In the world of technology, a tenure of 20+ years is a testament to continuous growth, adaptability and finding a place where your values align with your work. Rob Conn, Vice President of Cyber Defense Operations at EchoStar, personifies this journey. His career, from a physical security job in the Air Force to leading a mission-critical cybersecurity team at EchoStar, exemplifies our culture of opportunity and people-first leadership creating a rewarding career.
Rob's professional life began with his service in the Air Force. While his initial role was in physical security, he pivoted to cybersecurity in the final years of his service, a decision that would shape his career. Shortly after leaving the military, he applied to DISH Network in 2004. A few months later, he was hired, beginning a journey that has now spanned over two decades.
When asked what has kept him at EchoStar for so long, Rob emphasized the people and the opportunities. "I've had the opportunity to work with amazing people," he shares. "Very smart people and when you work in that kind of environment, it's just energizing." This culture of collaboration and intellectual curiosity has been a constant draw. The variety of opportunities has also been a key driver in his growth. Throughout his 20+ years, he has had the chance to work on a wide range of projects and pursue different areas of interest.
"I've had the opportunity to work with amazing people. Whether those were peers, people that reported to me or people that I worked for. I’ve worked with very smart people and when you work in that kind of environment, it's just energizing. Plus, I’ve enjoyed being able to work on many different things and have that opportunity to pursue new areas.”
— Rob Conn, Vice President of Cyber Defense Operations
As the VP of Cyber Defense Operations, Rob leads a team that protects our data 24/7, 365 days a year. The work is constantly evolving, with new obstacles and each case playing out uniquely. "You really don't know what you're going to get on any given day," Rob says. This constant variety keeps the work challenging and engaging. Rob also emphasizes a proactive approach with a focus on preventive training and looking for ways to get ahead of potential threats. This commitment to continuous improvement and forward-thinking is a core part of the Information Security team’s mission.
Rob’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in accountability and a people-first approach. He openly shares his leadership principles with his team, inviting them to hold him accountable as well. He practices what he preaches through a personal exercise called "my good, bad and ugly." Each Friday, Rob reflects on his actions of the week, identifying what went well, what could have been better and what should never be repeated. He is a firm believer that "nothing happens without people." You can have the best technology and processes in the world, but without the right people, none of it works. He strives to create an environment that is not only challenging but also stimulating and fosters personal and professional growth.
A pivotal moment in Rob's career came in the fall of 2023 when he was asked to step into the role of interim Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The opportunity was well beyond the scale of anything he had taken on in his civilian career. However, he embraced the challenge as an opportunity for growth. He reflects on the trust his leaders placed in him, a testament to EchoStar's culture of believing in its people and empowering them to take on new challenges.
When looking for new candidates, Rob looks for three key attributes:
Rob's leadership style is defined by a commitment to helping people grow and empowering his team through trust. He believes in giving trust upfront to empower his leaders to do what they do best. He provides them with clear boundaries and a shared vision, and then he steps back, offering support when needed. "If I feel like I've had a part in helping someone grow, that's a win for me," he shares, regardless of where that team member’s career path takes them.
"One of my critical goals is being able to understand what my team members and extended team want in their careers, what their challenges are, and what I can do to help them achieve their goals. My philosophy is that if I feel like I've had a part in helping someone grow, that's a win for me.”
— Rob Conn, Vice President of Cyber Defense Operations
In a rapidly changing world, Rob and his team are focused on key trends, most notably the evolution of artificial intelligence. While this technology offers powerful capabilities for cyber defenders, it also provides new tools for threat actors. He emphasizes that ultimately, technology evolves, but the human element remains the first line of defense. The most crucial factor is people being cautious and mindful.
Rob Conn's journey at EchoStar is a compelling example of a military veteran building a career in the corporate world, at an organization that values his experience, challenges him daily and empowers him to be a leader. His story speaks to our culture that invests in people, providing them with the trust, resources and opportunities to build a lasting and impactful career.
