Veterans Program Advisory Council

Colin Grimes

Training Coordinator of TechVets Programme, The Forces Employment Charity (U.K.)

Colin Grimes joined TechVets from the education sphere where he worked as a primary school teacher with responsibility for computing across the curriculum. During his time in education he also worked as a consultant to schools for the National Centre of Computing Education, delivering training to schools in computing and remote learning, leaning on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before this he enjoyed a 24-year career as an air battle management specialist in the Royal Air Force. He also served as an instructor within the RAF’s School of Aerospace Battle Management where he was responsible for training the next generation of air surveillance specialists.

Tyler Hardy

Board Chairman and CEO of VetSec

Tyler Hardy is a cybersecurity engineer with expertise in penetration testing, security automation, and cloud security. As a U.S. Navy veteran, he served as a nuclear operations specialist, which allowed him to gain hands-on experience in critical infrastructure security and operational resilience.

In his civilian career, Tyler has led red team engagements, managed vulnerability programs, and developed security automation solutions that improved threat detection and response. He has been a dedicated volunteer at VetSec for three years and currently serves as the elected board chairman, supporting veterans transitioning into cybersecurity careers. 

Heath Moodie

Director of Vets in Cyber

Heath Moodie, a 5-year Australian Army Infantry Veteran transitioned into cyber security and was immediately confronted with the different cultures between the military community and civilian life. Wanting to be the change that he needed, Heath created a grassroots organisation, Vets in Cyber, which is focused on helping to build a community around veterans, to offer them the support they need within the cybersecurity industry.

Heath is now the Director of Vets in Cyber, where he is helping to build a mentoring program, running community events, and partnering with industry leading training providers, to offer employment assistance to veterans.

James Murphy

Director of TechVets Programme, The Forces Employment Charity (U.K.)

James Murphy joined TechVets from Government Digital Services in the Cabinet Office where he was employed as the head of threat intelligence. He provided strategic cyberthreat intelligence advice to key decision makers within central government with specific focus on protecting national infrastructure. Prior to this, James served for 19 years in the British military, deploying to Northern Ireland, East Africa, and Afghanistan with the infantry, receiving lifelong injuries as a result of enemy action. James then served the remainder of his service in intelligence, developing the army’s exploitation capability, providing support to U.K. defence engagement in East Asia, before delivering strategic support to global joint military operations.

Roger Payne

Co-Founder and Executive Director of Tech Vets Canada

Roger Payne CD, 21 year veteran of Royal Canadian Navy, joins the Veterans Program Advisory Council with a deep commitment to supporting military service members, veterans, and military partners as they transition into and advance within the cybersecurity field. Drawing on his 30-year career in IT and cybersecurity, including his leadership as a Senior Cyber Defence Analyst for the Royal Canadian Navy, Roger has dedicated his efforts to bridging the gap between military service and the cybersecurity workforce. Through Tech Vets Canada, he has championed initiatives that provide financial support, mentorship, and training opportunities, empowering veterans to reskill and upskill for successful careers in cybersecurity. As a council member, Roger brings invaluable insights into addressing the skills gap while enhancing pathways for veterans in the cybersecurity profession.

Bryan Radliff

Program Manager Education and Training D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families

Bryan Radliff serves as the CyberVets program manager in the Onward to Opportunity program for the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University. CyberVets is a skills-to-job pathway that aims to fast-track veterans into high-demand cyber careers by providing no-cost employment training, industry certifications, and career services to transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. Bryan is a 31-year veteran of the U.S. Army, serving as an enlisted medical supply specialist, infantryman, and an armor/cavalry officer before retiring as a lieutenant colonel.

Patrick Shaw

Founder of Cyber Catalyst (Canada) and Tech Vets Canada

Founder of Cyber Catalyst and co-founder of Coding For Veterans (CFV), Pat has initiated Cyber Catalyst Talent Solutions to assist veterans achieve meaningful and rewarding careers using the skills developed through their upskilling or reskilling studies. Pat curated the CFV secure software development and the cybersecurity curriculum and established the learning approach aligning widely recognized industry certification exams to meet the cyber talent needs of employers. Cyber Catalyst Talent Solutions offers job-focused microcredentialing and certifications in support of job placement. Tech Vets Canada engages veterans and military family members with career mentorship and learning support.

John Stoner

VetSec Vice Chair

John Stoner is a U.S. Army veteran and highly accomplished cybersecurity leader, threat analyst, and consultant, bringing over 25 years of experience with more than 15 in cybersecurity. He is CISSP and PMP certified, with deep competency across the U.S. Intelligence Community (USIC), SLED, and commercial verticals. His strengths include Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI), program management, cross-functional cybersecurity consulting, course development, and instruction. He gives back to the cybersecurity community by volunteering with The Diana Initiative, VetSec, and many BSides events. John is also a volunteer DEFCON G00N. He recently became the Vice Chair of VetSec, a 501(c)(3) devoted to the mission of creating a world where no veteran goes unemployed.

Andy Tansey

Managing Director at the Cerco Academy

Andy has spent almost three decades in adult learning and has occupied almost every role in the industry, from coaching individuals and small groups to designing and delivering global training project to household names in the pharmaceutical industry. A veteran and country boy at heart, Andy loves exploring the great outdoors with his dogs and keeping his vintage land rover on the road!