CEO at VirtualOS

Connor Shank is a technology executive and entrepreneur with a strong foundation in information security, compliance, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence. As the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VirtualOS, he spearheads the development of AI-powered software solutions customized for small and midmarket companies. These solutions focus on automating workflows, improving data intelligence, and facilitating cost-effective digital transformations, addressing common challenges such as limited IT budgets and integration with existing systems. His leadership at VirtualOS draws from over a decade of experience in high-stakes security environments, where he has navigated complex regulatory landscapes and implemented scalable technologies. This background enables him to emphasize secure, ethical AI deployments that prioritize data privacy and resilience against cyber threats, with implications for businesses operating in increasingly digital ecosystems. For instance, VirtualOS tools help midmarket firms reduce operational inefficiencies through predictive analytics, automation, and process improvement while considering edge cases such as data scarcity in early-stage companies or compatibility issues with legacy hardware.

Partner at Netrix Global

In 2019, Connor joined Netrix Global, a private equity-backed technology consulting firm. As Partner, he oversaw high-profile client engagements in data security, intelligence, and digital transformation, often leveraging Microsoft ecosystems. Additionally, he led sales excellence initiatives, developing data-driven strategies that enhanced proposal win rates and fostered long-term partnerships. Nuances included differentiating Netrix in competitive markets by emphasizing engineering-led, agile services. Related considerations involved mentoring teams on technology evolutions and promoting diverse perspectives to tackle complex problems.

Sr. Security and Compliance Specialist at Microsoft

Connor joined Microsoft in 2016, where he served as a Senior Security and Compliance Specialist. In this capacity, he specialized in helping customers design and implement collaborative workplace solutions, advising on secure cloud migrations and productivity tools within the M365 ecosystem. Examples of his work involved collaborating with enterprise clients to fortify defenses against cyber threats, such as phishing attacks or ransomware, which have broader implications for organizational resilience in an era of increasing digital dependencies. Nuances in this role included balancing security enhancements with user experience, avoiding overly restrictive measures that could hinder productivity, and addressing related considerations like training end-users on best practices to reduce human-error vulnerabilities. Additionally, during his time at Microsoft, Connor spent 18 months on the Data Privacy and Compliance product team, working closely with some of the largest customers across highly regulated industries, including Financial Services, Healthcare, and Energy. This involvement deepened his expertise in privacy-centric product development, where he contributed to features that automated compliance reporting, managed consent workflows, and integrated privacy-by-design principles into software architectures. For large-scale clients, he navigated complex scenarios such as global data sovereignty requirements, where data localization laws vary by jurisdiction, potentially leading to fragmented systems if not handled carefully. Concurrently, Connor served as a mentor in the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA), guiding veterans transitioning into tech careers. This mentorship role involved teaching security fundamentals, compliance strategies, and practical skills in areas like threat modeling, with considerations for diverse learner backgrounds to ensure inclusive education outcomes.