This month, the Office of Information Technology is celebrating Marc Herzog, IT Security Engineer. Marc works in the Information Security and Assurance team and has been with Fordham for 1.5 years. Throughout his time at Fordham, he has worked on many interesting projects and developed both professionally and personally. To honor the contributions of Marc Herzog we are sharing a little about his story.
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How long have you been employed at Fordham and what roles have you held?
I was hired in May of 2023 as a Security Engineer.
What’s the day-to-day of your role like?
The majority of my time is spent working with other IT departments to ensure that our posture is as secure as can be. The plan is that, if we do that effectively, we can minimize the crisis management aspect of my role, when we have an active threat we need to mitigate.
What is your proudest accomplishment in IT and/or life in general?
I have had a very circuitous career, from customer support roles 20+ years ago to owning a small business. My proudest accomplishment is actually working here at Fordham in cybersecurity. It’s not an easy field to get into today, and I love what I do and who I do it with.
In life, my proudest accomplishment is hands-down being a father to my 17 year old daughter. She and I are inseparable, and I’m blessed to see her go forth and do great things.
Before Fordham, you were an active member of the United States Military, what branch of the military did you serve in and why did you choose that path?
I served in the US Navy and US Navy Reserves from 1994-2001. Three of my uncles were Naval officers, and it was a very cerebral service. That said, I spent much of my enlistment as a deck hand before becoming an electrician.
How has your time in the military shaped your life, both personally and in your professional career?
First, when my father found out I enlisted, he prepared me by saying, “Listen to what is being said, not how it is being said.” This has helped me navigate interpersonal relationships.
When I transferred off of my ship, my Executive Officer advised that “Obstacles are things that people see when they take their eyes off their goals.” This has helped me to realize that, when I feel stuck, it’s usually because I’ve lost my way, and need to unfoul myself.
When I ended my time in service, there was little preparation for life as a civilian. I had a lot of trouble adjusting, and spent many years battling depression because of it. Because of that, I became heavily involved in a veteran suicide prevention organization called Irreverent Warriors.
When you are not working, what are some passion projects/hobbies/activities that you’re involved in?
- Board Member of a Jewish Community Center – my faith is a core tenet of who I am, and I love providing a safe and welcoming environment for my community.
- President of the Westfield High School Band Parents Association – my daughter plays French Horn in the Symphonic Band, Mellophone in marching band, trumpet in Jazz Band, and flag in Winter Guard. The Band Parents Association proudly supports (emotionally and financially) our high school music programs.
- National leader of Irreverent Warriors, whose mission is to “Bring veterans together, using humor and camaraderie, to improve mental health, and prevent veteran suicide.” This organization saved my life in 2016, and I have committed to giving back and mentoring others ever since.
How have you grown professionally while on our team?
I am honored to serve on the Product Functionality Committee and the AI Think Tank. I have earned my Security+ certification and attended SANS training. And the ISA team challenges me daily to keep their paces.
What is the most unique part about working at Fordham?
I love working with student workers. When we do it right, we provide them with real and practical experiences that set them up for meaningful employment after graduation.
What is something fun or interesting that not many people know about you?
I asked my Daughter what I should put here, and after thinking for a good 30 seconds, she said, “I want you to know that you ARE very interesting… I just can’t think of anything.”
Here is one: Every two weeks, I run a Dungeons and Dragons campaign for veterans who need a place to relax with others who know where they have been emotionally and physically.
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This interview was conducted as part of the Office of Information Technology’s SpotlITe series, in which we highlight staff members who have meaningfully contributed to IT, Fordham, and beyond.