Echelon was born from the idea that cybersecurity isn’t something that a professional services firm can just dabble in. Cybersecurity, privacy and technology risk present major threats that disrupt our way of life. That threat is constantly evolving, so we are too. We see it as our calling to stem the tide as cybersecurity experts. We are all in.
Echelon was built with a purpose. While other cybersecurity professional services firms tout what they do, few can articulate why they do it. We know exactly what drives us - protecting your basic right to security and privacy.
Our origin story begins with our name. The echelon formation creates a staggered but unified front, used to successfully provide excellent range of vision and protection to each participant. From our name, to how we conduct and manage ourselves on a day-to-day basis, we are built to be that trusted ally.
We are Echelon.
We are a passionate team with a common set of core values that govern how we serve clients and manage our firm.
Clients matter most. We believe in delivering "WOW" client experiences, and we prioritize the success of our clients above all else. Our goal is to act as true business partners, building relationships that elevate the way our clients think about working with consultants.
WE over ME. We believe that letting our teammates down is a mortal sin. Working together is the only way to achieve the lofty goals we have for our firm, our clients and our people. We actively seek to collaborate for the greater good, because we all succeed, or no one succeeds.
Interesting people are more fun to work with. We value different backgrounds and perspectives that lead to better outcomes for our clients. We know how to have fun – both on and off the clock – and we build lifelong relationships with our clients and colleagues.
We are true professionals. The amateur has a million plans, and they all start tomorrow. We believe that when we turn pro, we stop running from fears and doubts. The pro focuses on learning, continuous growth, and incremental improvement. We don't wait around for inspiration – we act in anticipation of it.
Show no fear. We directly address challenges and obstacles as they arise, without delay. We believe in confronting problems with courage, clarity, and a proactive attitude. We know that the hairiest issues are the greatest opportunity to shine, so we always run towards the fire.
Lead with passion and purpose. We have a true passion for what we do and a deep connection to our purpose. We approach work and challenges with a unique and spirited approach. We believe in exceeding expectations with zeal, and we always bring entrepreneurial ideas to the table.
We’re a team driven by purpose, fueled by collaboration, and proud of the work we do together. Here, bold ideas are welcomed, growth is constant, and support is real.
Want to see what sets us apart? Click the banner below to explore life at our firm.
The cyber threat landscape is littered with persistent and sophisticated actors who are benefitting by disrupting our government, major institutions, privately held businesses, public companies and our individual safety and privacy. SolarWinds and Colonial Pipeline are just the latest headlines.
The organizations constantly bombarded by threats are the same organizations that make it possible for us to fill our cars with gas so we can make tee-ball practice. They hold our life’s savings, they produce the software that runs the flow of traffic on our streets and the grid that powers our homes.
There is only so much difference one person, one idea, one firm can make. This is why, as we serve our clients, we also pledge to serve the greater cybersecurity community that is fighting this battle along with us. We take our mission to heart.
We believe the best cybersecurity teams are made up of people from varied backgrounds. Diverse backgrounds mean diverse experiences, and flexible thinking in the face of threats.
Dan Desko is the CEO and Managing Partner at Echelon. With nearly 20 years of experience in IT, audit, risk, and cybersecurity, he has led and built high-performing cybersecurity teams at leading professional services firms. Dan has a proven track record of developing and delivering innovative cybersecurity services, shaping both Echelon’s strategic vision and the broader industry. His leadership is foundational to Echelon’s mission and continued growth.
Matt Donato is a Partner at Echelon with 20 years of experience in security solutioning, consulting, and team building. He specializes in helping organizations identify critical gaps and implement the right resources to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Prior to Echelon, he served as Managing Director of Client Services at CyberSN and was the Co-Founder and CEO of HuntSource, an advisory firm supporting critical infrastructure sectors.
Dave Faraone is a Partner at Echelon, leading operations to ensure seamless, high-quality client experiences and consistent service delivery. He is also an adjunct professor at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering, where he teaches advanced cybersecurity topics. Before Echelon, Dave was Senior Director of Consulting for the North America East region at Unit 42, Palo Alto Networks. He also held leadership roles at PwC, guiding cybersecurity transformations and cloud security strategies for Fortune 500 companies.
Chris Callahan is a Partner and Head of Sales at Echelon, including client acquisition, strategic partnerships, and go-to-market strategy. With nearly 20 years of leadership experience in the IT industry, he aligns sales, marketing, and customer success to drive growth and deliver client value. Chris is known for building high-performing teams and inclusive cultures rooted in authenticity, integrity, and mentorship. His strategic vision and leadership accelerate Echelon’s growth trajectory.
