Theresa Payton

Keynote Speaker

First Female White House Chief Information Officer; AI Strategist; Business and Personal Security Expert; Privacy Visionary

As a visionary in the digital world, who famously made history as the first female to serve as White House Chief Information Officer and is widely recognized as one of the nation’s most respected authorities on cybersecurity, Theresa Payton is a highly sought-after keynote speaker. She captivates audiences by drawing from her experience as a veteran cybercrime fighter and entrepreneur, masterfully blending memorable anecdotes with cutting-edge insights.

Request Availability

Theresa Payton's speaking fee: $25K - $40K

Theresa Payton is a trailblazer in technology and cybersecurity, making history as the first female White House Chief Information Officer under President George W. Bush. She’s recognized as one of the world’s top advisors on secured digital transformation, AI, and privacy, consulting Fortune 500 boards, CEOs, and technology executives to safeguard critical assets and navigate complex digital challenges. Because she’s the go-to expert among network television news programs and other major media outlets for her broad cybercrime-fighting knowledge, relatable persona and ability to make complex technology understandable, she starred as Deputy Commander of Intelligence on the CBS TV reality hide-and-seek show, “Hunted.” She’s also CEO and chief advisor of a leading digital security firm, Fortalice.

Featured Videos

Meet Theresa Payton

Theresa Payton on Protecting Your Digital Identity

Theresa Payton on Social Media Privacy

Theresa Payton on Deepfakes Hiring Employees Who Don’t Exist

Theresa Payton on the Profile of a Woman in Cybersecurity

Theresa Payton’s Speech Topics

AI and the Future of Us: Navigating the Promise and Perils of Artificial Intelligence

Few technological developments of the last century have fueled as much curiosity, misinformation, and fear as AI. In this highly-engaging, jargon-free presentation, Theresa Payton unpacks AI’s transformative power while exposing its looming risks, then demonstrates how our businesses, security, and individual daily lives are being impacted by them. With anonymized stories from law enforcement’s front lines and stunning live demonstrations that reveal the tradecraft of modern cybercriminals, Payton will equip you with practical actions to harness AI’s vast potential while protecting yourself, your clients, and your organization.
Secured Digital Transformation: Innovating Without Compromising Trust

Balancing innovation and security in a rapidly evolving digital world requires know-how, sensitivity, and constant vigilance. From streamlining operations to enhancing customer experiences, Theresa Payton shares strategies for driving transformation while safeguarding your organization’s critical assets. With compelling case studies and easily-understood, actionable takeaways, