The Lifetime Membership Award is one held in the highest regard by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS). Our Lifetime Members have demonstrated exceptional volunteerism and contribution towards the betterment of IACIS over years of service.
This page provides just a glimpse of their selfless dedication and the impact they made to the field of digital forensics and the safety of their communities worldwide. Find out more about what makes each of them special by clicking on their profiles below!
IACIS history:
In 2001, John attended the IACIS Basic Computer Forensic Examiner course and subsequently completed the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner process. John has since attended many of the other courses offered by IACIS. Since 2002, John has continually volunteered for IACIS in roles such as Peer Review coach, BCFE training staff member, and Certification Assessor.
LE history:
John’s career in law enforcement began in 1984 when he attended a job fair at the community college where he was studying computer science. While there, he observed two fellows attired in crisp, grey uniforms with Smokey the Bear hats atop their heads. They convinced him to sign up for the New York State Police entry exam. John held ranks of Trooper, Investigator and Sergeant with the state police. In 1990 John was assigned to a computer intrusion case. This case was the first of many where he investigated crimes in a digital environment. His career spanned 35 years, including service with the State Police and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
IACIS comments:
John considers IACIS’s training programs the most valuable he has taken. A key strength of IACIS, in his view, is its all-volunteer model. He feels the best trainers teach not for profit, but to pay it forward. IACIS instills this mindset from the start, emphasizing peer support both during initial training and beyond. Those entering the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner process receive mentorship throughout peer review, and many go on to volunteer themselves, thus completing the cycle. John believes that being an IACIS member provides invaluable knowledge and skills while offering insights from some of the most experienced professionals in the field.
Where are you now:
John’s hobbies include brewing beer, making wine, cooking, bread making and concocting cordials. John is an avid golfer, though his high handicap suggests he’s more familiar with courses that feature a windmill or a clown’s mouth.
IACIS history:
I joined IACIS in 2003 and served in many capacities such as: WFE chair, OSINT chair, Applied Scripting Foundations chair and currently the First Responders Course Chair. I have taught various courses beyond the list above and contributed to discussions for major European contract submissions. In addition, I am contributing to the instructor developer program, shaping the future of our trainers delivery techniques.
LE history:
Forensic Computer Specialist at Kent County Constabulary – 1999
IACIS comments:
I really cherish the way IACIS members always have each other’s backs, no matter where they come from or which agency they belong to.
Where are you now:
After 15 years of crafting and imparting DFIR training for software vendors, I initiated Spyder Forensics. It stands as a specialized digital forensics training organization offering courses worldwide, all while upholding principles that match the IACIS mission. I remain engaged in both ongoing research and the delivery of training, concurrently overseeing the entire Spyder team.
IACIS history
I was a student in the 2003 BCFE class held in Orlando and obtained my CFCE certification in July 2004. My first year on staff was in 2005 as a row coach in the BCFE class. Since then, I have held positions as a CFCE coach, Regional Manager for Europe, Division Administrator for Europe/UK/PacificRim and currently serve as the CFCE Peer Review Chairman. Additionally, I have been involved in various BCFE classes held in Orlando and Germany as a row coach and trainer.
I am very honored to have been awarded the Lifetime Membership by the Board of Directors at the Membership Meeting in May 2023.
LE history
Since 1987 employed by the German Federal Police
IACIS comments
As stated on our website,
IACIS is dedicated to the training and certification of the digital forensics community in support of its membership.
After being involved for over two decades with IACIS, I can honestly say IACIS is much, much more.
IACIS has been and is still an important part of my life. This organization offered me opportunities that others often only dream about.
I have had the privilege to meet professionals from all over the globe.
Besides the technical side of the organization, it’s the organization itself.
IACIS is one big family and is always there for you, if needed, and not just for the technical problems.
I‘m very proud and thankful for the friendships I have made over the years.
As long as I can, I will support this great organization.
Where are you now?
I‘m in my 36th year of my law enforcement career and reside with my family in Southwest Germany.
In my spare time, I enjoy time with my family, gardening, hiking and volunteering my time to IACIS.
