Ryan Hammer

As Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Ciena, Ryan Hammer is responsible for leading the company’s global cybersecurity and corporate security organizations, along with a suite of shared product security services that support the broader business. In this role, he oversees enterprise cybersecurity strategy, risk management, privacy, and security operations across a globally distributed organization.

Over the course of his career, Ryan has built and led integrated security programs designed to manage enterprise risk, strengthen privacy practices, and support national security initiatives. He is recognized for aligning security strategy with business objectives, ensuring the organization remains resilient against evolving threats while enabling innovation and operational performance.

In addition to his corporate leadership responsibilities, Ryan has served for more than 15 years as an adjunct faculty member at Purdue University and The Citadel. He currently teaches in the CISO executive education program at Carnegie Mellon University, where he contributes to the development of senior security leaders.

With extensive experience in cybersecurity leadership, Ryan believes that effective security is grounded in transparency, collaboration, and practical problem solving. He remains committed to advancing resilient operations that protect both the business and the customers it serves.

Ryan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and History from the Northern Illinois University, a MS of Information Assurance from Capitol Technology University, a MS in Integrated Homeland Security Management, with a National Security Concentration and multiple industry-recognized executive education certificates.