Departing Thoughts of the STAR Program Director

As I prepare to transition from my role as the STAR Program Director to embark on a new journey as the Director of Operations Excellence at CSA, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we've embarked on together. Leading the STAR program has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my professional career, filled with challenges, growth, and remarkable achievements.

I have always been inspired by the potential of the STAR program to make a significant impact on our community. Together, we set ambitious goals, aiming not only to meet, but to exceed, our expectations. It's with a sense of pride and gratitude that I look back on what we've accomplished. From enhancing our program's reach and effectiveness to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, our journey has been nothing short of transformative. And let’s not forget the 300% increase in STAR submissions since I started 5 years ago, not to mention the rise in government and industry association collaborations and “Cloud First” mandates weaving in the use of STAR Level 1, Level 2, and/or mapping CCM into sector-specific industry requirements.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication, creativity, and hard work of our team and the broader CSA community. Your commitment to our mission has been the driving force behind our success and shows that you are the true pioneers driving this journey into the future. I am deeply grateful for the support, collaboration, and camaraderie that have characterized our time together. It's the people that make the STAR program truly special, and I have been honored to work alongside each of you.

As I move on to my next role, I carry with me the lessons learned and the memories made during my time as the STAR Program Director. I am confident that the program will continue to thrive, building on the strong foundation we've established together under the joint leadership of Tyler Messa, our new STAR Technical Director; Kasia Chaberski, our STAR Program Manager; and of course, steering the ship, our CTO, Daniele Catteddu. The future of the STAR program is bright, and I look forward to seeing the new heights it will reach.

To the CSA community, thank you for entrusting me with the privilege of leading the STAR program. I am excited to continue contributing to our collective mission in my new capacity and remain committed to the success of our organization.

Let's continue to aim for the stars, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. Together, there's no limit to what we can achieve.

With heartfelt thanks and best wishes for the future,

John A. DiMaria; Director of Operations Excellence
Cloud Security Alliance