IACIS history
First IACIS Certified Examiner:
Attended the first IACIS conference, held in Portland, OR in 1991. At the end of the two week conference, we walked out with the certification problems, eight 360K floppy disks! After almost a year, I sent my problem reports and the final exam in for review. A few weeks later, Mike Anderson (of IRS-CID) called and advised that I had passed and was certified. When I asked how many of the 75 plus attendees had attained certification, he stated that I was the first! He then asked what the organization could do to increase the number of people completing the certification process. At the time, students would work all of the problems on their own, without any guidance and submit everything at once for review. My fear was that if I screwed up the first problem, I would probably do the same for the others. I told him it would be great if a student could work a problem then reach out to someone on the certification committee to discuss their findings and technique. If they were on the right track, they would then be told to submit their written report. After the report was reviewed, the student would be told to start the next problem. Mike thought that would be a great support system and asked me if I would start “coaching” students. I agreed and within the next few days, I was being contacted by students from all over the country. I told each of them I would coach them, but not give them any clues or answers. Plus, if they passed and became certified, they had to agree to become a coach for other students.
Elected to the Board of Directors
1993 elected to the BOD and took over the Certification Committee. I personally reviewed each final exam myself to insure uniformity in the process. I relinquished my position on the Certification committee in 1998, when I retired from active law enforcement. During that time frame I certified 120+ IACIS members.
During my time on the BOD, served as Vice President in 1996 and President in 1997-1998. I was the second President of IACIS, taking over from the founder and first President, Tom Seipert.
Provided training at each of the IACIS Conferences from 1993 to 1998, including the 1995 Royal Hong Kong Police Force, Commercial Crime Bureau conference held in Hong Kong when it was still a British colony.
I was awarded IACIS Lifetime Membership in 1999.
LE history
active law enforcement officer for 25 years.
began my law enforcement career as a Police Officer and Field Training Officer for the Phoenix (Arizona) Police Department in 1973.
1979, moved my family to a smaller community in Mancos, Colorado, where I served as the Chief of Police until 1985.
In 1985 returned to Phoenix, AZ and started with the Maricopa County (Arizona) Attorney’s Office, serving as a Criminal Investigator, assigned to the Organized Crime Section. For the next 13 years, I conducted major felony investigations, including criminal enterprises, financial crimes, political corruption, and analysis of computers and computer-generated data.
Upon retiring from active law enforcement, I worked for the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) in their new Computer Crime Section, becoming a supervisor involved in hiring new instructors and training them to teach all of the classes we developed. I also provided training to law enforcement officers all across the country and was part of a team which trained NATO Intelligence Officers in Belgium. I assisted in the drafting of grant proposals and worked as a liaison with Microsoft Corporations Digital Crime Section.
Separated from NW3C in 2012 and started working for The SEARCH Group, first as a contractor, then as a full time High-Tech Crime Training Specialist. I coordinated and provided training on digital evidence investigations and forensics to local, state, and federal justice agencies. I also provided technical assistance to justice agencies in active cases, prepared training curricula and other resource materials, taught SEARCH investigative courses, and presented at conferences throughout the United States.
Retired from SEARCH in 2022 as a full time instructor.
Continuing as a contractor with SEARCH, managing the SEARCH ISP List and the SEARCH LE Guides and Cyber Publications.
During my 49 year law enforcement career, I accomplished many notable tasks, such as:
2005: Instrumental in the identification of the Wichita, KS BTK Killer
– In 1999, I developed and delivered a block of instruction on Microsoft Word Meta Data. Two students in that class were from the Wichita KS Police Department. In 2005, after being plagued by the BTK Killer for over 20 years, those two students identified the BTK Killer from the meta data of a Word document on a 3.5” floppy disk, using the knowledge and skills from the training they had received in 1999.
2008 – Rescued a juvenile great niece from a child sex trafficker
– In 2008, I utilized my knowledge, skills, and the many LE contacts across the country, to recover a juvenile great niece who was lured away by a child predator, from OK to UT. We were able to recover her by identifying her mode of travel, determined her routing, and intercepted the bus she was traveling on in Denver, CO while in route to UT.
