West Bend, WI – Washington County is excited to announce that Joel Woppert, the county’s Information Security Officer and IT Infrastructure Manager, was recently appointed to the Wisconsin Cyber Response Team.
For the past 11 months, Joel has been responsible for overseeing all network related security, IT infrastructure, and desktop support. “Whether it is systems that allow our public safety to stay in touch or simple things, such as providing county Wi-Fi within our buildings, it all makes a difference and can ultimately impact our community,” said Woppert.
“Since joining Washington County, Joel has made a tremendous contribution by managing our IT department and implementing effective cyber security measures,” said County Executive Josh Schoemann. “We applaud this appointment and know he will play an important role on this team and for the people of Wisconsin.”
The Wisconsin Cyber Response Team is a program under the State of Wisconsin’s Division of Enterprise Technology that strive for a safer, stronger environment for users by responding to major cyber security incidents, analyzing threats, and exchanging critical cybersecurity information with trusted partners. This team consists of selected security professionals that work in the public sector throughout the state of Wisconsin. Through this membership, the Department of Homeland Security provides 100% reimbursement to train teams specifically to support local units of government in Wisconsin.
Woppert was appointed to the Wisconsin Cyber Response Team following an application process, background check, and interview with the state’s Chief Information Security Officer. “I look forward to the advanced training that comes along with membership, as well as serving on teams to help local governments, including Washington County, in the global cybersecurity fight,” said Woppert.
Prior to his position with Washington County, Woppert served as lead network engineer for Milwaukee County. Woppert earned two associate degrees (one in network administration and the other in information systems security) from Milwaukee Area Technical College and finished his undergraduate degree in information technology at Herzing University. He then achieved his Master’s in Business Administration with a focus in technology management at Herzing University.
