Welcome to the CAS Staff Spotlight, a column featuring members of the CAS staff. For this spotlight, we are proud to introduce you to Craig Harris.
- What do you do at the CAS? How does your role support the Strategic Plan?
At the CAS, I work within our great IT team to consolidate efforts to provide the necessary technical resources to all employees of the CAS. This ensures that all CAS ventures, events and projects have the technology needed to provide the best support and services to members and volunteers. I am in the midst of successfully changing my career field, and I am determined to become a subject matter expert in various technical divisions, specifically cybersecurity. - Describe your educational and professional background. What do you bring to the organization?
I began by getting an associate degree in business administration. I did not pursue my bachelor’s at the time, as I shifted my focus to private emergency medical care. I did this professionally for approximately four years before deciding to re-enroll in school to get my bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance. I believe I bring a sharp, problem-solving mind to the CAS, as I look to not only gain experience, but leverage the skills I have now to benefit everyone at the CAS. - What inspires you in your job? What do you most love about your job?
In the IT field in general, I am driven by solving problems and learning from trial and error. The anticipation and breakthrough of overall discovery and optimization of flows has been something that I have always been interested in. I like being able to think about how and why things work so that I may take a calculated and well-thought-out approach to resolve delays in productivity. The field of technology allows me to do all of that within its general scope, especially cyber security — which is the specialty I look to follow. - What is your favorite hobby outside of work?
I enjoy caring for my growing plant collection, eating and cooking tasty food, and watching/playing sports. I enjoy the simpler things in life while also letting my boundless and creative imagination carry me through my everyday life. - If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go and why?
For now, I would have to say Indonesia or the Amazon rainforest because I love landscape views and plants. I would say Indonesia because it seems like such a beautiful place to visit. My interest in the Amazon rainforest simply stemmed from hearing about it so much when I was a kid in school. - What would your colleagues find surprising about you?
How diligent I am with my plants. Ever since I got into plants, I have found out so much about myself. They carry a certain energy that grows along with me on my journey. They almost reflect the distinct stages of life that I go through. It is very eye-opening. - How would your friends and family describe you?
I think the people that know me the best would say caring, smart and funny. I love sharing myself with the people I love and cherish the opportunity to do so with the different people I encounter that end up proving to impact my life in any way.