2012 – Created the protocol and established the partnership which became Project Vic
2010-2012 – While working liaison with Microsoft’s Digital Crime Unit, I was introduced to a new product Microsoft had developed called Photo DNA. I immediately realized the value to law enforcement officers investigating child exploitation investigations. I saw it as a unique tool to quickly indentify known child sexual exploitation images, but also to quickly filter other images in the same area of the storage media, and identify previously unseen images, thus identifying new victims. These new victims could be researched and identified in hopes of recovering them from their abusive environment. After negotiating with Microsoft and developing a proof of concept program, I was awarded a grant in 2012, for the proof of concept. This proof of concept was developed into what is now known as Project VIC. In 2017, while attending a ICAC Commanders Meeting, I attended a presentation by Project VIC where they indicated that one federal computer crime lab, deploying the protocol I developed in the proof of concept, had identified and recovered over 2000 new victims in the previous year. In 2022, Project VIC International recognized my work in developing the protocols and proof of concept which became Project VIC by awarding me a Project VIC Certificate of Recognition plaque.
IACIS comments
There are so many wonderful and rewarding things that my membership in IACIS has brought to me and my family’s life.
The friendships that resulted, not just at the professional level, but also at the personal level. Bonds that will last a lifetime.
The knowledge and skills that not only solved cases, but motivated me to pursue more advanced and technical topics.
The increase in my abilities to instruct, to develop the calm conversation style of conveying the knowledge and skills I developed onto others in the field.
The ability to impact more lives, not just the examiners I’ve trained, but the victims they served and the bad guys they caught. IACIS has truly been a force multiplier.
IACIS gave me a new career path. A path that has taken me to almost every state and several other countries. I have trained thousands of new examiners over the world, and had the greatest time doing it!
Finally, I want to thank the original crew that came together to found and develop this outstanding organization back in 1990, and all of those that have served to make it grow and expand this unique field of force multipliers!
Dean C Chatfield, IACIS Lifetime Member, Past President 1996-98
IACIS history
Served as Peer Review Coach, Peer Review Regional Manager and Peer Review Division Administrator
Served on Research and Development Board
Co-author “Windows Prefetch Cache: A Guide for Computer Forensic Examiners”
Served on Recertification Committee
Served as Assistant Chair and Chair of Advanced Windows Forensic Examiner course
Served on training staff for Basic Computer Forensic Examiner and Advanced Windows Forensic Examiner course in the US and Germany.
LE history
Investigator with the Illinois Secretary of State Police for 25 years with 14 years investigating computer crimes. I was assigned to the Illinois Attorney General Computer Crimes Unit and then the Illinois State Police Computer Crimes Unit during my tenure.
IACIS comments
IACIS is an incredible volunteer run organization that offers a wide variety of services to both Law Enforcement and professional computer forensic and cybersecurity agents. I had the privilege of being involved in many aspects of the organization and have made many friends and colleagues that I am still in contact with today.
Where are you now?
Retired and working with my three Belgian Malinois dogs. I also enjoy photography, gardening, snow skiing and cage diving with Great White Sharks.
IACIS HISTORY
I attended the first IACIS class in Portland, Oregon in January 1991. It was a two-week class with 50 students. Many of the instructors were engineers and software experts from Microsoft, Norton and other computer-related companies. Much of the class, which included Disk Operating Systems (DOS) and CFCE certification, was difficult to comprehend as the technology was very new at that time. Like the current IACIS class, we had to complete a series of problems within three months after the completing the two-week instruction to be fully certified. As I recall, I received my full CFCE certification in April 1991.
I was appointed Treasurer of IACIS in 1992 and held the position of Treasurer until 2005.
In 1996 I was one of six IACIS members who traveled to Hong Kong and taught DOS and CFCE certification classes to 24 members of the Royal Hong Kong Police. I also had the opportunity to teach many classes in the United States.
IACIS was and still is like a big family. In the early years almost all of the members lived and worked in the US and most of us lived on the West Coast, making it easy for us to communicate regularly. We did not have the ability to text or email, so telephone (landline) and the US Mail were our main modes of communication.
LE HISTORY
1968 – 1997 Detective, Salem Police Department (Oregon)
Assigned to Homicide and Computer Forensics detail.
In the early 90’s I processed seized computers from Salem, Oregon south to the California boarder.
