James Cairns brings nearly two decades of cybersecurity and technology leadership experience to his role as Chief Information Security Officer. Starting at BVC in 2005 as a software developer, Cairns expanded his expertise internationally with telecommunications work in New Zealand before returning to become the College's first Database Administrator in 2013 and advancing to IT Security leadership. He holds an MBA essentials from Rotman (University of Toronto), CIO.D designation from CIO Association of Canada, and Associate C|CISO from EC-Council. Currently focusing on cybersecurity, privacy, and AI governance, Cairns is highly connected in the cybersecurity community as Director at Large for Canadian Cybersecurity Network, Advisory Board Member for NKST, President of BSides Calgary Security Foundation, and member of Cloud Security Alliance councils. He regularly leads Work Integrated Learning students from the Cybersecurity program and guest speaks on emerging security challenges, making him an excellent resource for media commentary on cybersecurity threats, AI governance, privacy protection, and post-secondary cybersecurity education.