April is Member Appreciation Month, and I had the honor to meet with Don Furline, IT Security Engineer at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), to learn about his career in IT Security, the implementation of GIA’s Identity & Access Management strategy, and the value the Okta Community has provided for Don to learn, grow, and collaborate with like-minded peers. Read more about Don’s inspiring journey with Okta. 

What does your typical day look like, and what is your favorite part of your job? 

At the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), my primary responsibility is to devise, execute, and sustain our organization's Identity & Access Management (IAM) strategy by leveraging the capabilities of the Okta platform. As an engineer focused on all things security, I manage both regular and privileged user access management workflows, automating essential business processes, and safeguarding the security of our cloud infrastructure and related workloads across our cloud service providers.

Can you tell us about your journey with Okta? What organizational challenges are you trying to solve with Okta?

For our organization, one of the primary challenges has been managing the "Mover" aspect of the user lifecycle. Ensuring accurate tracking of role changes and department transfers can be a daunting task without a secure, automated solution to audit and validate these activities. Thankfully, by harnessing the power of Okta Workflows, we have automated the entire user lifecycle seamlessly, from the "Joiner" stage to the "Leaver" phase, while continually introducing improvements. Although there is still a significant amount of work to be done, we are well-equipped with the right tools and resources to address these challenges efficiently.

How are you maximizing value with Okta’s products and solutions? 

Okta has proven to be an exceptional platform for our organization, delivering immense value in the relatively short time since its implementation at the Institute. As a cornerstone of our IT infrastructure, Okta has played a pivotal role in automating user lifecycle management and advancing our efforts towards a zero-trust architecture. By harnessing the power of Okta, we have made significant strides in bolstering our security posture, achieving a higher level of maturity and sophistication. With Okta at the heart of our identity and access management strategy, we continue to enhance our security capabilities, streamline processes, and reinforce the resilience of our systems against potential threats.

Let’s switch gears and talk about the Oka Community. How did you first learn about the Oka Community? 

My initial interaction with the Okta Community took place in late 2020 when I was seeking guidance for a new Workflow implementation. The invaluable insights provided by fellow community members, along with the informative Okta Workflows Office Hours sessions, greatly contributed to the success of my project. From that moment on, I was captivated by the Community's collaborative spirit. Over the past year, I have been receiving various communications related to the Community and have been continually impressed by the high level of engagement and enthusiasm that Okta has fostered within this platform. The Okta Community has truly become a dynamic and supportive space for learning, growth, and collaboration.

I love how the Okta Community has helped enrich your professional and personal journey by broadening your understanding of Okta’s capabilities and your skills and expertise in the field. What do you enjoy most about it, and how has connecting with peers helped you? 

The Okta Community has proven to be a profoundly beneficial venue for interaction with Okta customers and partners. Sharing my knowledge and guidance, contributing solutions to common problems, and providing technical insight on a range of scenarios have afforded me the opportunity to give back while deepening my knowledge of the platform. The Community is a hub for thought-provoking discussions and the exchange of innovative ideas, and it is always developing new opportunities for learning and professional development. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a member of this vibrant and diverse community, and I look forward to engaging with others and making meaningful contributions in the future.

Your passion for helping others by sharing your knowledge and expertise is inspiring. We are grateful for all that you do.  What are the most important lessons you’ve learned (or shared) in the Okta Community?

One of the most valuable lessons I have gleaned from the Okta Community is the multitude of approaches available for accomplishing the same objective. The Community excels at facilitating the exchange of innovative ideas and solutions for challenges that might otherwise seem daunting. Be it through the Admin Console or APIs, Group Rules or Workflows, the members consistently demonstrate remarkable creativity and resourcefulness, coupled with a genuine eagerness to collaborate and assist one another. This supportive environment continues to be a source of inspiration and amazement.

What best practices could you share to help other IT admins using Okta products and solutions? What’s one pro-tip you could give someone who’s a new Okta admin?

A crucial pro-tip for mastering the Okta platform is to explore its documentation thoroughly. Okta offers a comprehensive library of best practices, product features, prerequisites, and other valuable resources, making it the ideal starting point for learning about the platform and how to effectively harness its potential. Additionally, be sure to capitalize on the Workflows feature and consider attending the Community Office Hours for Okta Workflows. This forum provides an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with experts and gain insights into how other customers leverage this potent functionality.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve received recently, either in the Okta Community or another forum?

One of the most significant lessons I've gleaned throughout my career is the paramount importance of embracing lifelong learning. Technology is perpetually evolving, which necessitates staying informed, acquiring new skills, and stepping out of your comfort zone to adapt and thrive. By keeping up-to-date with industry trends, new tools, and emerging technologies, you'll maintain a competitive edge, open doors to new opportunities, and bolster your problem-solving abilities. 

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing? 

First and foremost, I am incredibly fortunate to genuinely love what I do, as I take great pleasure in refining skills that many might regard as work-related. I am also pursuing an MBA at the University of Southern California while fulfilling my roles as a devoted husband and father to two young children. In my spare time, I enjoy running, cycling, and creating cherished memories with my family. 

Anything else you’d like to share? 

I deeply appreciate the ongoing opportunity to make a meaningful impact within our community. I eagerly anticipate the new collaborations, engaging conversations, and enriching experiences that lie ahead.

Thank you for sharing your professional and personal journey with us. We are grateful for your contributions, continued support, and passion for Okta. 

If you’d like to share your story, get in touch with Community@okta.com. 

Visit the Okta Community today!