Retirement
When I retired, we bought a motor coach and traveled around the US settling in Yuma, Arizona. For the next 21 years, we golfed and relaxed in the Arizona sun during the winter months and returned to Oregon for the summers. We have also made several trips to Hawaii. Now my wife (Phyllis) of 60 years and I are passing the time closer to home near the family.
IACIS history
Joined IACIS in 1999, served as row coach, instructor for various BCFE courses, Regional Manager for CFCE Certification, Advanced Course Instructor (Mac Forensics).
LE history
Delaware State Police (retired)
IACIS comments
Becoming a member of IACIS has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. It has provided me with opportunities and knowledge that most can only dream about. I am blessed to know, and have known, some of the greatest professionals from all over the world. IACIS is more than a group of colleagues from similar fields, IACIS is family, and for that I am very thankful.
Where are you now?
In Delaware (USA) busier than ever consulting for SUMURI (a company I co-founded with my wife), helping other businesses become successful through Salty Gnome LLC and working to end CSAM with a non-profit project, Catch-A-Predator.
IACIS history
A founding member of IACIS, served on the Board of Directors (1990 – mid 90’s), participated in software development, Training and Coaching.
LE history
Forensic Investigator in Criminal Investigations Division of Canada Revenue Agency.
IACIS comments
It is very gratifying to see that the Association has grown into a truly international organization from its humble beginning started with just US and Canadian LE members. Many thanks to the hard work and dedication of all the members and volunteers, past and present.
Where are you now
Retired in 2014 and living with my wife on the beautiful west coast of Canada. We have been travelling with family extensively.
IACIS history
I attended my first BCFE course with IACIS in 2003 and I was certified in 2004.
I also had the opportunity in the past to attend many specific and/or advanced courses.
Because I missed a recertification period due to a busy schedule, I decided to follow again the BCFE in 2016 in Orlando in order to refresh my knowledge and update myself on the new technics and methods taught by IACIS. I was fully recertified a second time by going through the complete CFCE process in 2016.
IACIS comments
By discovering in 2003 the method used by IACIS for its training, with the presence of so many coaches to help participants during practical exercises and by seeing the quality of the basic course (BCFE) with the richness of its content and the manuals provided, I was immediately convinced that this two-week IACIS-BCFE course would be one of the best in the world and on the market.
In addition, the quality of the CFCE certification, with one coach assigned per student and the practicals fully oriented for the tasks of forensic examiner, are undeniably a plus value with IACIS.
It is for all these reasons that I then decided to do my utmost to make known the values of this international organization and to promote IACIS in Europe.
Within the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), I was the initiator in 2007 of the organization of Digital Forensic & Analysts Training” in Europe and was thus in charge for 13 years of cooperating closely with various contractors and with the organization “International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists” which provided the BCFE course.
This is how now all EU countries and their law enforcement agencies are familiar with IACIS, know the quality of its forensic training and many people are certified in Europe.
The result is the existence of a large network of specialists in Europe among law enforcement agencies.
Law enforcement background
I was a police officer for 21 years (1993-2015) and spent 8 years in Paris at the General Directorate of Internal Security, the specialized French intelligence service under the Ministry of the Interior. I was a team member of security and computer crime units.
Then I spent the last 18 years of my career at the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) within the European Commission in Belgium as a Digital Forensic Specialist, supporting investigations against financial fraud and corruption. for the protection of the European Community budget.
Holder of a “Master in Forensic Computing & Cybercrime Investigations” (2011) and 3 certifications as specialist in computer forensics (CFCE, CCE, GCFE) I had devoted myself totally for 20 years to the fight against computer crime.
Current situation
I’m retired since June 2020 and living now with my family in Hungary, near Budapest, but I’m still active in the domain of computer and smartphone forensics after creating my own company WINDIFE (Winkler Digital Forensic Expertise) in France. I’m acting during my free time as senior forensic expert and consultant for Windife.
It is with great pleasure that I’m now free to help IACIS as a volunteer coach during training events or for the IACIS-CFCE certification in support of students.
