Growth Infrastructure for Cybersecurity
We help MSSPs and cybersecurity companies build the sales infrastructure, pipeline visibility, and go-to-market systems they've been running without.
Led by Lucas Dowd — 15 years in cybersecurity sales leadership at RSA, Microsoft, Google/Mandiant, and Palo Alto Networks.
Growth Infrastructure for Cybersecurity Companies
Through a strategic partnership with Catalyst Shift, Authentic Cyber delivers end-to-end growth infrastructure for MSSPs and cybersecurity companies — from content that generates leads to sales processes that close them.
Revenue Operations
- —ICP definition & sales process design
- —Pipeline architecture & CRM setup
- —Competitive battlecards
- —Outbound campaign design
- —Live deal support & coaching
Growth Systems
- —Differentiation messaging & positioning
- —Content engine with scheduling
- —Website & digital presence
- —LinkedIn authority strategy
- —Workflow & operations automation
About
Today, Lucas leads revenue operations for cybersecurity companies through Authentic Cyber's partnership with Catalyst Shift — building the sales infrastructure, pipeline visibility, and go-to-market systems that turn technical expertise into sustainable growth.
Lucas Dowd is a cybersecurity industry veteran who has spent two decades at the intersection of security, technology, and business strategy. From enterprise security at Microsoft to threat intelligence at Google/Mandiant, from next-gen firewalls at Palo Alto Networks to identity and risk at RSA — Lucas has sat at the table where the most critical security decisions get made.
But what sets Lucas apart isn't just where he's been — it's how he operates. He's a consultative leader who listens first, understands the real problem, and builds solutions that actually work. Colleagues describe him as someone who can take complex cybersecurity infrastructure and distill it into clarity.
Lucas founded Authentic Cyber because he saw a gap: too many companies claimed to be "customer obsessed" while delivering the opposite. His approach is different — grounded in empathy, deep expertise, and a genuine commitment to solving problems the right way.
Based in Columbia, Maryland, Lucas holds a BBA in Marketing from Western Michigan University and maintains certifications in Microsoft Azure and AWS.
Experience
NuHarbor Security
Microsoft Practice Lead
- •Leading end-to-end direction of NuHarbor's Microsoft security practice across client objectives, partner capabilities, and internal delivery
- •Shaping go-to-market strategy and strategic alliances to position NuHarbor as a trusted advisor for Microsoft security platform adoption
Network Coverage
VP of Customer Acquisition
- •Built and scaled sales and partnership departments from scratch — recruited sellers, solution architects, and a Director of Strategic Alliances
- •Partnered with marketing to execute vertical-focused go-to-market strategy; developed sales forecasting, pipeline management, and CRM reporting
Authentic Cyber
Founder & Owner-Operator
- •Developed and implemented customized sales strategies and channel programs for cybersecurity clients
- •Leveraging deep industry expertise to drive business growth, improve market positioning, and enhance revenue generation
Palo Alto Networks
Named Account Manager, SLED
- •Managed portfolio of Mid-Atlantic public sector accounts spanning Network, Cloud, SOC, and Advisory services
- •Collaborated cross-functionally to deliver tailored solutions addressing specific client challenges across the SLED vertical
Google / Mandiant
Security Strategist
- •Drove 20% year-over-year revenue increase through strategic account plans and targeted upselling initiatives
- •Cultivated strategic relationships with key accounts, identifying growth opportunities through tailored engagement
Microsoft
Enterprise Security Executive
- •Achieved 180% of goal FY21, 126% FY18, 118% FY20, and 110% FY19 — consistently exceeding targets across key East Coast accounts
- •Hero Award recipient for closing the highest-growth Azure client in the Northeast (FY20)
- •Recognized as a D&I leader for creating and leading the 'Women in Cyber' event (FY19)
RSA
Senior Account Manager
