Jim Garrisi
Director of Veteran & Military Relations
Jim serves as Senior Director of Security Engineering for ViacomCBS. Jim's team develops security automation solutions for the global organization, as well as overseeing key cybersecurity domains including Application Security, Cloud Security, and Attack & Penetrating testing. Prior to joining what was previously Viacom, Jim managed Lab-based Security Assessments (LBSA) for Booz Allen Hamilton at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, NY. Additionally, he spent nearly 10 years with the NYS Office of the Attorney General as a DCJS certified Technical Investigator, performing digital forensics and covert technical operations.
Jim is currently in his 18th year of military service (Army National Guard), including 8 years of active service. He has participated in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and was most recently deployed to NYC in support of the COVID-19 mission in 2020. Notable awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (x2), Army Achievement Medal (x3), German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge (Gold), and the Combat Action Badge.
Jim comes from a long line of military veterans in both Italian and American service branches: Great-Grandfather (POW, Italo-Turkish War), maternal Grandfather (Navy, WWII), Great-Uncle (Army, WWII), paternal Grandfather (Army, Korea), Uncle (Navy, Somalia), Father-in-Law (Army Reserves), and Brother-in-Law (Army). He is incredibly proud of his family's service and enjoys mentoring young Servicemembers as well as those transitioning into civilian life.
Jim resides in Cicero, NY with his incredible wife Erica. The Garrisi's have three beautiful daughters, Olivia, Isabella, and Mia. They are proud supporters of GiGi's Playhouse Syracuse, a Down Syndrome Achievement Center, in loving memory of their beloved Isabella, who was taken much too soon. Jim is a proud graduate of Syracuse University (Bioengineering).