Meet the Tallizen: Jose

Meet Jose Bonilla, our Senior Information Security Manager based in San Antonio, Texas. As a founding member of the Information Security (InfoSec) team, Jose has had the opportunity to help build the InfoSec Program’s foundation from the ground up. The InfoSec team ensures Tally’s systems and controls protect customer data in compliance with data privacy standards. The team is also responsible for assessing third-party vendors to ensure they are maintaining data privacy safeguards against potential cyber threats and security breaches. 

On his philosophy around security, Jose shares that “the majority of the work is cross-functional and calls on teams to treat security as everyone's responsibility.” This sentiment is echoed among Tallizens who agree that security requires Owning the Outcome, one of Tally’s three core values. In addition to the critical work that Jose does on the InfoSec team, Jose is also a proud confounder of SOMOS, Tally’s Latin American Employee Resource Group, which focuses on fostering pride and empowerment to Latin Americans from underrepresented backgrounds. 

A Day in the Life of a Tallizen

Walk us through a day in your life. What does a typical workday look like for you?

There's truly no typical day for me because every day presents a unique challenge. The Information Security role at Tally feels like an ever-evolving role in that it requires adapting quickly to a dynamic threat landscape and regulatory requirements. Most days involve my human alarm clocks (3 rambunctious toddlers) waking me up early to help prepare them for school. I'm not a big coffee drinker, so instead I start my day with a nice warm cup of oolong tea.

Once the kids are out the door I check my inbox to ensure I am all caught up with unread messages. Every morning I join a team meeting to share status updates on key security initiatives and any current security-compliance audit work. I'm responsible for leading Tally's vendor risk management program, so part of my day involves reviewing any new vendor requests and assessing third-parties that Tally plans to work closely with.

Once I'm done reviewing any pending vendor requests, I dedicate time to developing Tally’s overall Information Security Program. Part of the development involves placing security awareness at the forefront of what we do through annual cybersecurity training and periodic communications around best practices. Much of the developmental work is cross-functional and calls on teams to treat security as everyone's responsibility.

What has been the highlight of your time here at Tally so far? 

I've had the pleasure of experiencing numerous highlights during my time at Tally. A key highlight for me was being able to establish Tally's Information Security Program from the ground up. This served as the impetus for Tally to successfully complete its first SOC 2 audit, an annual audit that rigorously tests operational controls against security and data privacy standards.  

Which of Tally’s core values - Don’t Say Nothing, Own the Outcome, Change Shoes Often - resonates most with you and why?

Own The Outcome (OTO).  I'm a firm believer in driving accountability and inspiring others through my work. Own the Outcome resonates with me as a core value because it calls on us to become leaders in our own right. In my opinion, OTO is also one of the hardest core values to follow because it encompasses all of the foundational work leading up to the outcome.

Tallizens Offline

What do you like to do for fun outside of work?

Family is everything to me, so it's only natural that I enjoy spending quality time with my wife and kids. I enjoy seeing their expressions when we venture out to new places. We treat our RV as an extended family member and hitting the open road gives me a sense of calm and relaxation. The open road accompanied with some good ol’ tunes…there’s really nothing like it. We visit national parks and my kids get equally excited when they add a new stamp to their national park passport books. Our last trip was to Mission San José in San Antonio.        

Tell us about one of your favorite vacations.

During my sophomore year in college I was invited to a friend's wedding in Singapore. It was an amazing experience and I truly immersed myself in the culture. I indulged in some of the best food I've ever had at the local kopitiams and brought home great memories with friends. 

I was told Singapore serves as the gateway to Asia and I quickly found this out during the first leg of my trip by traveling a short distance to nearby Malaysia and making my way through Thailand and Burma in a tuk tuk. I can't wait to go back and show my kids how much it's developed since then, especially the Marina Bay Sands hotel and Sentosa.  

What’s your hidden talent?

I'm an avid DIY'er that can binge-watch YouTube home improvement and auto mechanic videos. From working on a transmission to building recessed media shelves, there's no task too big or too small for me to try. It also helps that I enjoy collecting/using different types of tools and have my very own workshop.      

Lightning Round: This or That?

Sweet or Savory

Savory 

Morning or Night

Night

Summer or Winter

Summer! ☀️ I can't see myself burrowing under blankets. Open the windows and let the sunshine in!

Pizza or Tacos

Tacos

Cardio or Weights

Weights