Erica Smith, GLS’s Head of Operations, garners industry-wide recognition for exceptionalism in cybersecurity awareness and compliance training field
COLUMBIA, Md., (May 11, 2021) – Global Learning Systems’ Erica Smith was recently distinguished as one of the Top 25 Women Leaders in Cybersecurity of 2021 by The Software Report, an industry source for tech-sector market research, news and investment activity.
According to The Software Report, “The women that comprise this year’s list have not only stepped up to new challenges in addressing cyber risks and vulnerabilities, they have also implemented proactive strategies that will ensure ongoing resilience to cyberattacks for both their organizations and their clients.”
Smith has over 15 years of experience in cybersecurity awareness training in addition to a strong background in finance and human resources. As Vice President of Business Operations at Global Learning Systems (GLS), she leads the transformation and expansion of the company’s cybersecurity training solutions for clients worldwide in over 25 languages.
“Erica could not be more deserving of this honor,” said Larry Cates, CEO at GLS, a global security awareness and compliance training company. “She oversees our fulfillment, delivery, product development and support services departments, making her a pivotal player in supporting our clients – from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies.”
Smith graduated from Calvary Bible Seminary in 2000 with a degree in Education. She began her career in finance at FirstData (now FiServ) as a Processing Specialist in the Merchant Arbitration department before joining GLS. During her tenure at GLS, she has progressively taken on additional roles and responsibilities within Accounting & Finance, Human Resources and Operations, supporting the delivery of GLS’ cloud-based training solutions.
Smith holds certifications in Finance as well as Human Resources through various organizations and is currently pursuing through the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) her SHRM-SCP certification, slated to be obtained this summer.
Throughout her career, Smith has also shown a strong commitment to philanthropy. She founded the non-profit organization Hancock’s Helping Hands in 2014, which is an annual back-to-school program that provides school supplies, personal care items, free food and produce as well as baby care items to women, children and families in need within western Maryland, southwestern Pennsylvania and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. She also volunteers with various youth groups across her tri-state community as a mentor.
Smith is passionate about bringing GLS into more community events to help educate people from all walks of life to become more security-minded.
About Global Learning Systems
Global Learning Systems is an industry leader in security awareness training and compliance training with more than 30 years of experience developing behavior change programs. Recognized by Gartner for five (5) consecutive years, GLS’ Human Firewall® security awareness solution enables organizations to implement client-tailored programs that identify areas of vulnerability and change employee behavior to create a security-minded and compliance-oriented workforce.
