Deborah Narh
Deborah Narh, CISM is an accomplished cybersecurity professional with a specialized focus in cloud security, IT risk management, governance, and compliance. With over a decade of experience in both public and private sectors, Deborah has led initiatives to develop and implement security frameworks aligned with industry standards such as NIST, ISO/IEC 27001, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. She currently serves as a Governance, Risk, and Compliance Analyst at the Clark County School District, where she plays a critical role in safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Deborah holds a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Ghana. Her diverse background allows her to bring both technical and behavioral insights to her work, enhancing her ability to manage risk and influence organizational change. Prior to joining the school district, she held key cybersecurity roles at GoHealth, Credit One Bank, and CDW, where she successfully led projects involving vulnerability assessments, policy development, and third-party risk management.
Beyond her professional achievements, Deborah is a passionate advocate for ethical technology use and education. She currently volunteers with ISACA as a Global Achievement Award Reviewer, supporting excellence in cybersecurity leadership worldwide. Known for her integrity, strategic mindset, and collaborative approach, Deborah remains dedicated to advancing secure digital environments and mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
• Certified Information Security Manager
• CompTIA Securty
• Grand Canyon University
• Las Vegas Chapter
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a clear focus on building experience and continuously evolving within the field of cybersecurity. I began my career in desktop support, where I identified a need for efficiency and created a guide to address common technical issues — an initiative that significantly reduced help desk calls. That proactive mindset carried through as I earned my Security+ certification and transitioned into roles as an information security analyst, system administrator, and ultimately a security and compliance analyst. Over time, my interests shifted from purely technical problem-solving to understanding and applying regulatory frameworks across sectors like finance, healthcare, and education. What’s driven my growth is the desire to contribute at a strategic level — protecting organizations through thoughtful governance, risk management, and compliance.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was to stay consistent with my passion and area of expertise, rather than trying to be a jack-of-all-trades. By focusing deeply on what I love and committing to mastering it, I’ve been able to grow into a true expert in my field. That consistency has been key to building credibility, opening new opportunities, and making a meaningful impact.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the cybersecurity and compliance field is to develop a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and always be willing to take a deep dive into the details. Success in this industry comes from hard work, persistence, and a genuine passion for protecting systems and data. Stay curious, stay focused, and never stop learning.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the cybersecurity field right now is the growing gap between job titles and actual opportunities—especially for analyst roles. While there may appear to be many openings, not all positions offer meaningful growth or align with long-term goals. The focus should be on roles that provide real impact, skill development, and career advancement—not just checking a title off the list. The opportunity lies in finding positions that truly challenge you and allow you to contribute to broader organizational security objectives.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are integrity, accountability, and impact. I take pride in being able to work well under pressure and stay organized, especially when it comes to high-stakes responsibilities like pre-audit preparation or improving security posture. One of my most meaningful accomplishments was reviving and implementing a long-delayed security awareness program—something our CIO had been eager to see launched. Knowing that my efforts have helped organizations avoid costly fines and strengthen their overall security is what motivates me to continue making a difference.