Brian Blakley Joins Bellini Capital and ConnectSecure as CISO, Accelerating America’s Cyber Defense and Workforce Transformation

Blakley to Lead Cybersecurity Strategy at ConnectSecure, Fueling the Next Wave of Innovation for MSPs

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With the private sector and U.S. infrastructure exposed to rapidly increasing digital risks, Bellini Capital has tapped Brian Blakley to help cultivate a world-class cybersecurity workforce in Tampa and beyond. Acting as the firm’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and driving initiatives to improve cybersecurity talent and education industry-wide, Blakley’s focus underscores the firm’s mission to secure America’s digital borders.

Eighty percent of IT professionals agree that there are not enough skilled cybersecurity professionals to meet the needs of organizations, and 74.5 percent believe that existing undergraduate cybersecurity education is missing important elements (2025 CyberBay Survey). Blakley’s work will directly support Bellini Capital’s efforts to address these and other urgent gaps in the cybersecurity ecosystem.

“There is much to be done to create a safer digital environment. Headquartered here in Tampa, now known as CyberBay, we are right in the heart of cybersecurity innovation and workforce development,” said Blakley. “Our work will help create a stronger U.S. economy and tighter national security. We’re engineering trust, accelerating technology, and launching careers in one of the most critical industries of the century.”

ConnectSecure as cornerstone for SMB cybersecurity

As part of his role within Bellini Capital’s portfolio, Blakley will also serve as CISO of ConnectSecure, a pioneering platform that brings elite vulnerability management capabilities to Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

Blakley’s charge: to architect an ecosystem where cutting-edge innovation, top-tier service delivery, and talent development converge. He will help develop ConnectSecure’s Managed Cybersecurity Service Model, which enables MSPs to deliver premium, scalable security offerings. He’ll align technology, talent, and go-to-market strategy to help MSPs close the cybersecurity gap for small businesses—America’s most vulnerable attack surface.

Blakley brings more than 20 years of tested cybersecurity expertise, having led transformations across compliance, enterprise risk, and managed services. He’s acknowledged for translating complex cyber strategies into scalable business value—a rare blend of tactical grit and visionary execution.

“Brian is a force multiplier. His knowledge can bring catalytic change when combined with the talent, programs, and innovation underway at ConnectSecure,” said Peter Bellini, CEO of ConnectSecure. “His leadership will advance our cybersecurity vision and empower service providers to be the front line of defense for SMBs.”

About Bellini Capital

Bellini Capital is a Tampa Bay–based investment firm and innovation engine on a mission to secure America’s digital future. The firm invests in transformative technologies across cybersecurity, AI, and ecological preservation, accelerating the growth of companies that protect our nation’s digital sovereignty and natural wealth. Learn more at www.bellinicapital.com.

About ConnectSecure™

ConnectSecure is a global cybersecurity company that amplifies managed service providers’ (MSP's) ability to assess client risk, build recurring revenue, and overcome the challenges of the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. Focused on partnering with and meeting the specific needs of MSPs working with small and midsized businesses, ConnectSecure delivers tools to identify and address vulnerabilities, manage compliance requirements, and grow service provider practices. ConnectSecure is employee-owned and MSP-community driven. The company is headquartered in Tampa, Florida and operates in 14 countries. To learn more, visit www.connectsecure.com