Michael Meis

Michael is the ACISO for the University of Kansas Health System and founder of Kelevra, which provides bespoke consulting services. Michael has led numerous cybersecurity, digital, and governance transformations across government, financial services, and healthcare during his 15-year career.

Michael holds an undergraduate degree, two graduate degrees, and nine professional certifications. Additionally, Michael regularly donates his time and expertise to multiple schools and non-profit organizations to support and inspire the next generation of cyber professionals.

A renowned cybersecurity leader, Michael brings over 15 years guiding major digital and governance transformations across government, financial services, and healthcare sectors.

Currently, as ACISO for The University of Kansas Health System, Michael leads their security program safeguarding critical systems and sensitive data that underpin patient care. His team takes an intelligence-driven, risk-based approach balanced between accessibility and vigilant protection.

Previously, Michael rebuilt the GRC program for H&R Block centered around quantifying cyber risk exposure to enable data-backed decisions. And in government consulting, he helped lead the consolidation of 29 sub-agencies into a unified security organization – the largest federal convergence of infosec services.

Outside his current role Michael founded Kelevra, where he assists diverse businesses in developing security strategies tightly aligned to drive growth and mitigate risk.

With two graduate degrees and nine certifications alongside his military service, Michael is a sought-after speaker and trusted advisor who thrives when leading complex modernizations. His blend of leadership prowess, technical expertise, and business acumen generates immense value for every organization he touches.

Michael is a transformative people leader and program architect, known for his extensive background in business-driven information security and a proven track record of immediate success.

Following his distinguished service in the United States Army, Michael transitioned into consulting for a variety of U.S. government agencies, where he guided one organization through the largest consolidation of security services in government history. Under his visionary leadership, Michael successfully consolidated 29 sub-agencies into a single department-level information security office.

Michael's exceptional expertise was further recognized when he was recruited by H&R Block to rebuild their Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) program. As part of this rebuild, he formed the first fully integrated global GRC team while implementing a cutting-edge approach centered around cyber risk quantification and risk-driven governance, enabling informed decision-making and business enablement.

Currently, Michael leads The University of Kansas Health System Security team as they protect the critical systems, data, and people that provide lifesaving care.

In 2022 Michael founded Kelevra, a consulting firm that specializes in providing expert security guidance and advice to businesses across diverse industries, helping them to develop and enhance their security strategies to drive growth and maturity. Through Kelevra, Michael continues to make a significant impact in the field of information security, assisting businesses in navigating the complex cybersecurity landscape to protect and empower their business strategy.

With his proven expertise in people leadership, digital transformation, and business-driven information security, Michael is sought-after as a consultant, speaker, and recognized as a trusted industry authority.