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Chris Dishaw
Chris Dishaw

About

Hi, I’m Chris Dishaw.

I’m a Cybersecurity and IT Infrastructure professional based in Albuquerque, NM, with a focus on Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) and IT automation. My career has been defined by a transition from securing physical spaces to architecting resilient digital environments.

The Path to Tech: Security & Service
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Before I fully committed to the world of bits and bytes, I spent years in physical security and access control. Managing enterprise security systems and ensuring compliance in highly regulated environments taught me that “security” isn’t just about software, it’s about people, protocols, and meticulous documentation.

My professional roots are also in the food service and catering industry. While I’m not a classically trained chef, working in high-volume catering taught me the importance of mise en place, or having everything in its place before the rush starts. I’ve found that the same “measure twice, cut once” philosophy applies perfectly to deploying a new PowerShell script or configuring a firewall.

What I’m Building Now
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I am currently a full-time student at Western Governors University, finishing my B.S. in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (Expected August 2026). I’m also working as a GRC Micro-Intern, where I spend my time translating high-level frameworks like NIST CSF and CIS Controls into actionable security safeguards.

I hold several active certifications, including:

  • CompTIA CySA+ and Security+
  • CompTIA Network+ and LPI Linux Essentials
  • CompTIA Project+

Beyond the Terminal
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When I’m not studying or building out this portfolio, you can usually find me:

  • Practicing Backgammon: I’m a student of the game and use tools like eXtreme Gammon to constantly refine my strategy.
  • In the Kitchen: I have a deep appreciation for Asian and Indian cuisines and love experimenting with complex spice profiles.
  • Exploring: While I’m currently in the Southwest, I’m a frequent traveler with a long-term goal of spending more time in New England or internationally in Sweden.

I’m a big believer in the “Learn in Public” philosophy. This site is my way of documenting my journey, sharing my “Notes to Self,” and hopefully helping a few other people along the way.