IACIS History
During my 26 years as a member of IACIS, I have served in many capacities but primarily in training and certification. I attended IACIS for the first time in 1996 and obtained my CFCE in 1999. I have been on the IACIS staff as a BCFE row coach, was the chair of the “Internet Forensic Examiner” course and served as the training manager for all specialized courses. I was the chair of the Accreditation committee and served as IACIS’s representative to the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB)
Most recently I was the chair of the “Managing a Digital Forensics Lab” course, and I continue to serve in the peer review process.
LE History
After college, I was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and served on active duty for four years. I left the military and became a police officer in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I then joined the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) as a Special Agent. I investigated a wide variety of crimes from homicide to public corruption. After attending IACIS I was assigned to perform forensic examinations of digital evidence and a couple of years later was promoted to supervise the state Computer Crime Unit and Digital Forensics Lab. I retired from the OSBI after 20+ years of service.
IACIS Comments
I truly believe IACIS to be the best preparation for digital forensics examiners. The curriculum and training staff are of the highest quality and provide the foundational knowledge that is the building block for professional digital forensics examiners. The CFCE is currently the only digital forensics certification that is accredited.
Most of all, the IACIS members are among the finest people I have ever met. I have made so many friends from all over the world and they all come together from these diverse backgrounds to put on some of the very best training in the world.
I am so very proud to have been made a Lifetime Member of IACIS, but I am not done contributing to this organization in whatever way I may be needed.
Where are you now
I am currently a Professor at the University of Central Oklahoma Forensic Science Institute where I am the Administrator of the Digital Evidence and Cyber Security Program. In 2012 I was selected as a Fulbright Scholar in Information Technology/Digital Forensics. My research interests include the application of technology in law enforcement, digital forensics, computer crime, and law enforcement education and training.
Oh…I also play my guitar(s) and a little golf when I can.
IACIS History
– International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists 1996-Present
– Coach and instructor for the conferences 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
– South East Regional Director for the IACIS CFCE process 2007-2009.
– North American East Administrator IACIS CFCE process 2009 to 2011.
– Director IACIS CFCE process 2011 to 2012.
LE history
– Deputy/Corporal/ Sergeant Orange County Sheriffs Office Orlando Florida 1986-2011. Uniform Patrol, Tourist Unit, Property Crimes, Economic Crimes, Computer Crimes.
– Sergeant and founder of the Computer Crimes Squad 2002-2011.
– Member U.S. Secret Service National Computer Incident Response Team and Florida Electronic Evidence Team 2004-2011.
IACIS comments
Awarded the 51st IACIS DOS Processing Certification (DPC) 1996. The first certification offered by IACIS until the development of the CFCE.
It is my hope that I was able to pay back at least some of the assistance I was given as a student at IACIS by those who took the time to teach me. Teaching at the conferences was something that I never grew tired of and provided me with as much learning as the students.
Where are you now
Currently employed by Atlantic Union Bank in Richmond Virginia as an Information Security specialist. Volunteer United States Marine Corps Cyber Auxiliary.
IACIS history
Joined IACIS in 2000
Served as Director of Training
Served as IACIS President
LE history
Patrol Officer – Kent State University Police
Agent – Western Portage Drug Task Force
IACIS comments
Never has there been an organization at its roots so dedicated to the education of its members, by its members. The volunteer efforts of so many people around the world where the common goal of speaking the same language in the DFIR community is so monumental that the global influence transcends language, culture and geography and is unparalleled in any industry, for profit or non.
Where are you now
After a deep impact education of the industry at NW3C, and a lifetime at AccessData … I’m growing it all again with the best of the best at Oxygen Forensics … Keep on Learning!
IACIS History
Joined IACIS in 1999. Have served on the Certification Committee, Proficiency Committee, and Training Committee. Have taught/coached in 12 BCFE, 2 AWF, and 2 MDE classes.
LE History
Retired from law enforcement in 2003 after 28 years as a sworn police officer in the State of Michigan. After more than ten years working as a professional trainer in the field of digital forensics, I went back to work in law enforcement and am currently employed by the North Port, FL Police Department as a Digital Forensics Examiner.
IACIS comments
I have made lifelong friends with people I have met over the years at IACIS training events. IACIS has also opened up numerous opportunities in the field of digital forensics that may have otherwise been unavailable. It’s a remarkable organization.
