Our Board of Directors
Jesse Jones, President
I have 20 years in Information Technology and Telecommunications, but most importantly, I'm a husband and father of 3. My current role finds me managing projects for a cybersecurity firm as we help clients find and fix vulnerabilities in websites, software, mobile applications, and networks.
I joined the InfraGard Alaska Members Alliance Board of Directors in January of 2022 as President to help the chapter through the recertification process. The chapter had lost the majority of it's leadership and was at risk of being dissolved by National. Through hard work, our new Board was able to complete the steps required to re-certify the Alaska chapter and bring us in good standing once again.
We look forward to the new direction of the Alaska chapter, the new programs being introduced, and the challenges that lay ahead.
Aaron Smith, Vice President
A seasoned Chief Information Officer (CIO) and cybersecurity expert with over 24 years of distinguished service, specializing in leading digital transformation initiatives and fortifying cybersecurity strategies to protect critical infrastructure.
Aaron's unwavering commitment to cybersecurity and defending the nation's critical infrastructure underscores his status as a dynamic leader and visionary in the field. With a track record of excellence and a passion for innovation, he continues to push the boundaries of cybersecurity excellence, ensuring a safer and more secure digital future for all.
Aaron continues to serve with the Alaska Air National Guard, where he holds a senior leadership position. He oversees operations and activities critical to national security, implementing effective management systems and quality control measures to enhance readiness and resilience.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Aaron is deeply committed to serving his community. He volunteers his time, elected twice to serve as the Chairman of the Board for the Catholic Schools of Fairbanks; he plays a pivotal role in fostering educational excellence and community development initiatives.
Nathaniel Ladd, Director
I have 12 years of experience in Information Technology and I’m currently working as an Information Security Manager. My role is challenging as there are new technologies to learn and threats to protect against. I grew up in Eagle River and now reside in Fairbanks with my wife and sons.
I joined InfraGard during the spring of 2019 while working as an Information Security Analyst. I believe that keeping Alaska’s InfraGard Chapter up and running is important as we’re facing ever increasing cyber threats. Building and maintaining a network of technology professionals is critical for keeping businesses and the economy running smoothly. I look forward to assisting the talented Board as we find ways to benefit our members and their organizations.
Mark Merchant, Director
Mark Merchant has been serving as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the Municipality of Anchorage for the past 9 years. He has worked for a variety of state and local government agencies directly involved in cyber security, information technology and disaster recovery for over 28 years in Alaska.
He was recently nominated and selected to attend the prestigious FBI CISO Academy in Quantico, VA and holds multiple industry related certifications.
He currently sits on the board of directors for Infragard Alaska and Cybersecure Alaska and actively participates in many community organizations that specialize in cyber security and critical infrastructure protection.
He was born in Anchorage, is a veteran and non-commissioned officer of the U.S. Army and served in the first Gulf War with the 1st Infantry Division. Some of his hobbies include public speaking on a variety of risk management topics and assists Alaskan businesses, Law firms and State agencies with digital forensics investigations.