- •Grew and managed F1000 account portfolio using consultative sales aligned to customer workflows and use cases
- •Surpassed targets consistently — 112% of plan FY16, 105% FY17 — while expanding reach through channel partnerships
ZeroFox
Enterprise Sales Director
- •Managed F1000 portfolio while developing channel partnerships and mentoring junior sales staff
- •Renewed second-largest customer 3 months ahead of schedule, ensuring continued growth and retention
Horsetail Technologies
VP of Sales
- •Acquired 2 largest customers in FY13 — doubled company revenue in 6 months and grew pipeline 4x to $10M
- •Secured 4 more customers in FY14, doubling revenue again to $20M pipeline — nominated for MVP Award
- •Implemented 'Partner Plus Program' driving 125% growth in channel partner contracts
T-Mobile USA
Regional Account Manager
- •Ranked #1 of 76 reps nationwide at 300% of quota (FY10); #28 of 200 at 168% (FY09); #22 of 150 at 162% (FY08)
- •Promoted to manage top MD/DC accounts; trained 10+ direct sales reps since 2007
- •Multiple awards: Certificate of Excellence (2011), Winners Circle (2008), Rock Star Status for lowest client churn (2007)
Skills & Expertise
Strategic Sales Leadership
15+ years building and scaling sales teams that consistently exceed targets
Cybersecurity Domain Expertise
Deep knowledge across network, cloud, SOC, identity, and advisory services
Enterprise & Public Sector
Track record with F1000 accounts and Mid-Atlantic SLED organizations
Channel & Partner Development
Built channel programs that drove 125% growth in partner contracts
Microsoft Security Ecosystem
Azure, Purview, and Microsoft security platform implementation and strategy
Consultative Selling
Trusted advisor approach — aligning solutions to real customer challenges
Industry Focus
Certifications
Microsoft Certified
Azure Fundamentals
AWS Partner
Sales Accreditation
Strategic Selling
Miller Heiman
Highlights
Years in Industry
of Goal
Microsoft FY21
of Quota
T-Mobile FY10
Pipeline Built
Horsetail
Nationwide
T-Mobile (of 76)
What People Say
Lucas has an amazing ability to analyze complex cybersecurity infrastructure and distill it into solutions. He knows this industry — I can always depend on him to understand the current threat landscape, know the right tools to put in place, and identify the right experts to put it all together. At Allegis, we were able to trust Lucas to put the right resources in the room to help us build a mature cybersecurity program to defend a complex global data infrastructure.
Art Treichel
BISO — Allegis
Lucas exemplifies the phrase Customer Obsessed. He is driven to help others — this includes both customers and teammates. He truly cares about the customer experience and he will not accept a less than exemplary experience for anyone. He doesn't sell to customers but partners with them to help them make smart financial and technical decisions. I can't give him any more praise other than saying that he genuinely cares about his colleagues and partners.
Bill Kaage
Sr. Identity Engineer — Microsoft
Lucas's strength lies in his ability to assess an organization's security posture and make recommendations for best practices, regardless of toolset and/or tech bias. He's passionate about overall security improvement and his industry experience at several providers has helped him to develop a network of experts and executives across the cybersecurity ecosystem. Never one to shy from a tough conversation, Lucas engages with a single goal: to help his customers/clients create a systemic and constantly evolving security strategy for their digital assets.
Ryan Jones
Sr. Director Enterprise Sales — Microsoft
Lucas is a fantastic strategic advisor in the cybersecurity space. Lucas not only introduced me to new technology and capabilities at Microsoft, but he also connected me with other security leaders who had adopted their technologies. Lucas understands the challenges CISOs and organizations face around security. He brings technology, process, and the right people together to solve problems. In summary, Lucas understands the security landscape, technology, and is a great people connector and communicator, which accelerates his ability to serve customers and the broader cybersecurity community.