Where are you now
My wife and I have lived in southwest Florida for 14 years. Someday I may retire and enjoy the lifestyle here.
I graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey in 1973 and worked in securities regulation in New York City for four years. My love of Big Sky Country brought me to Montana in 1977, where I developed and ran the state’s first securities law enforcement unit. My worked centered on investment fraud and related white-collar crimes. After 18 years, I moved to the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and set up and led the state’s first Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MCFU), which investigated and prosecuted Medicaid Fraud and patient abuse cases. I developed a love for all things digital and recognized how valuable computers could be in a wide variety of criminal and civil investigations, so I devoted my free time to learning everything I could about computers. Soon, I became the informal tech support guy for DCI.
After serving six years as the MCFU’s Supervising Agent, management recognized that a one-person, informal computer crime “unit” was destined to grow into the busiest section of DCI. So, in 2000, I became a formal one-person, official Computer Crime Unit (CCU). The value that IACIS could provide to a guy like me was abundantly self-evident, so I joined IACIS and jumped into all the training it offered and strove to achieve my CFCE.
Business was brisk at the CCU, largely because of the crimes against children that the digital age fostered. I was a charter member of the Montana ICAC Task Force, which consisted of the finest group of federal/state/local law enforcement officers and prosecutors on the face of the earth. Workwise, our ICAC work was the crown jewel of my career. We undertook numerous cases, including ones that brought defendants from across the country and Europe to justice, all within Montana. I still maintain my bonds with my former ICAC teammates.
I credit IACIS for being the foundation of my professional career in forensics and digital crime investigation. I have never worked with such a selfless group of professionals who gave tirelessly of their time and talent. I cannot say enough about the value of the IACIS listserv. I would say that my volunteerism focused on training. I did quite a bit of work on applying virtual machines to forensics and shared that information on my former web site, JustAskWeg.com, which I archived to IACIS a number of years ago. I strove to be active on the listserv and found that there was as much value in providing help as receiving it. Often, I didn’t know the answer when a member posed a question; however, researching the solution provided us both with a little more knowledge.
I retired reluctantly at age 66, and continued to pursue my love of hiking, snow shoeing, and running in Montana. Unfortunately, as the years progressed, so did my ability to brave the cold and snow, so I decided to “act my age.” I moved to Las Vegas, NV, two years ago where I live nearby by daughter, Kristen, her husband, and my two grandkids. Kristen graduated from UNLV with a degree in Criminal Justice. And guess what? She works for Clark County as a juvenile forensic interviewer and is a proud member of the Clark County ICAC. Nothing in my life has made me as proud as I am of her!
IACIS history
2003 – Joined IACIS
2004 – Attended BCFE
2005 – Received CFCE
2005 – Present: Served in following positions:
Row Coach
Peer Review Coach
Research & Development
Problem Development Chairman
CFCE Certification Chairman
Director of Certification (IACIS Board of Directors)
Vice President (IACIS Board of Directors)
President (IACIS Board of Directors)
LE history
United States Army Criminal Investigation Command
Assistant Special-Agent-In-Charge/ Senior Special Agent
Washington State Gambling Commission
Regional Manager/Senior Special Agent
IACIS comments
For many years, IACIS has been and continues to be an extremely important part of my life. I treasure every moment I’ve spent laboring alongside the best and most professional forensic examiners in the world and feel blessed to have played a small part in making IACIS what it is today. Just as others have invested in my professional training over the years, IACIS has given and still gives me the opportunity to invest in others.
Where are you now
I reside in Spokane, Washington with my wife, Cindy and am currently serving as the Manager of Classroom Technology with Cellebrite.
Edwin Moore has been a deputy for 49 years with the Livingston County Sheriff Department, Howell, Michigan, USA. He was a detective for 26 years with the last five years working computer related crimes where he started a computer crime unit within the sheriff department and served on the Michigan ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) unit.
He retired from full time service in 2006 but remains part time and deputized as a certified sworn officer with the Sheriff Department for computer related crimes, computer forensics and working cold case homicides. He also serves as a Medical Examiner Investigator for Livingston County and has achieved his certification as a Diplomate status with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI).
