When Brian Sears agreed to join the firm in 2014 as our first Director of Technology, Hellam Varon felt like we had hit it out of the park! Brian comes to the firm with over 30 years of experience in managing and leading IT, telecommunications and customer service solutions-based activities. We feel very fortunate to have Brian heading our continued investment in technology to streamline our processes for staff and clients. He has a particular emphasis on information security, including protection and safe handling of client data.
Brian began his career in technology as a cryptologist in special intelligence communications with the U.S. Navy, laying the foundation for his focus on security. With 10 years of military service under his belt, Brian met and married his wife, Paula, and they followed the technology boom out to Seattle. He spent his first five years in Seattle as the senior systems administrator for a healthcare organization, making the jump to the accounting industry in 2001. In addition to working as the manager of IT and security for an accounting firm in the Puget Sound area, Brian spent four years chairing the Committee for IT Directors for the Washington Society of CPAs.
When asked what attracted him to Hellam Varon, Brian comments, "I was looking for a good team of people to work with, managed by strong, competent leaders. That is how I see Hellam Varon." Brian was a natural fit with the firm right from the start. Within a remarkably short time, it felt like Brian had been with Hellam Varon for years!
When Brian isn't sitting in front of a computer screen, he and his wife can often be found on their Bayliner cruising through the San Juan Islands. He also has a passion for photography, specializing in wildlife and nature (http://naturesimage.biz/about.htm). Brian brings great energy and skill to the firm, and we are all still doing a happy dance that he is here!
"Hellam Varon has a good team of people to work with, managed by
strong, competent leaders."
Education
Western Governors University, Information Technology - Security
University of Arkansas, Comprehensive Cyber-terrorism Defense
University of Washington, Information System Security Certificate Program
Police Academy, Reserve Police Academy
Pensacola Junior College, Criminal Justice
Certifications
Certified Information System Security Professional, IC2, License 351855
CCNA - Security, Cisco
Certified Database Design Professional, CIW
Certified Web Design, CIW
Web Design Specialist, CIW
Project+, Comp TIA
Professional Associations
Information System Security Association
Agora
InfraGard
Washington Society of CPAs Technology Directors Round Table
(ISC) 2
