Workforce Developer, Digital Defender, Golfer
Nate’s career is a powerful example of what it looks like to lead with purpose, expertise, and integrity. As the Chief Cybersecurity and Workforce Development Officer at CyManII, the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute, Nate juggles high-stakes responsibilities that directly impact national security, workforce advancement, and technological innovation in U.S. manufacturing.
On the cybersecurity front, Nate plays a hands-on role in safeguarding his institute’s digital infrastructure. Working closely with information systems and network security teams, he ensures that security plans are not just followed but continually improved to stay ahead of evolving threats. His background, which includes over 20 years supporting the Department of Defense and the intelligence community, along with a Master’s in Cybersecurity and multiple top-tier certifications, equips him to handle this responsibility with precision.
Equally important is Nate’s leadership in education and workforce development. He collaborates with other Manufacturing USA institutes, academic partners, and industry leaders to create forward-thinking training programs. Backed by a team of seasoned educators and designers, he’s building a nationally recognized program focused on equipping the current and future workforce with the tools they need to thrive in a tech-driven manufacturing environment.
Nate also leads the institute’s counterintelligence efforts, protecting sensitive research, staff, and partners from insider threats and foreign intelligence risks. This role demands vigilance, discretion, and strategic thinking.
Through every part of his work, Nate sets the tone. He’s a leader who inspires with his commitment, supports with his actions, and earns the trust and respect of those around him. Nate is a Modern Maker.
Q&A with Nate
How did you find your way to working in advanced manufacturing?
I found my way into and supporting advanced manufacturing through my pursuit of continued education and project management. My former career allowed me to continue lifelong learning, and I was fortunate to earn both my bachelor’s and master’s degree. Through education, I was introduced to many different fields and industries. I was able to understand the landscape of advanced manufacturing through this journey, and further was able to apply my diverse experience as a project manager to help bring education and workforce development opportunities to this critical industry. Education and certification are key not only to the future of advanced manufacturing but also in unlocking many doors to career growth.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is the weight we carry and responsibility we are entrusted with in helping the men and women of advanced manufacturing. Creating training which aims to close the skills gap of our current workforce, while focused on adopting new or advanced skillsets to up-skill or re-skill the future workforce (Manufacturing 4.0) is the most challenging part of my job. My team and I truly care about making a difference in this industry and for the thousands of Americans who are in the workforce today, thousands more who will enter the workforce for the first time tomorrow, or those seeking new opportunities in advanced manufacturing. Our mission of helping each American is a critical mission.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job, in the same respect, is knowing CyManII and our extended team are making a difference in advanced manufacturing, either through education and workforce development, creating partnerships, or pathways to securing our nation through a skilled workforce. Making a difference is amazing. Having helped our manufacturing communities, K-12 learners, and having opened the door to new employment options across the nation, provides me with great satisfaction and pride. As servant leaders, my team and I strive to provide the highest quality of training at all levels of the workforce, their families, and adjacent industries. Our goal of up-skilling and reskilling one million workers is not possible without the dedicated members of our CyManII team and our trusted partners.
What would people be surprised to learn about manufacturing or your role in manufacturing?
One surprise about manufacturing, as viewed from my role, is just how diverse and expansive the “advanced manufacturing ecosystem” is. In my role, we are here to help all manufacturers, but our core focus is on small to medium manufacturers in the areas of Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity. What may be surprising to many, is that despite manufacturers relying on technology to manage large inventories, production, and safety, many of the members who support manufacturing (employees) do so with limited training in OT cybersecurity. CyManII has created specialized training that serves as an introduction to OT Cybersecurity, all the way to a pathway for future certification as an OT Cybersecurity professional. CyManII will meet every member of our advanced manufacturing ecosystem where they are in their career journey, and provide a pathway to learning critical skills to keep our supply chain, manufacturing pipelines, and infrastructure secure.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry or considering manufacturing as a career?
Education, internships, and on-the-job training. First, understand what industry or sector you believe fits your career goal. Working with institutes like CyManII, utilize the free and sponsored education opportunities to chart out your pathway to securing an entry-level work role. While you learn, seek out internships or project opportunities that will aid in your hands-on learning. Being able to apply what you learn from our online library or in-person/virtual bootcamp modules, increases your knowledge of the industry and prepares you for refining your employment search. Lastly, seek opportunities that offer room to grow. With the right mentorship (like that of the CyManII team), your pathway to a career will include gaining some experience in manufacturing, which will open the door to your first opportunity. My advice, your first opportunity won’t be your last, be prepared to continue learning and take advantage of on-the-job training to inch closer to your goal… together we can do it!
What makes you excited to go to work on Mondays?
What makes me go to work on Mondays in one word… dedication. Dedication to the men and women of our great manufacturing innovation institute, CyManII. Dedication to the hardworking Americans showing up every day who make our advanced manufacturing industry strive to be the best. And dedication to making every day better than our last, one course at a time, one learner at a time, and one success at time. Success starts with showing up on Monday… dedicated!
What are the three most important skills for your job?
Communication, Trust, and Integrity.
If you didn’t have to work, how would you spend your day?
At some point in my life, I’d like to answer this question with one word… “Golf.” Honestly, I am no good at this point, but if I did not have to work, I would spend my time as a volunteer for a 501c(3), perhaps serving Veterans or at-risk youth.
What activity gives you the most energy?
Helping others! Often, when I am working or doing non-profit support, I find myself helping others in achieving their goals or solving problems. I get a burst of energy, start talking fast, and my New York accent is stronger than ever. Being a servant leader made me realize that I am at my best when I use my God-given talents to help others. It’s my love language, if you subscribe to that logic. I find no greater satisfaction in my line of work or efforts than that of helping others achieve success.
What hobbies make you better at your career?
Volunteering has done wonders for my career. From manual labor to board of directors, many of the valuable lessons I learned were associated with learning from others and doing so for a common cause. People skills, teamwork, mission focus, and strategic planning are all aspects of my career that have improved over time due to giving back and volunteering.
How does the work you do impact the world?
My work impacts the world through securing manufacturing. Across our country, advanced manufacturing supports our nation’s security in the areas of semiconductors, critical infrastructure, defense and space, and agriculture. I consider my job key to keeping America safe in the pursuit of training the workforce in secure advanced manufacturing, specifically the challenges faced in Operational Technology cybersecurity, which is needed for the U.S. to remain a global leader in manufacturing.
