Co-Founder and CEO

Chris Nyhuis is the Founder and CEO of Vigilant, a cyber security services and technology company that specializes in identifying, isolating, and mitigating threats with unprecedented precision. A sought-after speaker and instructor on Cyberwarfare, Chris’s extensive experience has prepared him to understand today’s cybersecurity landscape and the intricacies of cyber threats facing organizations. Chris holds multiple patents which ensure data integrity for trusted evolving detection systems.

Prior to founding Vigilant in 2009, Chris served as the CISO of a national automotive data analytics company where he developed groundbreaking methods for defending the organization’s large datasets against advanced cyber-attacks. Chris has also spent time in the food supply chain and telecommunications industries defending and fortifying SCADA infrastructure environments.

Chris is a passionate philanthropist and social-entrepreneur who established Vigilant’s business model to provide social good around in the world. Under Chris’ leadership, 25% of Vigilant’s profit are directed toward orphan, foster care and anti-child-slavery organizations.

CO-FOUNDER

Katie was originally responsible for spearheading accounting when co-founding Vigilant and while her focus remains within the finance department, she also puts her naturally detail-oriented skill sets to work in support of each department as needed. She has enjoyed watching Vigilant fill with amazing people with purpose and enjoys being a part of something greater than herself. Outside of work, she’s mom to three amazing kids who share her passion for sports and teach her more than books ever could.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Miguel is responsible for crafting winning business strategies and delivering superior financial results. As a recognized change agent, Miguel’s broad experience in Finance Administration was achieved in leadership positions at Procter and Gamble. Miguel appreciates how much Vigilant gives to those in need and loves seeing company values reflected in their finances. Miguel came to the US from Mexico over 20 years ago and stays deeply connected to his extended family there. Outside of Vigilant, he and his wife Kate are the proud parents of their “soccer superstar son,” Alex.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Dan leads the security services teams for Vigilant. Dan has worked with companies to develop their defensive countermeasures, provide offensive security services, and built internal teams to support these initiatives. Dan spent 7 years in an offensive security role playing an ethical hacker for companies of many industries all around the world. Understanding the mind of an attacker has helped position Dan to understand how we can defend against them. Vigilant’s mission around orphan and foster care and fighting human trafficking are the driving forces for him. When not at work, Dan spends time with his wife and two boys playing hot wheels and LEGO.

CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER

Ariel leads the HR strategy and development efforts at Vigilant. He developed and implemented a strategic people plan that aligns with the mission and drives the overall culture. He continually works to help each employee at Vigilant succeed in their career path. He experienced a “coming home” feeling when he joined the company and is passionate about helping others feel the same. When not leveraging his skills in talent management, coaching and employee engagement, he is a busy father of four – often touring the country with his family in their RV – seeking adventure.

VP, ENGINEERING

Jacob began his web application consulting career while still in high school – helping medical research, design and telecom clients before joining Vigilant more than 7 years ago – where he now plans, builds and manages the development of customer-facing and internal apps from the ground floor. When not busy planning his upcoming wedding with his fiancé, Jacob enjoys collecting rare science fiction and tinkering with vintage electronics.