B. Moreland
CISO — Sinclair Broadcasting
Unlike many other sales reps at household name vendors, his primary mission is not to "sell" me on something. What I appreciate most about Lucas is the fact that he fully embodies a consultative approach to problem solving in which he functions as my trusted advisor. Lucas listens first, relies on his strong business and security background to help accurately define the need and then helps leverage technology to recommend practical solutions. Lucas also has the insight to assist with massively complex challenges, first by breaking things down into concrete business objectives for which measurable results can be demonstrated.
Jason Taule
CSO / CPO — FEI Systems
Luke's guidance and deep understanding of the consultative sales process helped me to accomplish this. Luke had a relaxed but strategic management style built on trust and open communication. I was able to come to Luke with any problem I was facing and he would do everything in his ability to help me solve it. He also taught me the importance of truly understanding the customer's needs and using this to position yourself as a partner, not just a vendor.
Joe Ireland
Regional Sales Manager — Horsetail Technologies
He proved to be a great advisor and colleague as well as a great team player. His background in sales leadership was apparent as he was constantly coaching and mentoring less experienced sales reps... even when it wasn't asked of him. Luke is a positive influence, well respected leader, with a great sense of humor and an eternally optimistic attitude. He earns my highest recommendation as a top notch sales leader who would be an outstanding addition to any organization.
Emmy Johnson
Director of Business Development — ZeroFox
Lucas is a customer-focused sales leader possessing an excellent grasp of the challenges enterprises face effectively managing risk and securing the enterprise. Lucas also expertly applies core solution selling concepts to help his customers achieve the success they are looking for, which when combined with an authentic manner of engaging clients, enables him to develop long-lasting customer relationships.
Scott Cogan
Sr. Vice President of Sales — RSA Security
Lucas has an amazing ability to analyze complex cybersecurity infrastructure and distill it into solutions. He knows this industry — I can always depend on him to understand the current threat landscape, know the right tools to put in place, and identify the right experts to put it all together. At Allegis, we were able to trust Lucas to put the right resources in the room to help us build a mature cybersecurity program to defend a complex global data infrastructure.
Art Treichel
BISO — Allegis
Lucas exemplifies the phrase Customer Obsessed. He is driven to help others — this includes both customers and teammates. He truly cares about the customer experience and he will not accept a less than exemplary experience for anyone. He doesn't sell to customers but partners with them to help them make smart financial and technical decisions. I can't give him any more praise other than saying that he genuinely cares about his colleagues and partners.
Bill Kaage
Sr. Identity Engineer — Microsoft
Lucas's strength lies in his ability to assess an organization's security posture and make recommendations for best practices, regardless of toolset and/or tech bias. He's passionate about overall security improvement and his industry experience at several providers has helped him to develop a network of experts and executives across the cybersecurity ecosystem. Never one to shy from a tough conversation, Lucas engages with a single goal: to help his customers/clients create a systemic and constantly evolving security strategy for their digital assets.
Ryan Jones
Sr. Director Enterprise Sales — Microsoft
Lucas is a fantastic strategic advisor in the cybersecurity space. Lucas not only introduced me to new technology and capabilities at Microsoft, but he also connected me with other security leaders who had adopted their technologies. Lucas understands the challenges CISOs and organizations face around security. He brings technology, process, and the right people together to solve problems. In summary, Lucas understands the security landscape, technology, and is a great people connector and communicator, which accelerates his ability to serve customers and the broader cybersecurity community.
B. Moreland
CISO — Sinclair Broadcasting
Unlike many other sales reps at household name vendors, his primary mission is not to "sell" me on something. What I appreciate most about Lucas is the fact that he fully embodies a consultative approach to problem solving in which he functions as my trusted advisor. Lucas listens first, relies on his strong business and security background to help accurately define the need and then helps leverage technology to recommend practical solutions. Lucas also has the insight to assist with massively complex challenges, first by breaking things down into concrete business objectives for which measurable results can be demonstrated.
Jason Taule
CSO / CPO — FEI Systems
Luke's guidance and deep understanding of the consultative sales process helped me to accomplish this. Luke had a relaxed but strategic management style built on trust and open communication. I was able to come to Luke with any problem I was facing and he would do everything in his ability to help me solve it. He also taught me the importance of truly understanding the customer's needs and using this to position yourself as a partner, not just a vendor.
