Tamara Poelma holds the distinguished position of Director at two High Tech Crime Labs under the jurisdiction of the State of California, Department of Toxic Substances Control, Office of Criminal Investigations. Her focus within these labs revolves around the specialized realm of environmental crimes, with expertise in digital forensics, mobile forensics, and IP video surveillance.

Commencing her career 35 years ago as an Office Assistant within the State of California, Tamara harbored a long-term aspiration to venture into the IT field. In the year 2000, a pivotal opportunity arose when a Chief at the CA Department of Justice provided her with the chance to lateral into the realm of Information Technology. Tamara's journey involved hands-on learning, where she gained proficiency in various facets of Information Technology. She has since earned AS degrees in both Computer Forensics/Criminal Justice and Network Administration, and in 2015, she proudly attained her BS degree in Information Security.

Tamara's commitment to the field is exemplified by her three-year tenure as a member of the FBI’s Orange County Regional Computer Forensics Lab Task Force. In 2016, she took on the role of President at HTCIA- Southern California, showcasing her leadership and dedication within the industry. Active participation characterizes her involvement in organizations such as HTCIA, NATIA, HTCC, CDAA, the US Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force, and various college advisory boards.

Certified as A+, SANS GCFE, and SANS GSLC, Tamara not only excels professionally but also extends her passion for the field by engaging with students, women, and senior citizens, providing insights into the DFIR and Cybersecurity domains. Beyond her professional pursuits, Tamara finds joy in spending quality time with her husband, and cherishing moments with family and friends at their California home. Furthermore, her passion for exploration manifests in her travels to picturesque destinations like the Grand Cayman Islands and Amsterdam.