He worked for 3 years in the private sector as a computer forensic examiner conducting examinations for civil cases.
IACIS history
Joined IACIS in 1993 and attended the basic course in Portland OR that year. I obtained my DPC (DOS Processing Certification, now called CFCE) in 1994.
I was a staff member in the 1995 training event and was elected to the board of directors in 1996, during which time I worked on marketing, recertification, training, vice-president and chairman of the board. I took a break from the board in 2004 and did committee work in specialized training and ethics. I returned to the board in 2012 and worked there until 2019. The last few years I have served on QA, Ethics, Budget and Audit committees, assisted in training at US and EU events.
LE history
I worked for the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Crime Lab starting in 1989. I was a drug chemist, then serology/DNA expert and started the computer forensic unit in 1993. I left IA DCI in 2002 to work as the director of forensics for Digital Intelligence. In 2018, I began teaching at college/university level full-time and continue that now.
IACIS comments
IACIS provided my start in the digital forensic field. So many people volunteered their time and expertise to help me along the way. I feel that I owe it those early pioneers and can back it back by volunteering my time. So, many things have changed in the field in the past 30 years, but the volunteer spirit is still strong in the organization and I hope it will always be that way.
Where are you now?
I am living and working in Iowa and remotely (adjunct for a school in Florida, and yes I know it should be the other way around 😉 I am married (36 years) with three grown children, and two grand-children.
IACIS history
I joined IACIS in 1997 and attended the 1997 and 1998 Orlando Training Conferences, and IACIS first Advanced Training in 1999 in Orlando, Florida. Served as an Orlando training coach and Road Boss 2000 – 2010. Served on the Board of Directors to include serving as the Vice President and Director of Ethics, 2001 – 2010. Served as training staff at the first IACIS overseas training conference in Bad Homburg, Germany, in October 2005.
LE history
I was a sworn police officer and detective with the Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, DC, April 1983 – November 2010.
IACIS comments
I greatly appreciated the training provided by IACIS when attending the 1997 Orlando Training Conference, and could not wait to give back to IACIS beginning with getting up every morning as a 1998 conference student just to volunteer helping the IACIS training staff setting up the computers every morning for the daily classes. This continued when attending the 1999 training conference, until actually coming back in 2000 as IACIS staff.
Where are you now?
I am now retired from sworn law enforcement and serving in IACIS, but still very active on the IACIS listserv and working as a contracted computer forensic analyst.
IACIS history
I joined IACIS in 2000 when I attended the BCFE when it was held at the Hilton Hotel in Altamonte Springs, FL. Later that year, I earned the CFCE when it was based in DOS and Windows 95/98. I became a certification coach later that year and trainer for the BCFE in 2001. Since that time, I have served as a certification regional manager, certification division administrator, and CFCE Chairman. I also served as a course developer and trainer for several years. In 2009, I was elected to the Board of Directors and served in various roles to include Director of Certification, Vice President, and Chairman of the Board. One of the major initiatives that I led with our team was IACIS becoming an accredited certifying body. Since then, accreditation has been one of the cornerstones of IACIS certification programs, and I am glad to see this legacy continue.
LE history
I began my full-time career with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in 1995 as a deputy sheriff. I worked various patrol, investigative, and sapecialized/collateral assignments through the years, including digital forensics, and later, I was promoted to sergeant in 2002, lieutenant in 2010, captain in 2011, and chief in 2017. I currently serve as the Chief of the Department of Law Enforcement in the Executive Office of Sheriff. I’m a graduate of the FBI National Academy (254th Session), and currently, I serve as the Treasurer for the FBI National Academy Associates, Florida Chapter. As of this writing (December of 2022), I am in my 28th year of law enforcement service.