Paul Interval is a Partner and Director of vCISO Services, leading the Cybersecurity Advisory practice at Echelon. With deep expertise in information security governance, risk, and compliance, he develops and oversees security programs that drive growth and resilience. Paul is known for his strategic thinking, leadership, and ability to navigate complex security challenges with confidence and precision.
Lori Diesel is Chief of Staff at Echelon, bringing over 25 years of experience in marketing and project management. Known for her attention to detail and strategic mindset, Lori plays a key role in driving the execution of complex initiatives across the firm. Prior to joining Echelon, she held various leadership roles, leading high-impact marketing efforts and managing multifaceted projects with a consistent track record of delivering results.
Marissa Salzone is the Director of Marketing at Echelon and a results-driven leader with deep expertise in demand generation and go-to-market strategy. Marissa played a key role in scaling a cybersecurity company from startup to market leader, driving a 420% increase in sales and over $22 million in revenue. Her strategic work leveraging acquisitions and partnerships has been featured in TIME, The Washington Post, and Business Insider. She was recognized as Cybersecurity Marketer of the Year for North America by the Cybersecurity Excellence Committee.
Steve Dyson is the Director of Risk Advisory at Echelon with a background in law enforcement and cybersecurity. He specializes in risk management, cloud security, threat mitigation, and regulatory compliance. Steve brings sector-specific experience in Healthcare and Financial Services and previously served as a Principal Consultant at Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42. Earlier roles include SOC development and cyber operations consulting, following service in state law enforcement and the U.S. Marine Corps.
Josh Fleming is the Senior Cybersecurity Manager of Echelon’s Risk Advisory service, specializing in incident prevention and response management. With extensive experience in both cyber and physical security, he advises executive teams on incident response planning, threat assessments, and crisis management. His approach combines technical depth with strategic foresight, helping organizations stay resilient in the face of evolving threats.
Steve Snider is a Senior Cybersecurity Manager at Echelon with a background in offensive cyber operations for the Department of Defense and intelligence agencies. After retiring from the military, he spent four years performing for the Red Team, penetration, and wireless testing for large organizations. He now helps clients improve their security programs through strategic advisory and leadership engagement.
Paul Matvey is a Senior Cybersecurity Manager at Echelon with over 15 years of experience in IT infrastructure and cybersecurity. He previously served as Director of IT and Cybersecurity Operations at a leading professional services firm and as a Senior Systems Integrator at one of the region’s top Managed Services Providers. Paul brings a strong operational and technical background to every engagement.
Julian Austin is a vCISO Manager at Echelon, where he helps organizations build and execute cybersecurity strategies aligned with industry standards and regulatory requirements. With over 15 years of experience in IT security, he brings a diverse background spanning SOC operations, penetration testing, and managed security services. Julian has guided organizations through risk assessments, M&A security evaluations, and compliance initiatives, and is skilled at translating complex security challenges into actionable plans for executive leadership.
Josh Anderson is a vCISO Manager at Echelon with more than two decades of experience serving as a vCISO, CIO, and CISO across multiple industries. He specializes in building and leading security programs that strengthen posture, reduce risk, and align with business priorities. Josh has directed enterprise security, technology strategy, infrastructure modernization, and compliance initiatives in medical transportation, professional services, banking, fintech, and financial services. Known for his collaborative leadership and executive communication, he helps organizations mature their security capabilities and navigate evolving threats. He remains active in regional CIO and CISO communities.
Greg DeLeonardis is a Client Solutions Manager at Echelon with 25 years of experience in consultative sales and strategic relationship building. Prior to Echelon, he spent 15 years driving enterprise sales success in the Oracle Applications space. Known for his results-driven approach and trusted advisor relationships with C-level executives, Greg consistently delivers value to clients and stakeholders.
Ben Tumolo is a Senior Business Development Representative at Echelon with over nine years of experience across cybersecurity, recruiting, and client services. Known for his strategic mindset and people-first approach, he specializes in aligning client needs with tailored solutions that drive growth. Ben thrives in fast-paced environments and is passionate about building strong relationships that deliver measurable impact.
Oscar Alvarado is a Senior Business Development Representative at Echelon, focused on helping IT and compliance leaders reduce risk through targeted security solutions. He specializes in outbound sales systems and pipeline development. Previously, he led sales at Grey Scope Labs, scaling revenue and customer base significantly. Oscar is known for his process-driven approach, clear messaging, and ability to break into enterprise accounts.
