Few names ring as true in the field of cybersecurity as Theresa Payton‘s. Her career has been defined by a number of trailblazing roles and transformational accomplishments. From becoming the first female Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the White House to leading innovative strategies with Fortalice Solutions, Payton’s career is one of great leadership and tremendous influence.
Historic Tenure at the White House
Theresa Payton’s appointment as the first female CIO at the White House under President George W. Bush marked not only a historic personal achievement but also a dramatic shift in how government cybersecurity was regarded. Her term from 2006 to 2008 was distinguished by revolutionary advances in digital security. Among her significant accomplishments was meeting the President’s goal to sign the first 100% all-digital budget. This milestone not only mitigated administrative processes but also paved the way for the adoption of technology in government operations.
Payton subsequently established the White House’s first dedicated 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC). The initiative was critical in defining new cybersecurity requirements for government institutions. The SOC maintained a continuous and vigilant approach to security, ensuring that possible threats were identified and addressed around the clock. Payton’s efforts during this time established a solid foundation for future cybersecurity measures in the public sector.
Founding Fortalice Solutions
In 2009, Payton took her expertise to the next level by founding Fortalice LLC to focus on CEOs and their Boards and then Fortalice Solutions in 2014 to focus on enterprise solutions from the Boardroom to the Server Room. Her goal was to create a company that reflected her vision of human-centered security solutions—an approach deeply rooted in her experience and insights from her time at the White House. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Fortalice Solutions quickly distinguished itself as a leader in cybersecurity consultancy, known for its innovative strategies and comprehensive approach to addressing cyber threats.
Under Payton’s leadership, Fortalice has secured major organizations in critical infrastructure, solved complex intellectual property theft cases, and prevented significant business email compromises. The firm’s proprietary methods focus on protecting the digital footprints of enterprises, C Suite executives, and other critical individuals and preventing fraudulent activities, leveraging a blend of technology and human-centered design to deliver exceptional results.
A Respected Authority and Advocate in Cybersecurity
Theresa Payton’s influence extends far beyond her role at Fortalice. Her expertise is sought after by Fortune 500 boards, technology executives, and CEOs who look for guidance on navigating the complexities of digital security.
Payton believes in training tomorrow’s leaders, as evidenced by her leadership team, Melissa O’Leary and Bridget O’Connor, with whom she worked at the White House. She convinced them to join her firm, and both quickly rose through the ranks at Fortalice Solutions and became executives and junior partners in the firm. Now, O’Connor and O’Leary create a force multiplier effect with Payton to train future leaders through the firm’s work. Payton’s contributions to the field are not limited to corporate advisement; she and her firm are also prominent educators on cybersecurity issues. As the proud provider of pro bono training and services, Fortalice, under Payton’s leadership, sponsors the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and regularly presents cybersecurity education and awareness seminars at K-12 schools, universities, and nonprofit organizations within local communities.
Payton is a weekly guest on one of the Nation’s oldest radio stations, WBT Radio (circa 1922), which is headquartered in Charlotte, NC. Since 2012, no matter where she is in the world, she makes time to speak with Morning News Hosts Bo Thompson and Beth Troutman to unpack the stories and headlines about technology and security that matter the most. Her appearances on major media outlets and her role on the CBS TV series “Hunted” have shed light on cyber threats for the public, demonstrating her ability to communicate complex topics in simple, relatable terms. Payton’s innovative spirit is further evidenced by her U.S. patent in security, which underscores her role as a pioneer in the field. Her practical inventions and strategic insights have significantly advanced the understanding and implementation of cybersecurity measures.
Awards and Recognitions
Theresa Payton’s career has been marked by numerous accolades that underscore her impact on the cybersecurity space. She has been named one of the Top 25 Most Influential People in Security by Security Magazine and was honored as the Cybersecurity Leader of the Year in 2019.
Her contributions have also been recognized by the FBI in receiving the FBI Director’s award for her community service and in publications such as “100 Fascinating Women Fighting Cybercrime” and by Business Insider, which named her one of the top 50 Cybersecurity Leaders of 2020. Most recently, Payton was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Cyber Security by Cyber Security Experts in 2021.
Additionally, Payton’s book Manipulated: Inside the Cyberwar to Hijack Elections and Distort the Truth achieved Amazon’s #1 hottest new release status in 2020, and her newest edition, released in 2024, has also been on several must-read and best sellers lists just a few months into its release, showcasing her depth of knowledge and ability to engage with pressing global issues. Her insights help shape the public’s understanding of the complexities of cybersecurity and the importance of robust digital defenses.
These accolades and publications reflect the widespread recognition of her leadership and innovative contributions to the field.
A Legacy of Cybersecurity Leadership
Theresa Payton’s career is a shining example of how innovative leadership and a commitment to security can drive significant advancements in cybersecurity. From her groundbreaking work at the White House to the impactful strategies employed by Fortalice Solutions, Payton’s contributions have profoundly influenced the field. Her ongoing efforts in educating the public and shaping cybersecurity practices ensure that as the digital landscape evolves, so too do the measures designed to protect it. Payton’s legacy is one of foresight, action, and an unwavering dedication to safeguarding our interconnected world.
