Boise State Cyber Operations and Resilience Programs

Upcoming CORe Talk on Feb. 19th 6pm MST! Presented by Shea McNama.

Shea McNama is a seasoned Information Security Engineer 3 at ITD, specializing in information protection, data security, digital forensics, DLP, Intune, Purview, Entra ID administration, and Azure security. With a strong foundation in cybersecurity operations and resilience, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise and real-world experience to safeguard critical systems and drive continuous improvement in security standards.
A career changer motivated by his children, Shea transitioned from 20+ years in business management, supply chain logistics, sales, and law enforcement into cybersecurity—proving it’s never too late to pursue your passion. He aims to inspire his kids (and others) to follow their dreams sooner rather than later. His journey reflects a commitment to lifelong learning, adaptability, and leading by example.
Shea holds a Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience from Boise State University (completed online while balancing parenthood and full-time work). He also earned aBachelor of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience, with a focus on Cyber Operations and Cyber-Physical Systems Security from Boise State, along with earlier degrees: a Bachelor of Science and Associate of Arts in Culinary Arts / Marketing & Communication from Johnson & Wales University and the California Culinary Academy, plus POST certification as a Correctional Officer in Idaho.
His diverse background includes:

Over 5 years in law enforcement
Extensive supply chain and logistics experience (“farm to fork”) with companies like FreshPoint of South Texas, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, T&A Produce, and Costco
Contract sales roles across California, Texas, and Idaho
Hands-on IT knowledge, from designing/building networks to implementing software solutions

Growing up in Salinas, California—the “Salad Bowl Capital of the World” near Silicon Valley—Shea developed an early passion for computers (starting with DOS on a family 1983 IBM PC with an 8K hard drive) and sports. A former Junior Olympic Team member, he now coaches his children’s teams in soccer, softball, baseball, and football, using those experiences to teach teamwork, discipline, and resilience—lessons he applies daily in cybersecurity.
Highly analytical, process-driven, and detail-oriented, Shea excels in risk assessment, policy development, compliance with evolving IT security regulations, and cross-functional project coordination. His multidisciplinary background in sales, logistics, law enforcement, and now advanced cybersecurity enables him to bridge technical security needs with business objectives effectively.

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'The Importance of Soft Skills in Cybersecurity
Published: May 23, 2025
While technical expertise is often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a career in cybersecurity, this article from Boise State University highlights the critical—but frequently overlooked—role of soft skills in the field. Through insights from cybersecurity professionals Ashley Vanpraag and Elizabeth Khan, the piece emphasizes how traits like communication, resilience under stress, continuous learning, integrity, and empathy are just as vital as programming and data analysis.
Vanpraag and Khan discuss how the ever-evolving threat landscape requires professionals to not only stay technically sharp but also excel in teamwork, ethical decision-making, and emotional intelligence. They advocate for cultivating a growth mindset, managing pressure through self-care, and effectively translating complex cybersecurity issues for non-technical audiences. Boise State’s cyber operations and resilience program reflects this philosophy by embedding soft skill development into its curriculum—preparing students for the real-world demands of the cybersecurity profession.
In sum, the article underscores that being a great cybersecurity professional is not just about stopping threats—it's about leading with empathy, thinking critically, and communicating with clarity in high-stakes environments.
By Ashley Furr

Boise State Online
Boise State College of Engineering

The importance of soft skills in cybersecurity When someone thinks of the skills needed for a successful career in cybersecurity, the primary thought often goes to technical skills or “hard skills,”