Rafael Jasso Peña is a Senior Project Manager at Echelon with over 14 years of experience leading IT, compliance, ERP implementations, finance, process improvement, and cybersecurity initiatives. He has a strong track record of delivering complex, large-scale projects by aligning business goals with execution, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring delivery within scope, schedule, and budget. Rafael is known for driving results and delivering value to stakeholders.
Shir Butbul is a Cybersecurity Manager at Echelon. She leads a team of consultants executing GRC initiatives for vCISO clients of various sizes and industries. Shir's expertise includes conducting audits, risk assessments, policy development, maturity assessments, and implementing GRC automation platforms. Prior to joining Echelon, Shir played a key role in strengthening cybersecurity governance of various organizations during periods of rapid organizational growth. She is passionate about designing and implementing practical and scalable solutions to streamline processes and enhance cybersecurity programs.
Alyson Pisarcik is a Cybersecurity Manager at Echelon, specializing in Governance, Risk, and Compliance. Alyson has deep experience supporting cybersecurity transformation efforts for both large enterprises and small teams. She has led vCISO engagements, cybersecurity gap assessments, tabletop exercises, and the development of custom training programs. She brings particular expertise in the Financial Services sector, while also delivering tailored solutions across industries. Prior to joining Echelon, Alyson held consulting roles at Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42 and Accenture, where she supported clients across a wide range of cybersecurity initiatives.
Jake DeWoskin is Cybersecurity Manager at Echelon with over 30 years of experience in technology, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. His journey began in the early days of computing and evolved into a career focused on risk management and security program development. With a strong foundation in technical writing, infrastructure design, and hands-on IT, Jake brings deep knowledge and practical insight to every engagement. He is known for his analytical approach, lifelong passion for technology, and commitment to continuous learning.
Kelsey Cunningham is a Cybersecurity Manager at Echelon and holds a Master’s in Cybersecurity from Bellevue University. Kelsey has over seven years of experience in risk management, governance, and consulting. Prior to joining Echelon, Kelsey served as a Senior Security GRC Analyst at a major retailer, where she conducted risk assessments, developed processes to identify emerging technology risks, and maintained cybersecurity policies and procedures. She is passionate about helping clients integrate security and risk practices into everyday operations.
Yesica Villalvazo is the Digital Marketing Manager at Echelon with over six years of experience in digital marketing. She is responsible for coordinating the firm’s website operations and digital content, managing projects within the marketing team, and supporting initiatives like event planning. Her background includes both agency and in-house roles in industries such as SaaS, telecommunications, and tourism.
Devin Jones is a Principal Offensive Security Consultant at Echelon, bringing over eight years of hands-on experience in the cybersecurity field along with several industry recognized certifications. His expertise spans incident response, security operations, penetration testing, and red teaming. Devin began his career in IT support and security operations before transitioning into offensive security, where he now leads and executes complex assessments, including adversarial simulation and emulation, internal and external network penetration tests, social engineering, and vulnerability assessments across a wide range of industries.
Alyssa Slayton is a Principal Cybersecurity Consultant at Echelon with eight years of consulting experience. Alyssa has supported cybersecurity solutions for clients in financial services, healthcare, higher education, energy, and technology. Prior to entering the cybersecurity field, she served as a U.S. Army Operations Officer and worked in federal law enforcement, specializing in criminal intelligence and administration.
Juan Hernandez is a Principal Cybersecurity Consultant at Echelon, with six years of offensive security experience and three years as a System Administrator. Juan began his career in government, gaining valuable insight into organizational networks. He later joined a Big 4 firm, conducting penetration tests across diverse environments. Most recently, Juan worked as a Red Team operator for a Switzerland-based firm serving clients across Asia and Europe.
Chris Tomei is a Senior Security Engineer at Echelon and holds a B.S. and M.S. in Information Science with a Cybersecurity Specialization from the University of Pittsburgh. Chris brings over 20 years of IT and engineering experience. He has supported desktops, servers, printers, and specialized hardware across enterprise environments, and has led help desks, hardware teams, and AV infrastructure in both academic and corporate settings. Chris is an active member of Pittsburgh’s InfoSec community, has taught at Duquesne University, and serves on the organizing committee of the Three Rivers Information Security Symposium.
Alex Watts is a Senior Security Consultant at Echelon with over 14 years of experience protecting critical systems and cloud infrastructure. He has deep expertise in network security, identity management, and automation. Alex brings a strong understanding of the threat landscape and delivers practical, tailored security solutions to meet clients evolving needs.
