Our Founder

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Leo J. Hauguel, CISSP, NSA-IAM

Founder, Sonoran Desert Security User Group (2001–Present)

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Overview

Leo J. Hauguel, CISSP, NSA‑IAM, founded the Sonoran Desert Security User Group (SDSUG) on September 25, 2001. It is the longest‑standing security community in Arizona, based in Phoenix, Arizona.

What began as a practitioner‑driven community supported by Computer Associates International (now CA Technologies) quickly became one of the most active, largest, and enduring security user groups in the world. Even after CA Technologies discontinued global user‑group support in May 2012, SDSUG remained the largest and most engaged of its kind — a testament to the community Leo built and sustained.

For decades, members have simply referred to SDSUG as “Leo’s group.” It is a reflection of the trust, consistency, and integrity he brought to the Arizona security community. Under his leadership, SDSUG became the longest‑standing security community in the state and a model for practitioner‑first collaboration.

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A Career Spanning Nearly Six Decades

Leo brings more than 58 years of IT experience and 48 years in information security, beginning his career in mainframe computer operations before moving into enterprise security leadership. His technical expertise spans:

• Mainframe security (ACF2, Top Secret, RACF)

• AS/400 security

• Enterprise access control systems

• LAN/WAN and wireless security

• Risk assessment and compliance

• Business continuity and emergency management planning

• Emerging technologies and evolving threat landscapes

His professional history includes senior security roles at major organizations such as:

• Wells Fargo

• Banc One (now JPMorgan Chase)

• Unisys

• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

• Chiquita Brands International (Manager of Information Security)

• Honeywell / Allied Signal / Bendix

Across these roles, he led mainframe security administration, enterprise risk assessments, standards development, global security program implementation, and continuity planning for complex, high‑stakes environments.

Leo earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in June 1976 while working in Computer Operations for Bendix Corporation. He became CISSP #1144 on April 20, 1997 — one of the earliest CISSPs in the world — and earned his NSA‑IAM certification in March 2023.

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Educator, Consultant, and Community Steward

Since 2014, Leo has served as an Adjunct Instructor in the IT/Business Department at Glendale Community College, where he supports and mentors the next generation of security professionals.

He is also the Owner and President of LJH Security Consulting Services, providing security consulting, risk evaluation, and compliance review for organizations across the region.

Throughout SDSUG’s history, Leo has maintained strong partnerships with educational institutions, industry organizations, and community charities. Under his leadership, SDSUG has supported:

• American Service Animal Society (ASAS – Dogs4Vets)

• St. Mary’s Food Bank

for more than a decade, while collaborating with meeting site partners including the University of Advancing Technology (UAT) and Rio Salado Community College.

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A Legacy of Integrity, Collaboration, and Service

Leo’s long‑standing commitment to the Arizona security community shaped SDSUG into a trusted, practitioner‑first institution grounded in collaboration, integrity, and shared expertise. His leadership established a culture where professionals could learn, contribute, and support one another — a culture that continues to define SDSUG today.

His work built more than a user group. He built a community.

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Timeline of Leo’s Key Milestones

1970s — Begins career in mainframe operations; earns BSBA (1976)

1970s–1990s — Holds senior security roles at Bendix, Allied Signal, Honeywell, Chiquita Brands International, Unisys, Anthem BC/BS, Banc One, and Wells Fargo

1997 — Earns CISSP #1144

2001 — Founds the Sonoran Desert Security User Group (SDSUG)

2012 — SDSUG continues independently after CA Technologies ends global user‑group support

2014 — Becomes Adjunct Instructor at Glendale Community College

2023 — Earns NSA‑IAM certification

2024–Present — Continues serving the Arizona security community through SDSUG, consulting, and education

A little-known fact: the SDSUG acronym almost came out differently, by accident! Someone pointed out what it would have meant, and Leo wisely decided not to use it. We’re still curious what it was—though it’s probably hilarious.

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Related Historical Resources

Website Archive

For a snapshot of SDSUG’s earlier digital presence, visit the Website Archive, which preserves the layout and content of the organization’s previous site.

Past Speakers

To explore presentations from earlier years, see the Past Speakers page, which highlights practitioner talks delivered throughout SDSUG’s history.

Leadership (previous)

For historical information about past officers, volunteers, and contributors, see the Previous Leadership and Contributors page.

For current organizational leadership, governance roles, and operational responsibilities, visit the Leadership page.

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Web Developer (current)

For information on the technical architecture and ongoing site development, visit the Web Developer page.

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Corrections and Clarifications

To report an error or outdated information on this page, use the SDSUG Corrections and Clarifications page.

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Last updated: February 2026