Frank Hatten

Frank Hatten serves as Director of Operations and Outreach for the Cyber-Resilience Resource Center (CRRC) at West Virginia University and Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Management Information Systems and Supply Chain, where he integrates academic instruction with hands-on cybersecurity initiatives for Appalachian-region small businesses, nonprofits, and critical infrastructure.

His educational qualifications include:

• M.S. in Business Cybersecurity Management from West Virginia University

Hatten specializes in applied cybersecurity with research interests spanning risk management, IT systems integration, and experiential learning methodologies, particularly focused on underserved rural communities. His work emphasizes practical solutions for cyber resilience in economic development contexts, including technology modernization for rural organizations and infrastructure security for municipalities.

He directs student-led outreach projects covering cyber assessments for financial institutions, critical infrastructure protection, and rural broadband expansion initiatives across West Virginia. Additionally, Hatten manages enterprise implementation of platforms like Zoho One to streamline project management and CRM systems across WVU centers, fostering academic-industry collaboration.

As a dedicated mentor, he cultivates next-generation cybersecurity professionals through the CRRC's workforce development programs, driving regional economic revitalization while bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world cyber challenges in resource-constrained environments.