Sad to leave - Security Engineer CHRISTUS Health Employee Review

I spent a prior two years working for very large successful organizations before accepting a position in the Christus IT department. In those organizations security leadership placed an emphasis on transparency and accessibility; management at the highest levels took the time to ensure the well being of their subordinates to maintain a low turn over and maximize their work product. Christus leadership speaks of their Christian values and the desire to maintain a healthy environment, however lacks the fortitude to follow their own core values (dignity, integrity, excellence, compassion, and stewardship). Rationalizations and illegitimate answers from middle management are given to new prospects and senior management as to why turn over has been so high. The record is not reflective of the real truth; IT has been unable to retain qualified security professionals. I personally left as a result of the toxic and combative atmosphere, lack of true strategic direction, and upper management’s decision even when aware to hold those accountable in management to a higher standard. Collaboration and siloing information toward other teams and even security team members is promoted and has created an antagonistic atmosphere in the organization and the team. Security is not meant to be a roadblock or “funnel” but a partner for the business; a method for them to understand how to protect privacy and information, not secret police. Unprofessional attacks upon team members, other Christus associates, and customers occurred on a weekly basis. My decision to leave Christus was difficult and troubling, my desire to maintain personal stability and further the mission with some great individuals could not over come the lack of quality leadership and chaos. While there are plenty of good things that could be done to improve the organization, lack of governance support and the adversarial atmosphere will hinder the organization’s business and their patients. There are too many good places to work in cyber security as the rate for qualified professional runs in the negative, if given an opportunity to work here I would suggest a pass and continue on to another organization, where you can make a difference and do true security.