Our CyberMontana team is a group of dedicated professionals with experience in both the public and private sector. We are educators at heart and are privileged to share cybersecurity education throughout the state of Montana.
Director, UM Center for Cybersecurity Workforce & Rural Policy
Joe is the State of Montana’s State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) Coordinator. He coordinates with Montana local governments and public-sector entities, to ensure the SLCGP effectively allocates SLCGP funds to suitable Montana public-sector cybersecurity projects. As an advisory member of the Montana Cybersecurity Planning Committee, he contributes to program planning and assesses Montana and local government needs, gaps, and program performance to provide the CPC with options and recommendations for program improvement. Joe is a native of Bozeman, graduated from high school in Valier, Montana and attended the University of Montana through an ROTC scholarship. Joe graduated with a B.S. in Forestry and earned a commission in the U.S. Army Aviation Branch. He retired from the Army after proudly serving with the Nation’s finest for 31 years.
Senior Strategic Consultant
Dianne Burke is a cybersecurity faculty member at Missoula College University of Montana and serves as Director of CyberMontana.She has taught networking, security, data operations, and computer forensics courses in both the public and private sectors She recently completed a career as a forensic analyst where she specialized in ESI collection and analysis and assisted counsel in cases across the U.S. Ms. Burke holds a B. A. from Rice University, an M.S. from the University of Houston, an M. Ed. From the University of Montana, and is a doctoral student at the University of Montana
Dean of Missoula College and Associate Vice Provost for Two-Year Education and Workforce Development
Tom has been a professor of Information Technology and Computer Science at Missoula College, University of Montana since 2001. Prior to coming to UM, Tom served in the roles of Technology Director and System Administrator. He holds a doctoral and master's degree in Education Leadership from the University of Montana, a master's degree in Computer Science from Western Washington University, and a baccalaureate degree in Mathematics from Carroll College.
Chief Information Officer, University of Montana
Zach Rossmiller is the Associate Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at the University of Montana (UM). Zach provides vision and strategic leadership for UM’s computing and information technology enterprise and drives innovative solutions to support academics and research. Prior to the CIO role in 2020, Zach served as UM’s Executive Director of Cyber-Infrastructure and was responsible for campus-wide systems administration, research computing, data centers, network infrastructure, telecommunications, and classroom technology. Zach received an MBA, a B.S. in Management Information Systems, and an AAS in Computer Networking from UM. Along with earning degrees, Zach has taught UM courses on operating systems, enterprise security, desktop security, and business systems analysis design.
Program Director – Information Technology / Assistant Professor, Missoula College
Victor has held almost every job in the IT world from Software Testing to Software Development and from Information Auditing to Computer Security Research. Victor graduated from the University of Montana many years ago with a Bachelor’s degree in French and English Linguistics but more recently graduated from Washington State University with a PHD in Computer Science with an emphasis in computer Networks and Security. Prior to returning to his hometown of Missoula, Victor worked for a startup building all-in-one tools for simplifying security. Victor’s goal is to make the InformationTechnology and Cybersecurity program at Missoula College an integral aspect of cybersecurity education in Montana and Missoula.
Professor, University of Montana
Jeff was born and raised in Missoula, MT. He studied Math and Computer Science at the University of Montana and has been teaching since 2011. He has completed several of the CompTIA certifications, including the CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst). Currently, he is teaching math and IT courses at Missoula College. Jeff taught at a GenCyber summer camp in 2021 where middle school students were introduced to several STEM topics such as electronics and digital forensics. He is organizing several other similar summer camps throughout Montana for summer 2022.
Information Technology Faculty Member, Missoula College
Wally has been instructing at Missoula College since 2009. Prior to taking this teaching position, he served for 23 years as a Field Engineer for Information Systems Analysts, Inc. and the UnisysCorporation. Since joining Missoula College, he has taught Electronics Technology, energy technology, and Computer Applications and currently serves as the lead instructor of Networking in the Missoula College IT department. He holds a B.A. from the University of Montana, an AAS in ElectronicsTechnology, and currently holds four Cisco NetAcademy Instructor certifications. He offers Networking in both the traditional Face to Face format with lab experiments using Cisco equipment and in an Online format with Cisco’s lab simulation application software.
PM Security Awareness Programs
With an A.A.S. in Equine Science and over 30 years of experience working with the public, Laura Haacke brings a unique combination of communication skills and dedication to cybersecurity education. Currently enrolled in a cybersecurity boot camp through the University of Colorado Boulder, Laura is committed to enhancing security awareness and promoting best practices in cybersecurity. Passionate about safeguarding digital environments, she works to ensure that individuals and organizations are well-prepared to navigate today's complex cyber landscape.
PM Communications| Marketing| Events
Carly Cushman is a graduate of the University of Montana who drives initiatives that connect communities across Montana with cybersecurity resources. In her role, she oversees marketing campaigns, coordinates events, and manages communication efforts. With a background in marketing and event planning, Carly is passionate about creating meaningful experiences and making cybersecurity more accessible.
Graduate Assistant | Communications Research
Josh Pike is a graduate assistant for CyberMontana focusing on communications. In this role, he writes newsletters and other content for various CyberMontana stakeholders and helps broaden the organization's reach. He is currently a student in the EnvironmentalScience and Natural Resource Journalism master's program at University of Montana and holds an undergraduate degree in Biology from Carleton College. He has previously led communications for a wetland conservation group in southwestern Colorado and worked as a staff writer at The Pagosa Springs SUN.
Graduate Assistant | Program & Project Coordinator
Shelby Feirstein is a graduate assistant for CyberMontana focused primarily on community outreach and program promotion. She is actively pursuing her Ph.D. in Anthropology at The University of Montana and holds degrees from both Mercyhurst University (M.S.) and North Carolina State University (B.A.). Prior to this role, her communication, marketing, and outreach skills enhanced Mercyhurst's semester of service program promoting service-learning and community engagement. Further, she spearheaded the expansion of basic necessity services for university students. She looks forward to continuing her professional development in this role and working to provide educational opportunities across the state of Montana.
Co-Director Montana CyberRange | Technical
Dan Banks is a seasoned IT professional with over a decade of experience in enterprise system administration, cybersecurity, software deployment, and technical leadership. Dan serves as the primary point of contact for PISCES data analysis and SOC analyst training coordination. Collaborating with CyberMontana, Missoula College, and the University of Montana, Dan leads student SOC analyst activities, oversees anomaly detection operations, and supports program integration for the Montana SLCGP. In this role, Dan provides technical assessments, guidance, and outreach to strengthen statewide cybersecurity initiatives and partnerships across government and education sectors.
Professional Development Program Manager
Shane Kravik serves CyberMontana and the University of Montana Center for Cybersecurity as the Professional Development Program Manager. A lifelong Montanan with more than 25 years of experience in workforce development, Shane is passionate about helping individuals and communities build the skills needed to succeed in today’s digital world. His work focuses on expanding cybersecurity education and developing practical training pathways that connect education, industry, and workforce partners across Montana, while also supporting individuals directly through career guidance and case management as they build new skills and pursue new opportunities. Before joining the Center for Cybersecurity team, Shane led workforce development and training initiatives across multiple technology and emerging industry sectors, helping connect education programs with real-world employer needs while promoting a culture of lifelong learning throughout Montana.