IACIS comments
IACIS is a very unique organization from many others in the world and in our profession. IACIS is member-driven and volunteer-driven, and historically, the mission is focused on fulfilling the need to impartial and unbiased training in the field of digital forensics. Equally, certifications beyond the CFCE have prospered as a result of the IACIS culture and mission in our profession. What makes IACIS unique are the people who serve and grow our discipline and profession. There are relationships and bonds formed within IACIS that are unique to our organization, and this stems from a culture of servant leadership that started in 1990 when our founders created IACIS. Since then, generations of leaders and volunteers have remained true to our values and led IACIS to modernize while not losing sight of our roots and vision to train, certify, and serve members. I am proud to be a lifetime member of IACIS, and more importantly, I am grateful for the relationships that I have with so many members for well over two decades. I could not be more proud of IACIS, our leaders, and volunteers. I served as a volunteer in various capacities for 15 years with IACIS, and they were some of the most formative and fulfilling times in my career. My advice for new or existing members is to volunteer. The sense of fulfillment and growth that you will receive and give is beyond measure.
Where are you now?
I am currently in my 28th year of law enforcement service and enjoying life with my family. I still remain active with IACIS by attending annual training and remaining connected with members. These days, my volunteerism now extends to other non-profit boards, including the FBI National Academy Associates. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, saltwater fishing, boating, drumming, and watching sports.
Bob started the computer forensic unit for the Loudoun Sheriff’s Office in the fall of 1996 and first attended IACIS in May of 1997. He earned his DPC certification in June of that year, and was very privileged to be asked to return to IACIS the following year as a coach and instructor. He earned his CFCE certification in May of 1998 and served in many capacities over the years including 3 terms on the Board of Directors.
Volunteering and being involved with IACIS over the many years were tremendously rewarding experiences that allowed him to give back to an organization that had provided him with incredible training and support.
The annual conferences were wonderful times, filled with terrific individuals from all around the world. It was truly great being able to assist those in attendance grow in the field, just as the organization had done for Bob years earlier. Many of the friendships that grew from conferences are still cherished today, as are the memories from those hectic weeks in the spring. We always worked hard to ensure that the attendees enjoyed a truly world-class training environment; the long hours of preparation and setup were always worth the effort when you stood in the back and watched the conference unfold.
In the early spring of 2001, Bob retired from Loudoun County to accept a position with Guidance Software (EnCase) as the Director of Professional Development and Training, and opened their east coast training office in northern VA.
Bob retired from Guidance software in the fall of 2016, and now enjoys his time up at their farm in Pennsylvania as well as in his woodworking shop down at their home outside of Boonsboro MD. The best times however are spending time with his two grandsons !!
IACIS History
Joined in 1992 and obtained and held CFCE for more than 20 years. Served on the Board of Directors from 2003 – 2013 as Secretary and Ethics Chair.
LE History
U.S. Border Patrol 1971 – 1973, Arizona. INS Special Agent Miami, Florida and Washington D.C. 1973 – 1977. DOJ Office of Special Investigations Agent 1977 – 1980. Departments of Education, Veterans Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and Department of State Inspectors General 1980 – 1997. Retired as State Department Assistant Deputy Inspector General for Investigations.
Related LE History
Contract CIA Background Investigator for OmniSec, 1997. Assistant Director, National White Collar Crime Center, 1997 – 2005. Head of High Tech Training, British Police College, England, 2005 – 2008. Operations Manager, New Zealand Police Cybercrime Lab, New Zealand, 2008 – 2011. Director of Digital Forensics, Credence Corporation; Instructor DoD Cyber Crime Center, 2011 – 2013. Associate Professor, Digital Forensics and Digital Forensics Lab Management Master’s Programs, Champlain College, 2013 – 2015. Director of Cybercrime Training, Advanced German Technology, UAE and Saudi Arabia, 2016. Principal Cyber Engineer, Raytheon Corporation, US, Ireland and Jordan, 2016 – 2017
IACIS comments
I treasure my many years of association with IACIS and the many friends and colleagues from those days. My ten years of service on the Board saw significant advancement and growth in the organization as well as a few turbulent times, which I helped successfully navigate.
Current Activities
Fully retired from cyber activities in 2017 and am now self employed as a scale model boat and ship restoration/repair expert in North Carolina. I am the proud grandfather of a granddaughter and grandson. My contact information can be found on my website: www.bcrane.com

End of Watch
IACIS acknowledges the contributions of the following IACIS Members who have passed on:
- Will Docken
- John Mellon
- Roland Lascola
- Billy Randolph