Carmelo Walsh
Cybersecurity professional, ukulele enthusiast, part-time runner & fitness wannabe, and full-time person trying to juggle work, wellness, and wonder.
"I live my life anchored in Wealth, Health, and Inner Self."
My Cybersecurity Career 🔐
Back when I started, Information Security was not a real field yet; we were just kind of lumped in under IT. After leaving the Marine Corps, I joined the Department of Corrections and worked my way up from a Corrections Officer to one of the youngest State network specialists at the time. I was only 22 going on 23.
Now I serve as Vice President of Cybersecurity Operations at Magellan Health. I oversee a bunch of really smart, passionate folks and lead areas like AppSec, Threat Intelligence, Incident Response, Vulnerability Governance, Business Continuity Planning, and more.
I do try to keep up on the latest and greatest. I have in the last few years, have made large investments of my time to get to really know artificial intelligence.
There is a lot that it is capable of, and some... kind of unnecessary but fun. Some of it is really putting people out of work; and also, there is some of it that is really advancing
the abilities of people and helping solve huge problems. It's a matter of time when AI and quantum computing interface and then what? We have to start problem solving now.
Running, Fitness & Fighting 🥷
Running and I have a complicated relationship. In the Marine Corps, I ran because I had to, topping out at about 6 miles a year for a while. Once I got out, I focused on getting as strong as I could, but after a shoulder injury in 2014, I knew I needed to switch things up.
I started running again in 2015. I am not fast, but I am consistent enough to average 6-10 miles a week, even in Phoenix heat. To keep things interesting, my son and I tackle obstacle races like Spartan and Rugged Maniac, and I still hit the gym regularly to stay functional, strong, and sweaty. I did run a half marathon in 2020 as part of one of my goals.
Lately, I have also taken up Filipino Martial Arts, which basically means fighting each other with rattan sticks learning how to make offensive moves part of the defensive strategy. It's pretty badass.
Ukuleles & Music 🎸
My love for the ukulele started in Hawaii when I first heard Jake Shimabukuro play. I was blown away. I have met him a few times and every time, I walk away inspired to play more and play better. Now I play every day.
I also play the guitar and dabble a bit with the keyboard. I challenge myself with 100-Day Projects, like learning to play “Bohemian Rhapsody” on uke. That discipline keeps me grounded and gives me something creative to strive for.
I run the Phoenix Ukulele Group on Zoom and help with in-person meetups; we have built an amazing little community, not just from Phoenix, but from all over.