TSI Employee Spotlight: Chris Riani

Chris Riani joined Technical Support International in 2021 and serves as our Cybersecurity and Compliance Manager. He’s spent over a decade of experience in IT and has spent an extensive amount of time managing and protecting critical IT environments with the DoD and the private sector. He’s a ten-year Air Force Veteran, a graduate of Champlain College in Vermont, and holds numerous IT and security certifications. It’s no surprise that Chris’ true passion is bridging the gap between operational IT requirements and information security.

1. Tell us what inspired you to get into the IT/cyber-security industry?

For me, it was a bit of a winding path. Out of high school, I actually wanted to go into graphic design and web development, which was a relatively new field at the time. I started college by learning HTML web development, and other digital technologies and this really excited me. Not long after, I joined the Vermont Air National Guard, where I received amazing training in systems administration and was exposed to a wide range of technology, all of which needed to be secured to protect sensitive data. I really enjoyed the work of finding ways to ensure systems were secure while providing the capabilities that my coworkers needed to accomplish their unique missions. I have continued that service since and have worked with amazing teams all over the world for over a decade, making sure they have what they need to do their job while maintaining top-notch security processes.

2. Describe yourself in three words

• Kind
• Sincere
• Passionate

3. How do you gauge success? What is your favorite part of working within the SMB space?

As a leader, I gauge my success by the success of my teammates. I am not doing my job if the members of my team are not getting the tools and training they need to succeed, and the recognition they deserve for a job well done. The leads right into working in the SMB space, where teams are often small and working within tight budgets to meet tough goals. I absolutely LOVE working with these small teams and helping them meet their mission by being their advocate for smart IT and security decision-making.

4. What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

I love playing music and have played the guitar for a number of years. I enjoy jamming with my 10-year-old daughter who plays a mean harmonica! I also love to get outdoors, whenever I can, as often as I can.

5. What’s your favorite food?

I haven’t met a food I wouldn’t try so this is a tough one. Fish and Chips is definitely number 1 though

6. What is your favorite quote and why?

“No, Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda. Nerd alert obviously, but there is wisdom in those words. Just do it.

7. What celebrity or historical figure- past or present- would you like to meet over a cup of coffee?

United States Air Force Medal of Honor recipient John Chapman.

8. What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I have flown an F-16 fighter jet.

9. What are your goals for the future, both personally and professionally?

So far I have been incredibly blessed in life with a wonderful career and a beautiful family, and I have never really had a plan. I just aim to work hard every day, be the best at what I do, and to treat everyone I meet with kindness. I am going to stick with that since it seems to be working out for me.