With more than 22 years of experience in information security, information technology and audit/compliance industries, Maria Sexton channels a wealth of expertise through her role at University Medical Center of Southern Nevada.
“I am a highly engaged leader who is committed to ensuring we utilize and optimize our technology investments to improve patient care and properly safeguard patient information,” Sexton said. “I am active in the information technology and information security communities in Southern Nevada. I believe it is my obligation to assist with maturing these industries in our community and to assist those who may be interested in professional development and career advancement.”
Sexton is tasked with the delivery of technology services and leads the Information Security Program that protects patient data and UMC systems. One of the largest hospitals and care providers in the state, UMC is Nevada’s only Level I Trauma Center, Designated Pediatric Trauma Center, Burn Care Center and Center for Transplantation. “I am a very active member of the UMC leadership team. I collaborate heavily with leaders in other business units to ensure technology is enhancing their respective service lines and supporting efficient processes,” Sexton said.
Prior to joining the UMC team, Sexton directed the IT compliance program at MGM Resorts International and led security operations programs at Walgreens and Kellogg’s. Most recently, Sexton mentored multiple ISSA CISSP Exam Prep Cohorts during the Winter 2019 session. She also chaired the 2019 Nevada IT Symposium Task Force, overseeing all planning and coordination for the event.
Among a long list of accomplishments, Sexton was responsible for the implementation of the Periodic Access Review Program at UMC to ensure consistent and appropriate access to resources, and the centralized EHR (electronic health record) access management and governance to comply with the tenet of least privilege/minimum necessary. She is also the executive sponsor for Privileged Access Management implementation, the executive sponsor for Advanced DLP (data loss prevention) implementation, the executive sponsor for CASB (cloud access security broker) implementation, the executive sponsor for Exchange 2016 Upgrade Project and the executive sponsor of Windows 10 Upgrade Project.