Kerstin Zell

Empowe-r Women of infosec founding member

Kerstin Zell was born and raised in Germany and moved to the US in 2003. She was able to gain professional experience in Germany and the US, doing so across multiple industries, such as Logistics, Retail, Manufacturing, Energy and Consulting. Kerstin completed 16 years of school in Germany, achieving the Abitur and later graduating Trade School as one of Schenker Germany’s Top Graduates (Business/Logistics - Forwarding Agent). 

In the US, Kerstin worked for a Fortune 40 company for many years. There, she started as a retail store Receiving Clerk when she decided to rejoin the workforce after having a child. It was not long before she was accepted into a highly sought after, executive sponsored, 4-year rotational Supply Chain Management Program within the organization. She successfully completed the program and quickly continued to grow within the company. This enabled her to developed a versatile skill-set founded on business process, operational effectiveness, strategic planning, communication and change leadership. Throughout her career Kerstin continued to find ways to work with and improve technology - from helping to refine Supply Chain software, evangelizing an internal social business platform, and owning departmental platforms, to spearheading a highly cross-functional GRC implementation.

Her experience in business and connection to technology allows her to tie together planning, people, process and technology in a unique way. Kerstin has also worked with and consulted for executives in multiple industries and companies.

In her latest role of Director of Risk and Operations for Lynx Technology Partners she leads strategic planning efforts and is developing a Cyber Security Competency Program. This includes the talent assessment of Cyber Security Teams, competency alignment to the NICE Framework and implementation of a career-pathing tool. Amongst her clients are one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of beauty products as well as an international financial services company.  

Kerstin is a proud founding member and serves on the Board of Directors for the nonprofit EmpoWE-R Women of InfoSec. Having been a single mother for much of her career in the US, with no family support close by, she had to overcome many challenges. Her experiences, drive, and support by mentors shaped her path and because of it she now enjoys helping others succeed and overcome adversity.

Kerstin is also the President of the Columbus, OH Chapter of the International Consortium of Minority Cyber Professionals (ICMCP), a 501(c)3 non-profit association dedicated to the academic and professional success of minority cybersecurity students and professionals.   

Outside of work Kerstin enjoys spending time with her husband Chris, three teenage children, and their two dogs.