Zach Lewis
About Zach Lewis
Zach is a seasoned CIO and CISO with over 13 years of IT experience, currently serving at a higher education university in St. Louis, Missouri. His career has spanned industries including startups, energy, IT colocation facilities, and consulting roles as a vCISO and vCIO. These diverse experiences have shaped his approach to technology, leadership, and cybersecurity.
In 2026, Zach’s first book, Locked Up: Cybersecurity Threat Mitigation Lessons from a Real-World LockBit Ransomware Response, will be published by Wiley. Based on our institution’s response to a major ransomware incident, the book offers practical, real-world insights for CISOs, IT leaders, and public sector professionals navigating today’s threat landscape.
Zach has had the privilege of speaking at events across the U.S. and internationally including a notable presentation in Germany focused on ransomware response and resilience.
Beyond his professional life, Zach is passionate about homesteading. He lives with his wonderful wife and three children on a lively homestead filled with the clucks of chickens, several dogs, and our “barn” cat, along with a thriving garden. This lifestyle has inspired me to embrace the title of the “Homesteading CISO”.
In 2023, Zach was honored to be named the St. Louis Non-Profit CISO of the Year. He also serves as Vice President and a Board Member for the St. Louis Chapter of InfraGard and contribute to several advisory boards supporting higher education and regional cybersecurity conferences.
Zach’s Blog
Zach’s blog explores the intersection of cybersecurity leadership and sustainable living. From real-world insights on ransomware response, IT strategy, and public sector resilience, to lessons learned on the homestead. Each post blends technical expertise with down-to-earth perspective. Whether you’re a CISO, IT leader, or simply curious about life as the “Homesteading CISO,” you’ll find thought-provoking content rooted in experience, growth, and balance.
Recent Media Appearances
The Cyber Executive – April 2025
In this week’s episode of “The Cyber Executive” podcast, host Marc Ashworth talks to Zach Lewis, the CIO/CISO at University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis. Zach discusses the challenges of securing educational institutions at K-12 and university levels.
FutureCon CISO Panel – March 2025
“Securing the Future: CISO Insights and Industry Leaders Discussing Current Threats and Strategic Defense Practices”.
And Security For All – November 2024
Strengthening Security Through Data Classification and Governance.
CDO Magazine Cybersecurity Summit – October 2024
Securing the Future: AI-Driven Data Governance and Protection.
Concentric AI Customer Story – April 2024
Zach Lewis of University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis talks about how they use Concentric AI for data security.
And Security For All – October 2023
They will be discussing higher education in Cybersecurity and how it is the most targeted industry. Additionally, Zachary will chat about how his experiences in wilderness survival and homesteading tie back into Cybersecurity.
FutureCon CISO Panel – Jun 2023
Discussed Current Cyberthreats and Practices.
FutureCon CISO Panel – March 2022
Discussed Current Cyberthreats and Practices.