualification training, strengthening team capabilities within the cyber mission force.
- Coordinated completion of Naval Information Warfare Advanced Weapons School’s new facility. Managed installation of 113 classified network workstations. Assisted in finalizing joint worldwide information communication systems circuit. Oversaw ordering of $400k in equipment and furniture projects. Supported installation of $146k JWICS/VTC peripheral orders to improve fleet communications. Planned and coordinated project over 7 months while managing additional responsibilities.
- Created and disseminated operational policy guidelines and distribution lists for cyber qualification training teams, facilitating improved information exchange and accountability across units.
- Directed information warfare training programs to strengthen operational readiness and strategic capabilities.
- Spearheaded development and implementation of innovative tactics for intelligence gathering and analysis in naval operations.
Media Endpoint Analysis Division Leading Chief Petty Officer
Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command
Suffolk, VA
11.2021 - 01.2024
- Oversaw a 24/7 cybersecurity watch floor as battle watch captain, facilitating prompt incident detection and response for 96 validated incidents and 40 significant activities.
- Managed comprehensive deployment of Microsoft Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platform, significantly advancing real-time threat detection and automated response functionalities.
- Assisted in conducting tier-3 endpoint and malware analysis during active incidents. Supported the creation of forensic reports and briefed flag-level commanders. Contributed to mission continuity and compliance with federal cyber directives.
- Designed and executed cyber incident response Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and playbooks in accordance with NIST SP 800-61 and MITRE ATT&CK frameworks.
- Guided and certified junior analysts while overseeing 1,058 hours of cyber watch coverage.
- Led cybersecurity initiatives to enhance operational readiness and mission effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented training programs for junior personnel on cybersecurity protocols.
- Conducted vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate potential security threats.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve incident response strategies and processes.
- Streamlined reporting procedures, ensuring timely communication of cyber threat intelligence.
Defensive Cyber Operations Team Lead
Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command
Suffolk, VA
10.2020 - 11.2021
- Directed cyber defense operations for five deployed afloat units, overseeing 26 cyber investigations to enhance mission readiness.
- Implemented comprehensive risk assessments and vulnerability management plans, aligning with NIST 800-53 and RMF frameworks.
- Spearheaded interagency cyber collaboration with 11th Marine Expeditionary Cyber Unit to enhance joint threat intelligence sharing.
- Compiled post-operation summaries and briefings for Navy Cyber Command to enhance situational awareness.
- Supervised daily operations to enhance team efficiency and effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented process improvements for cybersecurity protocols.
- Created comprehensive training materials designed specifically to enable seamless onboarding of new team members and maintain consistency in operational standards.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives within the team, promoting a culture of innovation and excellence in operations management.
- Observed each Sailor's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Scheduled Sailors for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and team member strengths.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
Education
Master of Science - Cybersecurity
Liberty University
Lynchburg12-2020
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD05-2015
Associate of Science - Computer Networking: Cisco
Coastline Community College
Fountain Valley, CA12-2012
Skills
- Cybersecurity Governance & Compliance (NIST, RMF, HIPAA)
- Risk Management & Control Frameworks (NIST 800-53, MITRE ATT&CK, NIST SP 800-171)
- Security Automation & Endpoint Protection (SIEM, XDR, IDS/IPS)
- Cyber Threat Intelligence & Incident Response
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Management
- Vulnerability Assessment & Remediation
- Leadership & Project Management
- Technical Training & Workforce Development
- Teamwork and loyalty
- Analytical thinking
- Security protocols
- Operational efficiency
Clearance & Status
Active TS/SCI w/Poly Clearance
Certification
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – EC-Council
- CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+) – CompTIA
- EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH)
- Certified Network Forensic Analyst – Freewater Technologies
- CompTIA Linux+ – CompTIA
Timeline
Cybersecurity Analyst - Intern
CyberNINES
03.2026 - Current
IT Department Leading Chief Petty Officer
Navy Information Warfighting Development Center
01.2024 - 03.2026
Media Endpoint Analysis Division Leading Chief Petty Officer
Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command
11.2021 - 01.2024
Defensive Cyber Operations Team Lead
Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command
10.2020 - 11.2021
Master of Science - Cybersecurity
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity
University of Maryland Global Campus
Associate of Science - Computer Networking: Cisco
Coastline Community College