As a Vanguard crew member for nearly three decades, Philip Taddeo brings a deep understanding of the technology industry and business world to his role as the new chair of the MS in Information Technology Auditing and Cyber Security (MS ITACS) advisory council.
Currently an IT Risk Senior Manager, Taddeo helps Vanguard clients manage its IT Risk portfolio. He became involved with the program about six years ago when he was recruited to join the advisory council as a member. “At the time, I was in the Internal Audit department and I jumped at the opportunity,” said Taddeo, who has worked in many roles in his 28 years with the financial services firm.
The advisory council serves to create robust professional development opportunities for students as well as provide feedback to help improve the ITACS program. The council offers workshops for students, such as one on the value of professional networking. “That’s not something you typically find on a course catalog,” Taddeo said. “The workshop taught students what professional networking is, how to do it, and why it’s important.”
It also runs a mentoring program that pairs advisory council members with students and hosts site visits to industry locations where students hear directly from audit and risk professionals and get to see what cyber security operations look like in large multinational corporations.
Taddeo is excited for the opportunity to help shape and advance the council. In seeking to provide value, impact, and positive outcomes for the ITACS program, he plans to continue creating meaningful experiences outside the classroom through mentorship, a speaker series on industry hot topics, and networking. He’s also passionate about growing and diversifying the council to make it more representative and inclusive.
“From a business perspective, Greater Philadelphia is a really great city with many great companies,” Taddeo said. “If we can get representation from them, it will benefit the companies and students.” Recently, IT Audit Directors from Sallie Mae and Independence Blue Cross joined the council.
Taddeo has seen firsthand how successful the MIS program is in training and preparing its students for their careers. “MIS graduates understand business and technology,” he said. “That combined knowledge gives them a leg up. They also have a great sense of enthusiasm, drive, and curiosity which is refreshing.”
“Temple is a significant source of local talent,” he said. I’ve personally hired four or five students from the ITACS program.”
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