Brett S. Talmadge

Brett S. Talmadge (born in 1970, San Jose, California) is a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps, IT security expert, and Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Red Wind Casino. Talmadge's career spans multiple industries, including military service, cybersecurity, and entertainment, highlighting his dedication to excellence and persistence in overcoming significant challenges.
==Early Life and Education==
Brett S. Talmadge was born in San Jose, California, and moved to Marlow, Oklahoma at the age of five. From a young age, Talmadge excelled in both academics and athletics. He participated in football, wrestling, golf, and track, earning accolades for his athletic prowess. By the age of 12, Talmadge had achieved Life Scout status in the Boy Scouts of America.
In high school, he demonstrated leadership and academic excellence, serving as President of Future Teachers of America, being named in Who's Who Among American High School Students, and earning membership in the National Honor Society. Talmadge was also a member of the first State Championship Speech team in 1988 and played a critical role in his school's wrestling team, which won the 1988 State Championship. In recognition of his talent and dedication, he was named Most Valuable Player for his high school football team.
==Military Service==
After high school, Talmadge joined the United States Marine Corps in 1988, where he would serve for the next eight years, including tours during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. His service earned him a series of decorations, including a Meritorious Promotion and eight-time Expert Marksmanship commendations. Talmadge's exceptional abilities led to his selection for the Military Intelligence Program, where he undertook numerous classified assignments. He was later recognized for his contributions to the protection of the Office of the President with a special commendation from President Bill Clinton.
Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in 1996, Talmadge continued to serve his country through various government assignments, working as a security specialist for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). His role involved working on high-priority national defense projects, including the B1 bomber, Stealth fighter, and cruise missile development. Much of his work during this period remains classified.
==Post-Military Career and Coaching==
From 1997 to 1999, Talmadge transitioned into coaching, serving as an Assistant Quarterback and Receivers Coach for the University of Central Oklahoma, where he helped guide the team to back-to-back conference championships. This phase of his life underscored his leadership and mentorship abilities, as he played a key role in shaping the future of young athletes.
==Security and Cybersecurity Career==
In the early 2000s, Talmadge's expertise in security transitioned into a focus on cybersecurity. As a contractor deployed to Iraq between 2003 and 2006, he undertook further classified assignments with SOCOM and MEDCOM. Afterward, he moved to Malibu, California, and worked in the entertainment industry with DreamWorks Studios, contributing to films such as The Adventures of TinTin.
Returning to Oklahoma in 2011, Talmadge honed his IT specialization by working as a remote engineer, providing cybersecurity solutions for hedge funds. This led to his role as a cybersecurity consultant for major financial institutions in New York City, including Point72 and Millennium Capital Management. His ability to secure the IT infrastructure for some of the world's largest hedge funds made him a highly sought-after expert in the field.
==Personal Life and Later Career==
While living in New York City, Talmadge experienced a serendipitous moment straight out of the movie Sleepless in Seattle, where he met his wife, Amber, at the top of the Empire State Building. Together, they would go on to have two children, Bradley and Bella.
After serving as the IT Director for the Douglaston Companies in New York, Talmadge moved with his family to Washington State, where he currently resides. He now serves as the Chief Information Officer for Red Wind Casino in Olympia, Washington. In this role, he continues to demonstrate his leadership in cybersecurity, managing IT operations and security for the organization.
==Overcoming Challenges==
Talmadge's life and career have been marked by perseverance and the ability to overcome adversity. Whether it was navigating the challenges of military service during wartime, moving forward after his divorce in 2003, or transitioning between different industries, he has consistently shown resilience. His determination to succeed, even in the most difficult of times, has been a hallmark of his personal and professional journey.
Today, Talmadge enjoys a fulfilling life with his family in Port Orchard, Washington, where he oversees his estate and continues his commitment to information security and technological innovation
Category:1970 births
Category:People from California
Category:Computer security specialists