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Meet Field Day Delegate – Evan Mintzer

Did you hear? Evan Mintzer is coming to Security Field Day next month! 

Connect with EvanMintzer on Twitter, the web, or the Tech Field Day web site.

What are you most excited about seeing at Security Field Day?

I feel like this will be an opportunity for me to concentrate on the educational part of my life. I will get to learn new concepts, meet some awesome people, and be able to come away with some great stories that I can share.

Tell us a little bit about what you do currently.

My title is Information Security Manager. I have been working directly in IT security for almost 5 years and just changed to this new company. Prior to security, I worked with infrastructure architecture. I am tasked with identifying the security deficiencies for my company and will start initiatives to resolve them. I have been with this company only for a couple of weeks, but have already identified quite a number of deficiencies. It already feels like it will be both a fun and challenging experience.

Where do you see IT going in the next 3-5 years?

I think security will get even bigger as it needs to be involved in every aspect of information technology and the business. Cloud adoption will continue to grow and I expect most companies will shrink their data centers due to this; however, they will not disappear completely in 5 years.

How did you get into Technology and IT?

Way back in 3rd grade, I was asked to join an advanced program in school. It was learning BASIC on a Commodore Pet computer. That was my first real experience with computers and everything steamrolled from there.

What was your first computer?

First one I worked on was a Commodore Pet (as stated above). I had to save my code to a cassette tape. The first one I had at home was an IBM PCjr running a 8086 processor working at a blazing fast speed of 4.77MHz.

How do you spend your free time?

When not working, I am usually helping with my family. I have 3 kids and I help to get them to their events, although one of them drives (but he is usually away at school). Outside of that, I like learning new things (especially fun, technical stuff like IoT devices) and playing on my Xbox when I find a good game – I really got into the Assassin’s Creed games.

How do you manage your work/life balance?

I feel like there are three things to manage: work, family life, and education. I try to schedule all of the work stuff, so it is not a surprise for my wife. As for family life, we use an online calendaring app so we can all see (and update) the same schedule. My educational endeavors come third so I learn when I have the time.

If you weren’t working in IT, what would you be doing instead?

I have been told I would make a good lawyer because sometimes I speak in hypotheticals (limit exacting statements) and love to learn and use rules. However, I am not sure I would want to put in the work to pass the Bar exam – I really do not like taking tests.

If you could have ONE super power, what would it be?

Anything that could help me bypass traffic – I really do not like sitting in the car and not moving. Not necessarily flight (although that would be cool) but rather a way to phase shift me and my car so I could just drive without stopping for other cars. The one problem with flight is not having a way to store things I may need.

What is your favorite movie?

I really like all of the Marvel movies, with Thor Ragnarok being my favorite due to the comedic aspects of the movie. My favorite character is Korg because of the way he talks.

Korg

What is your favorite kind of ice cream?

Mint Chocolate Chip is probably my favorite. Black Cherry and anything heavy in chocolate (no nuts) is a tie for a close second. Probably the reason I like Mint Chocolate Chip the best is because the rest of my family does not like it so I know it will not disappear on me. I put two scoops in a mug and pour chocolate syrup on top, if we have it.

That was fun! Thanks, Evan!

Security Field Day is back and happening June 19-21, 2019. Mark your calendars, so you can catch the presentations live! 

About Mel Zura

Mel Zura is the Operations Specialist at Gestalt IT. She assists in the day-to-day operations of Gestalt IT and Tech Field Day. Mel’s interests include sunny days, beautiful flowers, watching squirrels frolic, dogs, coffee, and music. She’s crazy about Tech Field Day and Tech Field Day delegates... and gifs! Go ahead, follow her on Twitter at @ZuraMel.