Y Stories: Dennis Miller

Many individuals help our YMCA run smoothly: One is Dennis Miller, a longtime supporter and Y member. Miller provides IT and cybersecurity support for our YMCA and is the owner and operator of Talent Cyber Security in Albany.

Behind the scenes, Miller updates and improves systems around the Y. He keeps the Y’s computer systems, WiFi, and Internet safe and secure, provides general tech support, and has helped replace old computers and servers. He maintains the YMCA’s internet equipment and responds to tickets when the YMCA staff needs assistance. Yet, Miller is also driven by a passion for education and sharing knowledge.

Miller started his career as a contractor and originally attended college as a biology major. It was there that he discovered his interest in technology.

“What really got my attention [in undergrad] was learning to use Microsoft Excel to chart plant growth in biology,” Miller said. “Once I realized what kind of tools the software really is, then I changed my path and went after a degree in information technology.”

Later, he also returned to school for an additional degree in information business and information systems, followed by a master’s in cybersecurity.

Miller was raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. When his son was four, his family joined their local YMCA, where Miller became involved in coaching sports, including soccer and flag football. When his son was eight, he told Miller he wanted to live somewhere near the ocean.

From there, Miller searched for work in The Oregonian and ended up finding a job with a local manufacturing and technology company. He and his family moved to Albany in September 2004. Several years later, he was recruited by Coastal Farm, where he worked for 12 years.

Upon arrival in Albany, Miller and his family immediately joined the Mid-Willamette Family YMCA. His son participated in day camps throughout his childhood and was a participant and counselor at Camp Collins in Gresham and a day camp counselor at our Y. To Miller, the YMCA has become part of his family’s history.

When his son went to college, Miller remained a member. In 2017, he was asked to volunteer on the YMCA’s IT committee. That volunteering ultimately led to his relationship as the organization’s technology and cybersecurity partner.

Along with his typical work at the YMCA, Miller has offered a successful set of free cybersecurity workshops for seniors. He said the workshops cover all the basics: everything from why you don’t use public Wi-Fi in airports and restaurants, to scams, passwords, and why seniors, in particular, are targeted for scams. As part of the workshops, Miller asks participants to bring their phones and tablets so he can walk through lessons together.

“Our job was to simplify the technology, social media, and all of the aspects—simplify it and tell them where the risks are,” Miller said. “We use that with analogies, comparing their online accounts with their home security—lock your doors and set your alarm and such. And by making those analogies, they got it. They understood that. Several of our repeat clients came back and said they were more informed and safer than their kids and grandkids.”

In 2022, Miller was recruited by the University of Oregon to teach experiential learning classes on information systems and cybersecurity. He has taught part-time since then. He was also recruited as the lead instructor for Northwest Cyber Camp, a week-long camp held at universities for high school students interested in computer science and cybersecurity.

“With [the experience of teaching cybersecurity], I discovered that there is definitely an appetite for that kind of knowledge transfer. I’ve often felt that knowledge is power,” Miller said. “I love what I do. I love the knowledge, and I love being able to spread it out and pass it on to others. I get a real sense of gratification from passing on knowledge like that.”

Today, Miller receives a free YMCA membership through his insurance. He has faced several health issues in recent years, including an open-heart surgery to address a birth defect and just finished treatment for cancer. Despite this, Miller remains active by utilizing the YMCA. He said regular exercise has helped him keep almost all the side effects of radiation therapy away.

“I exercise now primarily for maintenance. Now, I’m 69, and I feel I’m 55,” Miller said. “Seriously! I’m here to stay.”

Throughout his many moments at the Y, one in particular stands out: When his mother passed away, only a couple of months after his open-heart surgery, the YMCA sent him a huge floral and fruit arrangement and sympathy card.

“It’s almost bringing tears to my eyes,” Miller said. “Then, after I had heart surgery, they made sure I was okay when I was back on my feet and coming in the first few months. They watched out for me, and that’s family! Those are memorable moments when I realized that I belong. I’m not just a member or a vendor. I belong.”

Over time, Miller said he has witnessed the Mid-Willamette Family YMCA evolve from its old building into a destination and a “lifestyle.” To him, the old Y was simply a pool or gym; now, the Y offers fields, boxing, laser tag, and an accessible playground, to name a few.

“It’s so gratifying that in a small town like Albany, we have all these resources. I mean, the Y is not just an organization—they are integrated with this community so well. When I see so many people of different ages enjoying the facility, I get a great feeling about it,” Miller said. “This place really rocks, period.”

To learn more about Miller’s company, Talent Cyber Security, visit tcssecure.com/home.