William Baxter is a Senior Cybersecurity Consultant at Echelon, with extensive experience in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). William has led large-scale audit and compliance efforts across multiple organizations and industries. He is well-versed in various control frameworks and holds the CC and CCSFP certifications. William is committed to helping clients meet regulatory requirements and prepare for future compliance through strategic readiness assessments.
Bryce Hayes is a Senior Cybersecurity Consultant at Echelon with expertise in incident response, adversary simulation, and technical assessments. He has led the development of tabletop exercises, IR playbooks, and automation tools, and supported investigations involving ransomware and advanced threat activity. Before joining Echelon, Bryce worked in cybersecurity consulting, managing complex engagements across finance, healthcare, and technology sectors.
Michael Pettet is a Senior Cybersecurity Consultant at Echelon and holds the eCPTX, CRTO, and Physical Entry Training certifications. Michael has led internal and external penetration tests, as well as red team engagements across sectors including banking, retail, healthcare, and government. His expertise spans adversary emulation, covert physical entry, and advanced social engineering operations.
Blake Washer is a SIEM Engineer at Echelon with over seven years of experience in security operations, engineering, and optimization. Blake has supported diverse clients through network security analysis and SIEM deployment. He is an active member of Chicago’s InfoSec community and advocates for simple, efficient security solutions.
Sterling Giralmo is a SIEM Engineer at Echelon and holds a B.B.A. in Cybersecurity from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He previously served in the United States Coast Guard and brings experience as both a security analyst and engineer. Sterling combines technical expertise with a strong commitment to service and is passionate about building secure environments that make a lasting impact.
Diego Pérez is a Senior Cybersecurity Consultant at Echelon with over four years of experience in the field. He has served as training staff at a respected cybersecurity education organization and has worked in bug bounty programs, performing vulnerability testing and exploitation. Diego also has experience as a web developer specializing in e-commerce and is passionate about malware development and reverse engineering.
Claudia Carillo is the Senior Project Controller for the Risk Advisory, Offensive Security, and Defensive Security service lines. She assists teams with developing and maintaining project schedules for engagements, monitoring and controlling project execution and progression, and helping resolve reported issues or risks. Claudia coordinates directly with clients and analyzes portfolio performance. She is also responsible for billing, ensuring invoices are sent on time, and following up with clients regarding overdue invoices.
Emily Adams is an Operations Strategist at Echelon with extensive experience in client service delivery and operational efficiency. She leads internal initiatives to streamline processes and support project teams. Prior to joining Echelon, she spent 15 years at a global consulting firm, where she rose from junior consultant to partner and COO, leading digital transformation efforts and spearheading diversity programs that advanced women into leadership roles.
Jorge Cepeda is a SOC & Incident Response Analyst at Echelon, where he specializes in monitoring and defending critical systems against cyber threats. Jorge brings a strong technical foundation and a proactive approach to threat detection and response. He is passionate about digital security and committed to helping organizations protect data integrity, maintain confidentiality, and strengthen their overall cyber resilience in today’s threat landscape.
Daniela Villalobos is a Cybersecurity Consultant at Echelon and holds a degree in Engineering from ITESO University. Daniela brings expertise in web security implementation and research, complementing her focus on building and advising on effective security frameworks. Daniela is particularly interested in the challenges facing the finance, healthcare, and data privacy sectors, where she guides organizations toward resilient and compliant security practices.
Ernesto López is a Cybersecurity Consultant at Echelon and holds a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Artificial Intelligence from Tecnológico de Monterrey. Ernesto brings a background in software development and a strong interest in risk advisory and penetration testing. Ernesto is focused on learning how to help organizations secure their systems and protect sensitive information from evolving cyber threats.
Mitchel Sykes is a Cybersecurity Consultant at Echelon and holds a degree in Cybersecurity and Networking from Roger Williams University. He specializes in cloud security and identity and access management, and is recognized for his attention to detail and adaptability. Mitchel combines technical expertise with strategic thinking and is passionate about continuous learning and addressing emerging cybersecurity challenges.
Renata Uribe is a Cybersecurity Consultant at Echelon and holds a degree in Data Science and Mathematical Engineering, with a minor in Advanced Artificial General Intelligence from Tecnológico de Monterrey. As a former Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador, she actively advocated for women in STEM through events and outreach. Renata has completed projects in natural language processing and deep learning, and has hands-on experience in penetration testing, cryptographic algorithms, and digital signature schemes for secure electronic contracting.
