Ryan Horst

Trailblazer
DISC Type : ID

Director of Enterprise Cyber and IT Architecture at Blackbaud

Omaha, Nebraska, United States

Overview

Ryan is a technology leader with over 15 years of experience in cybersecurity and IT architecture, specializing in regulated financial environments. As Director at Blackbaud, he aligns enterprise security and IT with business strategy. He holds a Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM) certification.

He is a proponent of remote work, having traded a 60-minute commute for the comforts of his home office, self-made coffee, and more personal time. A former colleague described him as one of the best engineers they ever hired, highlighting his technical expertise.

Unique fact: While at a previous company, he built an internal proof-of-concept portal that cut solution evaluation times by 50%.

Personality Overview

Informal

Achievement-Oriented

Assertive

If they come to believe in your value proposition, they will be your champion.  They are more likely to accept new and exciting technologies. They are not against taking risks and can make tough decisions when required.


Topics They Care About

Enterprise Architecture
He serves as the Enterprise Architecture Domain Lead for Security and IT, responsible for aligning technology decisions with business strategy and governance frameworks.
Cybersecurity Strategy
His roles have consistently involved defining cybersecurity roadmaps, maturing security capabilities, and partnering with C-level executives to influence enterprise strategy.
AI-Forward Systems
He is actively hiring talent to build scalable and secure "AI-forward" systems, showing a professional focus on integrating artificial intelligence into technology stacks.

Media Appearances

Ryan Horst - Director of Enterprise Cyber and IT Architecture at Blackbaud. Featured in The Org

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Work History

12-2025
Director of Enterprise Cyber and IT Architecture at Blackbaud
12-2025
Director, Enterprise Security & IT Architecture at Blackbaud
9-2022 - 1-2026
Director of Cyber Enterprise Architecture at Blackbaud
9-2022
Director, Enterprise Security Architecture at Blackbaud
1-2021 - 9-2022
Senior Manager, Production Security Architecture | BNP Paribas Americas at BNP Paribas

Education

1999 - 2001
Associate of Science - AS from Central Community College

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 24 Location : Omaha, Nebraska, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director of Enterprise Cyber and IT Architecture at Blackbaud
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Insights For Selling To Ryan

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Talk about yourself and some of your achievements at the start of the conversation
  • Give them control of the sales process
  • Use phrases like ‘your decision will’, ‘you will impact’ etc.

DONT's

  • Don’t force involvement of other stakeholders unless it is critical
  • Don’t hesitate from asking questions or pushing them, but take a friendly approach
  • Don’t hesitate from asking them how they truly feel about your product

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Ryan is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Ryan

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no though in a friendly way.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Ryan move?

  • If you earn their trust and they develop faith in the product, they can make decisions quickly.
  • Can Ryan take some risk or not?

  • If necessary, they will be ready to take risks.

You And Ryan

Personality Compatibility


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