Joe Ireland
Regional Sales Manager — Horsetail Technologies
He proved to be a great advisor and colleague as well as a great team player. His background in sales leadership was apparent as he was constantly coaching and mentoring less experienced sales reps... even when it wasn't asked of him. Luke is a positive influence, well respected leader, with a great sense of humor and an eternally optimistic attitude. He earns my highest recommendation as a top notch sales leader who would be an outstanding addition to any organization.
Emmy Johnson
Director of Business Development — ZeroFox
Lucas is a customer-focused sales leader possessing an excellent grasp of the challenges enterprises face effectively managing risk and securing the enterprise. Lucas also expertly applies core solution selling concepts to help his customers achieve the success they are looking for, which when combined with an authentic manner of engaging clients, enables him to develop long-lasting customer relationships.
Scott Cogan
Sr. Vice President of Sales — RSA Security
Lucas has an amazing ability to analyze complex cybersecurity infrastructure and distill it into solutions. He knows this industry — I can always depend on him to understand the current threat landscape, know the right tools to put in place, and identify the right experts to put it all together. At Allegis, we were able to trust Lucas to put the right resources in the room to help us build a mature cybersecurity program to defend a complex global data infrastructure.
Art Treichel
BISO — Allegis
Lucas exemplifies the phrase Customer Obsessed. He is driven to help others — this includes both customers and teammates. He truly cares about the customer experience and he will not accept a less than exemplary experience for anyone. He doesn't sell to customers but partners with them to help them make smart financial and technical decisions. I can't give him any more praise other than saying that he genuinely cares about his colleagues and partners.
Bill Kaage
Sr. Identity Engineer — Microsoft
Lucas's strength lies in his ability to assess an organization's security posture and make recommendations for best practices, regardless of toolset and/or tech bias. He's passionate about overall security improvement and his industry experience at several providers has helped him to develop a network of experts and executives across the cybersecurity ecosystem. Never one to shy from a tough conversation, Lucas engages with a single goal: to help his customers/clients create a systemic and constantly evolving security strategy for their digital assets.
Ryan Jones
Sr. Director Enterprise Sales — Microsoft
Lucas is a fantastic strategic advisor in the cybersecurity space. Lucas not only introduced me to new technology and capabilities at Microsoft, but he also connected me with other security leaders who had adopted their technologies. Lucas understands the challenges CISOs and organizations face around security. He brings technology, process, and the right people together to solve problems. In summary, Lucas understands the security landscape, technology, and is a great people connector and communicator, which accelerates his ability to serve customers and the broader cybersecurity community.
B. Moreland
CISO — Sinclair Broadcasting
Unlike many other sales reps at household name vendors, his primary mission is not to "sell" me on something. What I appreciate most about Lucas is the fact that he fully embodies a consultative approach to problem solving in which he functions as my trusted advisor. Lucas listens first, relies on his strong business and security background to help accurately define the need and then helps leverage technology to recommend practical solutions. Lucas also has the insight to assist with massively complex challenges, first by breaking things down into concrete business objectives for which measurable results can be demonstrated.
Jason Taule
CSO / CPO — FEI Systems
Luke's guidance and deep understanding of the consultative sales process helped me to accomplish this. Luke had a relaxed but strategic management style built on trust and open communication. I was able to come to Luke with any problem I was facing and he would do everything in his ability to help me solve it. He also taught me the importance of truly understanding the customer's needs and using this to position yourself as a partner, not just a vendor.
Joe Ireland
Regional Sales Manager — Horsetail Technologies
He proved to be a great advisor and colleague as well as a great team player. His background in sales leadership was apparent as he was constantly coaching and mentoring less experienced sales reps... even when it wasn't asked of him. Luke is a positive influence, well respected leader, with a great sense of humor and an eternally optimistic attitude. He earns my highest recommendation as a top notch sales leader who would be an outstanding addition to any organization.
