Patrick Kooiker, Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2), stands out as a distinguished cybersecurity professional whose journey seamlessly connects military cyber operations with leadership in the private sector. Currently, he serves as Director of Cybersecurity Governance and Risk at a Securian financial in the law and compliance department, where he leads three teams focused on legal compliance and fortifying cybersecurity programs. Patrick’s expertise in risk management, governance, and cyber defense positions him as a critical protector of financial infrastructure.
Patrick’s enthusiasm for engineering and technology is deeply ingrained, inspired by a family legacy. His father worked as a machinist and mechanic, while his mother, a doctorate-level IT engineer, modeled academic and professional excellence. Patrick’s grandfather, an Army Air Corps aircraft mechanic and amphibious pilot, encouraged his early interest in aviation. By 17, Patrick had achieved his first solo flight, thanks to training with the Civil Air Patrol.
His teenage years saw him interning at Alliant Tech, working on shockwave analysis, and at Honeywell Avionics, where he contributed to the design of a laser gyroscope for the 737-400. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for his future in engineering and cybersecurity.
Military Service and Cyber Operations
Patrick’s military career began in 1995 in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Generator Mechanic. He later joined the Minnesota Air National Guard, earning two associate degrees and a bachelor’s degree while traveling to more than forty countries and numerous U.S. states. His deployments included Iraq, the UAE, Korea, Germany, and more.
At Andrews Air Force Base, he worked on disaster relief after Hurricane Katrina. In 2009, as a federal contractor and lead engineer, he established secure communications in combat zones in Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. Patrick’s unique military experiences include building a 200-foot communications tower and, on 9/11, assisting with the communications that scrambled F-16s for Air Force One, for which he was honored by President Bush and the Governor of Iowa.
Today, Patrick is integral to the Army National Guard’s Defense Cyber Operations Element, leading a team at Joint Forces Headquarters. Notably, his team won first place at Cyber Shield 2023’s SANS Netwar event. He also trains NATO nations in cybersecurity, with recent assignments in Croatia.
Mentorship, Leadership, and Personal Life
Patrick is dedicated to mentoring future Warrant Officers and serves as Director of Aerospace Education for the Minnesota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, focusing on training cadets and advancing cybersecurity education. He also represents Minnesota Warrant Officers through the National Guard Association and is a Major in the Civil Air Patrol Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.
Outside his professional and military commitments, Patrick prioritizes family and personal well-being. His hobbies are diverse, including camping, fishing, backpacking, swimming, rucking, off-roading, coaching Special Olympics and adaptive baseball, and flying. He is deeply committed to his community and fostering the next generation of leaders.
Academic Achievements
• Associate degrees in Electronic Systems Technology and Information Systems Technology, Community College of the Air Force
• Bachelor’s in Applied Management (Information Systems Management), National American University
Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-k456.