Welcome to the Employee Spotlight Series! Let’s start the weekend off right with a new edition. This week, we are highlighting Jeff Streelman. Jeff is SpendMend’s Vice President of Information Security and joined the team a few months ago! When asked why he looks forward to coming to work every day, he stated, “I enjoy making a difference and bringing a cybersecurity perspective to the business.” Jeff is located in Grand Rapids, MI. and pursued his undergraduate degree from Calvin College and his graduate degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and studied Computer Science because he fell in love with technology. A fun fact about Jeff is that he is a big fan of Disney! He mostly enjoys the Marvel movies and the classics. He has visited Walt Disney World about ten times, and his favorite park is Disney Hollywood Studios! When asked about his favorite experience at the parks, he said, “My favorite experience was seeing my young kids interact with the characters!” Outside of work, Jeff enjoys golfing. He has been golfing since graduating from college and became more serious about the game a decade ago! He likes that golf is good exercise and it’s a game that you can play your whole life. He mostly likes how relaxing golf is, but it’s still a mentally challenging game. Read the full interview below to learn the best advice he has received about improving his golf game! Another hobby Jeff likes to do during his free time is reading. His favorite genres to read are thrillers and adventure! His favorite authors are Vince Flynn, Clive Cussler, and Tom Clancy. If you are looking for new reads, ask Jeff for some recommendations!
We are excited to see what Jeff has planned for SpendMend’s future as our new Vice President of Information Security! We asked Zack Aubuchon, IT Manager, about Jeff, and he stated, “Jeff is leading a maturation approach to security here at SpendMend, leveraging his expertise to strengthen our initiatives and elevate our overall security posture. Under his guidance, our ongoing pursuit of excellence in security will continue to thrive.” Welcome to the team, Jeff!
Interview with Jeff:
What is your role at SpendMend?
VP of Information Security
How long have you been with SpendMend?
Few months
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
Job posting
Where are you located/from?
Located in Grand Rapids – I moved from Northern New Jersey in Nov 2023.
Where did you go for higher education?
I went to Calvin College for my undergraduate degree and Fairleigh Dickinson University for my graduate degree.
What did you study and why?
I studied Computer Science because I fell in love with technology.
What three words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Exciting, Focused, Flexible
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
I enjoy making a difference and bringing a cybersecurity perspective to the business.
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I worked for Citibank for 32 years and enjoyed my work as a CIO for a business line.
What is one fun fact about you?
I am a big fan of Disney.
Do you have a favorite Disney movie or character?
There are too many good Disney movies to select a favorite. I enjoy the Marvel movies now, but the classics are indeed classics.
Have you ever visited a Disney theme park? If so, what was your favorite experience?
I have visited Walt Disney World (probably ten times, but that’s a guess). I love all the theme parks, but Disney Hollywood Studios is my favorite. My favorite experience was seeing my young kids interact with the characters.
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
I enjoy 80s pop hits, but I won’t specify an artist. I also enjoy classical (piano) music.
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
Golf and reading
How did you first get into golf, and what keeps you passionate about it?
I started after college and became more serious about a decade ago. Golf is good exercise and a game you can play your entire life.
Are you more focused on improving your game, or is golf primarily a way to relax and unwind?
It is primarily relaxing but frustrating because it’s a very mental game.
Have you ever participated in a golf tournament, and if so, how was the experience?
I never played in an official tournament but played in lots of outings for various causes.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about improving your golf game?
My best advice is to “take lessons from someone you trust”—lessons are essential to ensuring you are swinging correctly.
What genre of books do you enjoy reading the most? Do you have any favorite authors?
My favorite book genre is thriller or adventure. My favorite authors are Vince Flynn, Clive Cussler, and Tom Clancy.
Who do you interact with
Clients, Suppliers, and Potential Clients
Can you describe an interaction when you helped a client or a supplier that stands out in your mind?
I am learning about the cybersecurity tools that SpendMend has in place and how we leverage them to protect the business. We have good tools in place, but we need to use them effectively.
What was the best compliment a client or supplier has ever paid you?
A supplier once asked me to speak to their global development staff about how my company used their product. The room was packed, and the conversation was exciting.
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
Sharing information about how to protect healthcare companies and their patients.
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
Zack Aubuchon has been super helpful in getting me settled at SpendMend, and the entire IT team has been great.
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Get ready to own your area and make a difference.
What is something you’re looking forward to in the future at SpendMend?
I am renewing SpendMend’s HITRUST certification.