Emmy Johnson
Director of Business Development — ZeroFox
Lucas is a customer-focused sales leader possessing an excellent grasp of the challenges enterprises face effectively managing risk and securing the enterprise. Lucas also expertly applies core solution selling concepts to help his customers achieve the success they are looking for, which when combined with an authentic manner of engaging clients, enables him to develop long-lasting customer relationships.
Scott Cogan
Sr. Vice President of Sales — RSA Security
Lucas is a customer-focused sales leader possessing an excellent grasp of the challenges enterprises face effectively managing risk and securing the enterprise. Lucas also expertly applies core solution selling concepts to help his customers achieve the success they are looking for, which when combined with an authentic manner of engaging clients, enables him to develop long-lasting customer relationships.
Scott Cogan
Sr. Vice President of Sales — RSA Security
He proved to be a great advisor and colleague as well as a great team player. His background in sales leadership was apparent as he was constantly coaching and mentoring less experienced sales reps... even when it wasn't asked of him. Luke is a positive influence, well respected leader, with a great sense of humor and an eternally optimistic attitude. He earns my highest recommendation as a top notch sales leader who would be an outstanding addition to any organization.
Emmy Johnson
Director of Business Development — ZeroFox
Luke's guidance and deep understanding of the consultative sales process helped me to accomplish this. Luke had a relaxed but strategic management style built on trust and open communication. I was able to come to Luke with any problem I was facing and he would do everything in his ability to help me solve it. He also taught me the importance of truly understanding the customer's needs and using this to position yourself as a partner, not just a vendor.
Joe Ireland
Regional Sales Manager — Horsetail Technologies
Unlike many other sales reps at household name vendors, his primary mission is not to "sell" me on something. What I appreciate most about Lucas is the fact that he fully embodies a consultative approach to problem solving in which he functions as my trusted advisor. Lucas listens first, relies on his strong business and security background to help accurately define the need and then helps leverage technology to recommend practical solutions. Lucas also has the insight to assist with massively complex challenges, first by breaking things down into concrete business objectives for which measurable results can be demonstrated.
Jason Taule
CSO / CPO — FEI Systems
Lucas is a fantastic strategic advisor in the cybersecurity space. Lucas not only introduced me to new technology and capabilities at Microsoft, but he also connected me with other security leaders who had adopted their technologies. Lucas understands the challenges CISOs and organizations face around security. He brings technology, process, and the right people together to solve problems. In summary, Lucas understands the security landscape, technology, and is a great people connector and communicator, which accelerates his ability to serve customers and the broader cybersecurity community.
B. Moreland
CISO — Sinclair Broadcasting
Lucas's strength lies in his ability to assess an organization's security posture and make recommendations for best practices, regardless of toolset and/or tech bias. He's passionate about overall security improvement and his industry experience at several providers has helped him to develop a network of experts and executives across the cybersecurity ecosystem. Never one to shy from a tough conversation, Lucas engages with a single goal: to help his customers/clients create a systemic and constantly evolving security strategy for their digital assets.
Ryan Jones
Sr. Director Enterprise Sales — Microsoft
Lucas exemplifies the phrase Customer Obsessed. He is driven to help others — this includes both customers and teammates. He truly cares about the customer experience and he will not accept a less than exemplary experience for anyone. He doesn't sell to customers but partners with them to help them make smart financial and technical decisions. I can't give him any more praise other than saying that he genuinely cares about his colleagues and partners.
Bill Kaage
Sr. Identity Engineer — Microsoft
Lucas has an amazing ability to analyze complex cybersecurity infrastructure and distill it into solutions. He knows this industry — I can always depend on him to understand the current threat landscape, know the right tools to put in place, and identify the right experts to put it all together. At Allegis, we were able to trust Lucas to put the right resources in the room to help us build a mature cybersecurity program to defend a complex global data infrastructure.