J.R. Hurd is a Cybersecurity Consultant at Echelon and holds a degree in Cybersecurity and Network Engineering from Purdue University. Outside of work, J.R. is active in his community, volunteering with adaptive sports programs in Indianapolis. He also enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and board games with friends.
John Blanzy is a Cybersecurity Consultant at Echelon and holds a BBA in Cybersecurity Management as well as an MBA from Northwood University. He has experience in information security, supporting the implementation of ISO 27001 and FedRAMP controls, and leading vulnerability management processes. Additionally, he has contributed to investigative efforts within the cyber threat intelligence community. John is passionate about continuous learning and fostering a strong security culture within organizations.
Hassiell Saucedo is a Cybersecurity Consultant at Echelon and a Computer Engineering student at UVEG. He brings hands-on experience from previous roles on SOC and Incident Response teams. Hassiell is passionate about cybersecurity and music, and enjoys CTF competitions, playing guitar, and eSports. He combines technical ability with creativity to bring a unique perspective to cybersecurity challenges.
Jasper is an Associate Cybersecurity Consultant at Echelon and is currently pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance at Western Governors University. He specializes in web penetration testing and brings hands-on experience from prior web penetration assessment contract work. At Echelon, Jasper has led the development of the firm’s web assessment environment and supports ongoing and future penetration testing and red teaming engagements.
Lindsay Grossman is a Cybersecurity Associate at Echelon and holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and Informatics from Rutgers University. She is Linux-certified and gained both technical and interpersonal skills as a Computer Lab Consultant. Lindsay has experience working with Kubernetes and containerization tools and brings a collaborative mindset to every project. She is passionate about cybersecurity and excited to contribute to the Risk Advisory team.
Drew Foley is a Cybersecurity Associate at Echelon and a Cybersecurity graduate of Thomas College. He has a strong passion for consulting, advising, regulatory compliance, risk management, and defensive security. Since joining Echelon, he has deepened his expertise in vCISO advisory services and defensive security. Beyond his professional role, he actively gives back to his community by volunteering with local youth programs through his church.
Roberto Perez is an Offensive Security Associate at Echelon with a focus on web application security, penetration testing, and bug bounty research. Since beginning his career, he has supported private and government organizations through internal and external penetration testing engagements. He now helps clients identify and remediate vulnerabilities by applying offensive testing techniques and collaborative defense insights. Outside of cybersecurity, he enjoys staying active at the gym and playing video games.
Isabella Orozco is a Graphic Designer at Echelon and a recent graduate of Tecnológico de Monterrey with a degree in Industrial Design and a minor in Product Design. She specializes in UI/UX, 3D modeling, and visual identity design. Isabella has contributed to mobile app development and architectural visualization projects. At Echelon, she brings creativity and design expertise to the marketing team.
Miguel Navarro is an Operations & Resourcing Associate at Echelon with experience in Finance, Operations, and Project Management. Formerly Credit Committee Director at a financial institution, he led risk analysis, algorithm development, and operations oversight. Miguel thrives in fast-paced environments and is passionate about fostering collaboration and creating strategic, people centered solutions driven by a strong sense of purpose.
Cole LaCamera is a Cybersecurity Intern at Echelon and a student at Miami University, majoring in Cybersecurity Management. He serves as President of the Cybersecurity Club and organizes innovation events through the John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship. Cole is also a student consultant for Miami Business Consulting and an honorary member of Miami’s Cyber Advisory Board.
Molly Bocock is a Cybersecurity Intern at Echelon and a graduate student in Cybersecurity at Duke University. With experience as a darknet analyst, she brings a unique interdisciplinary background in International Studies, Public Policy, and Irish Literature. Molly excels at bridging technical and human systems to drive innovation and collaboration. She enjoys participating in CTFs, reading, and exploring complex topics across multiple domains.
Niko Raketich is a Marketing Operations Intern at Echelon and a business student at Miami University. He has experience managing social media for university athletic programs and now supports campaign execution, CRM audits, data analysis, and reporting across HubSpot and Power BI. Niko enjoys creating marketing solutions that combine creativity with operational insight.
Fernanda Castillo is a Marketing Intern at Echelon, currently studying marketing and strategic communications with a focus in public relations at Wingate University, where she also competes on the Women’s Tennis Team. She brings experience in social media planning, content creation, and market research, with recent work on student engagement through mobile design. At Echelon, she supports brand development and digital content initiatives. Outside of work, Fernanda enjoys traveling and playing the piano.