Consultant of the Month: Erik, the IT Vet

Erik H

“Back in February, David Etnire contacted me. We interviewed over the phone and a few weeks after I was placed, I met Eric Kinsey at the client site,” Erik recalls. “Everything went very smoothly. Paperwork was completed quickly and everything was very professionally done.”

While he was originally hired for an IT Project Management role, his title is currently evolving. “He was originally brought on to upgrade a collection of hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and shops, to be EMV compliant for one of our clients,” says Crescent Solutions Sr. Partner, Eric Kinsey. “Upon further exploration of his security knowledge, he is now tasked with architecting and implementing a multi-layer cyber defense program, as well as integrating IT risk management protocols and standards across the enterprise.”

“I’ve been in the IT industry for about 20 years,” says Erik, “and involved in security and compliance for the last 5. I’ve lived in Las Vegas for 15 years and moved here from my hometown of Chicago, IL. I have my Bachelor’s degree in History and will be returning to school in the fall to get my M.S. in Information Security.”

Outside of his demanding job, in his free time he enjoys hunting, fishing, cooking, baking, hiking, playing poker, and computer games. “My favorite sports teams are the Cubs, the Bears, and anyone playing against the St. Louis Cardinals,” he says with a smile. “I don’t really have a favorite band. I could say something ridiculous like Justin Bieber but why bother.”

“I’m a foodie and like almost everything, but if I had to pick just one favorite, it would be rustic Italian.”

Erik is known for having a great sense of humor. “I can see the funny side of most situations and have a hard time not pointing out the absurdities of life in the corporate world. Most people would consider me a very patient and understanding person, but after spending 10 years in the Army, I can be very direct when the situation calls for it. It also makes it easy for people to work with me because they know when something is actually serious.”

Married to his wife Helene for 16 years, they have a 12-year-old son named Griffin who seems increasingly interested in joining the family business of Data Security. His wife Helene is a Psychiatric Nurse who is currently looking to change careers after she earns her Master’s Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

We wish this family nothing but success on all of their educational and professional endeavors. Essentially, keep kicking butt!