Art Treichel
BISO — Allegis
Lucas is a customer-focused sales leader possessing an excellent grasp of the challenges enterprises face effectively managing risk and securing the enterprise. Lucas also expertly applies core solution selling concepts to help his customers achieve the success they are looking for, which when combined with an authentic manner of engaging clients, enables him to develop long-lasting customer relationships.
Scott Cogan
Sr. Vice President of Sales — RSA Security
He proved to be a great advisor and colleague as well as a great team player. His background in sales leadership was apparent as he was constantly coaching and mentoring less experienced sales reps... even when it wasn't asked of him. Luke is a positive influence, well respected leader, with a great sense of humor and an eternally optimistic attitude. He earns my highest recommendation as a top notch sales leader who would be an outstanding addition to any organization.
Emmy Johnson
Director of Business Development — ZeroFox
Luke's guidance and deep understanding of the consultative sales process helped me to accomplish this. Luke had a relaxed but strategic management style built on trust and open communication. I was able to come to Luke with any problem I was facing and he would do everything in his ability to help me solve it. He also taught me the importance of truly understanding the customer's needs and using this to position yourself as a partner, not just a vendor.
Joe Ireland
Regional Sales Manager — Horsetail Technologies
Unlike many other sales reps at household name vendors, his primary mission is not to "sell" me on something. What I appreciate most about Lucas is the fact that he fully embodies a consultative approach to problem solving in which he functions as my trusted advisor. Lucas listens first, relies on his strong business and security background to help accurately define the need and then helps leverage technology to recommend practical solutions. Lucas also has the insight to assist with massively complex challenges, first by breaking things down into concrete business objectives for which measurable results can be demonstrated.
Jason Taule
CSO / CPO — FEI Systems
Lucas is a fantastic strategic advisor in the cybersecurity space. Lucas not only introduced me to new technology and capabilities at Microsoft, but he also connected me with other security leaders who had adopted their technologies. Lucas understands the challenges CISOs and organizations face around security. He brings technology, process, and the right people together to solve problems. In summary, Lucas understands the security landscape, technology, and is a great people connector and communicator, which accelerates his ability to serve customers and the broader cybersecurity community.
B. Moreland
CISO — Sinclair Broadcasting
Lucas's strength lies in his ability to assess an organization's security posture and make recommendations for best practices, regardless of toolset and/or tech bias. He's passionate about overall security improvement and his industry experience at several providers has helped him to develop a network of experts and executives across the cybersecurity ecosystem. Never one to shy from a tough conversation, Lucas engages with a single goal: to help his customers/clients create a systemic and constantly evolving security strategy for their digital assets.
Ryan Jones
Sr. Director Enterprise Sales — Microsoft
Lucas exemplifies the phrase Customer Obsessed. He is driven to help others — this includes both customers and teammates. He truly cares about the customer experience and he will not accept a less than exemplary experience for anyone. He doesn't sell to customers but partners with them to help them make smart financial and technical decisions. I can't give him any more praise other than saying that he genuinely cares about his colleagues and partners.
Bill Kaage
Sr. Identity Engineer — Microsoft
Lucas has an amazing ability to analyze complex cybersecurity infrastructure and distill it into solutions. He knows this industry — I can always depend on him to understand the current threat landscape, know the right tools to put in place, and identify the right experts to put it all together. At Allegis, we were able to trust Lucas to put the right resources in the room to help us build a mature cybersecurity program to defend a complex global data infrastructure.
Art Treichel
BISO — Allegis
Community & Leadership
Giving Back
Ronald McDonald House
Volunteer since 2014
Emerging Leaders United
Active member since 2013
Ignite Howard County
Participant & advisor since 2016
HCEDA
Committee member
Awards & Recognition
D&I Leadership
Created and led 'Women in Cyber' event at Microsoft
Smart CEO Executive Management Award
2015 Recipient
Outstanding Employee Award
T-Mobile Mid-Atlantic (2012)
Connect
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