Hey everyone, After decades of grinding it out, I've finally decided to throw in the towel. Yep, I'm "retiring" effective July 19th, 2024. As I look back on my “career”, there are so many people who have not only impacted me professionally, but also personally. Too many to mention here, but certainly if you have a memory or a fun story, it would be great to hear it in a comment or photos – remember this is a family channel. From my early formative years at Bell Canada to my amazing ride at Scotiabank and now to my second tour of duty at Manulife, I can say without a doubt that it’s the friendships and personal bonds forged along the way that have sustained me. The cybersecurity community in Canada is a close-knit group and through participation in countless industry associations and forums, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know some amazing individuals. I have also been fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve the cybersecurity community as a board member with ISC2 and as a Trustee with the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, where again it’s the bonds of friendship and camaraderie that I cherish the most. So a heartfelt thank you to my colleagues and friends! And hey, I'd be remiss if I didn’t make a shout out to the vast cybersecurity vendor community and the many friends made through partnerships, industry forums, charity events, conferences, and more. As I write this, I realize that despite all the important professional accomplishments we experience, when one looks back on a long career, those accomplishments are easily eclipsed by the friendships and bonds we make along the way. Cheers to all of you! – And thank you!! Greg
Congrats on your retirement, Greg, but the phrase “throw in the towel” suggests a world weariness that I wouldn’t normally associate with you. I am sure you are leaving on your own terms and “finishing strong”, to use a well known cliche. Thank you for being a valued colleague during our time together at Scotiabank. Remember “One Team, One Goal “ ! David
Marc Maresky
2w
Trust that does not include your retirement from rugby
Greg, the Center can't thank you enough for your dedication and support through the years! The impact you have had on educating the public on cyber safety and opening the doors to the cybersecurity profession will ripple across generations. You will be greatly missed as our Trustee Chair and we wish you all the best for the future.
I am happy to say I have shared several fun moments with you, Greg. Things you would say: “Are you saying you have 20/20 foresight?” “What do I look like, a rocket surgeon?” “Time to go to the offsite.” “Is that felt? It is now.” The time we had those 3 extra shots at the Pilot …. Nuff said… I am happy for you big guy. Congrats.
Greg, thank you for the opportunities you gave me in my career. The mentorship, laughs, tears and memories will always be with me. Everywhere you have gone you have left it in a better state. Congrats!
Greg - Your commitment and hard work have been an inspiration to us all. May your retirement be as incredible as your career has been all these years. I worked with you for 4 great years and I can tell you I still remember your coffee order!!! I have so many fun memories, here is a pic of one of my fav's. After all these years, I am so happy I can still call you my friend! Enjoy every moment of your retirement, you deserve this time off!
Never underestimate the difference you made and the lives you touched both professionally and personally. I'm so very proud of you Greg and I know Mum and Dad would be as well. Witnessing your career from the sidelines and all that you have accomplished has been an inspiration to not only me, but to our entire family. CONGRATULATIONS Greg on your much-deserved retirement. I look forward to seeing where this next chapter takes you.
Krystina G.
2w
Greg, as you step into retirement, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude for your invaluable mentorship. You’ve set the bar high! Your role throughout ISC2, Center for Cyber Safety and Education and your dedication to guiding others have been truly inspiring. In one sessions particular, and what I consider the best advice you shared was the value of our responses (“Will any benefit come from the response?”), the has profoundly impacted my professional and personal growth. It not only reminds us of the importance of thoughtful communication, build on empathy, but allows us to keep our sanity. 😜 This has been a guiding principle, and something I strive to practice everyday. Thank you for your wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support. Your legacy will continue to inspire me and many others for years to come. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement! Now you can take your advice to the next level. Take your time responding, unless they’re interrupting your time with Deena, the family, or your tee time! ⛳️
Greg, wow, I did not have the opportunity of working with you, but I did have the honour and the pleasure of moderating a panel that included you as a panelist and it was not only interesting but very funny. I laughed out loud when you described yourself as Dr. No and then explained how you transformed the cybersecurity function from being the house of No to becoming an operations enabler. All the best in this new stage. Thanks for the lessons, you will remain here, in your Canadian cyber community. Abrazo.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to write such humbling remarks. I wish I had the time to respond to each comment, and I may yet, but I wanted you all to know how amazing it made me feel to read all of the comments and reflect on the many memories. Huge thank you to you all... GT