EverLine Taps Security Veteran to Guard America's Critical Infrastructure

HOUSTON, TX – July 09, 2026 – In a move that underscores the escalating stakes in protecting the nation's vital systems, critical infrastructure service provider EverLine has appointed Jason Cradit to the dual role of Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer. While executive appointments are routine, this one signals a significant strategic shift in an industry where a single digital breach can cascade into widespread physical disruption. Cradit, a 25-year veteran of high-stakes security environments, is tasked with leading the company's technology and security strategy as the lines between cyber defense, regulatory compliance, and operational continuity blur into a single, high-pressure imperative.

The Converging Crisis in Critical Infrastructure

The challenge facing the operators of pipelines, power grids, and data centers has fundamentally changed. The goal is no longer simply to prevent cyberattacks or pass periodic audits; it is to maintain a state of continuous operational readiness in a landscape of constant, evolving threats and ever-tightening regulations. This convergence has created a perfect storm for an industry with zero tolerance for disruption.

Industry analysts note that nation-state actors and sophisticated cybercriminal groups increasingly view critical infrastructure not just as a target for data theft, but as a lever for geopolitical influence and chaos. The rise of ransomware attacks on OT (Operational Technology) systems, which directly control physical processes, has moved the threat from the server room to the real world. Simultaneously, supply chain vulnerabilities mean that a single compromised software update or hardware component can infect an entire ecosystem. This is compounded by the reality that much of this infrastructure relies on legacy systems that were never designed for the internet age, making them notoriously difficult to secure.

Against this backdrop, regulatory bodies are imposing increasingly stringent mandates. The TSA Security Directives, issued in the wake of major pipeline disruptions, demand rigorous cybersecurity controls and reporting. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation's Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP) standards present a complex and costly compliance web for the bulk electric system. Meanwhile, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) requires operators to prove their cyber defenses are robust enough to ensure physical safety. For operators, navigating this maze while fending off attacks has become the central challenge of their business.

A Strategic Appointment for a New Era of Threats

EverLine's decision to place Jason Cradit at the intersection of technology and security is a direct response to this new reality. His background is a near-perfect blueprint for the type of leadership required. With over two decades of experience spanning the energy, pipeline, aerospace, and defense sectors, Cradit has operated on the front lines of digital defense where the stakes are highest.

His career includes leading security programs for classified data centers at GeoEye, a key partner to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, where protecting sensitive national security data was paramount. He also co-founded Pivvot, an energy software company, giving him firsthand experience in building technology for the very sector he now helps protect. This unique blend of public-sector discipline and private-sector innovation is a rare commodity.

Cradit's credentials, including top-tier CISSP and CCSP certifications and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity, are augmented by his deep industry engagement. As a member of InfraGard's Energy Sector and an advisory board member for SecureWorld, he is embedded in the collaborative intelligence networks essential for tracking and anticipating threats. Appointing him to the dual CTO/CISO role is a clear statement: for EverLine, technology strategy and security are not parallel functions, but two sides of the same coin, fused to ensure resilience is built in, not bolted on.

Beyond Compliance: The Integrated Operational Readiness Model

The appointment also shines a light on EverLine's core strategy: an integrated operating model designed to address the converging crisis holistically. Where many operators and service providers still tackle compliance, operations, and cybersecurity in silos, the Houston-based company combines them into a unified service. This model provides clients with expertise in compliance management, 24/7 control center operations, SCADA and OT systems, and cybersecurity under one roof.

This integrated approach is precisely what Cradit champions. "The challenge facing critical infrastructure operators is no longer simply preventing cyber incidents or passing audits. It is maintaining continuous operational readiness in environments where regulations evolve, threats adapt, and there is little tolerance for disruption," Cradit stated. "Security, compliance, and operations have become inseparable."

This philosophy is put into practice through a combination of human expertise and proprietary technology. For instance, the company's SP3 platform is designed to support PHMSA audit readiness and evidence management, transforming a burdensome compliance task into a streamlined, technology-driven process. By embedding resilience directly into day-to-day operations, the model aims to shift clients from a reactive, compliance-focused posture to one of proactive, demonstrable readiness—a critical distinction when facing regulators and adversaries alike.

Navigating a Crowded and Complex Landscape

EverLine is not alone in recognizing the opportunity. The market for OT security and critical infrastructure services is crowded with specialized cybersecurity firms like Dragos and Claroty, industrial automation giants like Siemens, and major consulting firms with dedicated OT practices. However, many competitors focus on a single piece of the puzzle—be it threat detection software, compliance consulting, or managed services.

EverLine's bet is that its integrated model provides a more effective and efficient solution for operators overwhelmed by the need to manage multiple vendors and competing priorities. By offering a single point of accountability that understands the intricate dance between NERC CIP rules, TSA directives, and the real-time demands of a pipeline control room, the company aims to carve out a distinct position as a comprehensive operational partner.

As CTO/CISO, Cradit will oversee the security and compliance architecture for the company's own 24/7 control room and managed services, effectively making EverLine its own first and most demanding customer. In an industry defined by hidden costs and catastrophic risks, this commitment to an integrated, resilient-by-design approach may be the most valuable service of all.