Because of her efforts, Anne Kuhns has been named the Southeast's top IT security executive.
Laura Brost | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted March 27, 2007
Anne Kuhns may not know you personally, but your personal information is her business.
As the senior manager of IT Risk Management at Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts, Kuhns helps protect the privacy of more than 59,000 Disney employees and millions of theme park visitors.
Kuhns, 59, of Winter Garden has worked in Disney's information technology department for the past 31 years, seven as senior manager. In that role, she's in charge of a team of employees responsible for keeping personal numbers, credit cards and information details in the right place.
She was recognized for her efforts in the field of top security at a leadership summit in Atlanta last week.
The award came from Executive Alliance, a creator and provider of leadership-recognition forums. Based in Marietta, Ga., the organization awarded Kuhns the Information Security Executive of the Year Southeast Award for 2007. Eighteen other professionals were nominated.
Kuhns, a Florida native and University of Florida graduate, was selected by the judges for her collaborative, comprehensive and passionate approach to leading security efforts. She was nominated by an employee at another security company who thought she deserved the recognition.
"I was very humbled and honored to be recipient of the award simply because I know how many very talented finalists there are in this field," Kuhns said.
Working with different departments within the company, she consults and advises on technical issues related to personal-information protection and security. About five years ago, she helped create and implement a computer-based security-awareness training program for Disney employees.
"The guests trust us to take them on vacation. . . . [They] trust us to take care of their information when we have it," Kuhns said. "My job is to take care of that trust."
Laura Brost can be reached 407-420-6063 or
lbrost@orlandosentinel.com.
