ABOUT TONY
ABOUT TONY
My professional journey began at 18 with the Nevada Small Business Development Center (NSBDC), where I created business plans to support minority and veteran-owned small businesses. This early experience was rewarding, as it allowed me to positively impact the community and learn valuable business development skills.
While studying Psychology and Communications at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, I joined UBS Financial Services as a Client Service Associate and Technical Liaison, balancing academics and professional responsibilities. This experience set a solid foundation for my future roles.
After graduation, I was commissioned as a Behavioral Scientist and 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, marking a significant turning point in my career. I embraced the challenges of military service with dedication and commitment, which provided invaluable leadership experience and expertise in information operations and cybersecurity.
In May 2021, I transitioned to the tech industry, joining Meta (formerly Facebook) as a Global Risk Operations Safety Investigator. My role involved investigating complex threats across platforms, including misinformation, influence operations, and child exploitation. This position required deep insight into digital landscapes and decisive action to protect users, significantly contributing to policy changes and product enhancements that safeguarded global election integrity.
My military career included multiple leadership roles, notably as Flight Commander of the Information Aggressors, where I led teams confronting cyber threats against national security. Additionally, as Installation Control Center Director during my deployment in Kuwait, I oversaw 24/7 mobility and combat operations and developed strategies to secure critical assets. As Deputy Chief of Information Operations, I influenced strategic communication initiatives that protected valuable military programs and countered anti-U.S. propaganda.
In August 2024, I joined Google as a Senior Strategic Risk Manager, where I lead initiatives safeguarding millions of users across Google's platforms. My work involves developing innovative AI red-team operations, significantly improving security measures for Google's Gemini AI products, and creating AI-driven solutions to streamline risk management across the Google Ads ecosystem. Collaborating cross-functionally with government officials, legal experts, and engineers, I effectively manage complex incidents and protect Google's global reputation.
Committed to professional growth, I have earned three master’s degrees: International Security and Intelligence Studies from Bellevue University, Strategic Public Relations from George Washington University, and an MBA with a STEM emphasis from the University of California, Davis. This academic diversity has equipped me with unique insights and a broad skill set to navigate complex professional challenges.
I regularly publish articles on cybersecurity and information warfare, reflecting my deep engagement and leadership in these fields. Additionally, as the creator and moderator of TrustandSafetyPros, a thriving Reddit community with over 1,400 professionals, I actively foster discussions on best practices, industry trends, and professional growth within Trust & Safety.
From my early career at the NSBDC to founding SOFTII Consulting and co-founding Risky Business Solutions, my journey has consistently been driven by a passion for innovation, excellence, and leadership in intelligence, child safety, and cybersecurity.
Outside of work, I stay active through running, swimming, and interval training. Travel has greatly enriched my life, having explored over 75 countries, each journey broadening my perspective and deepening my understanding of the world.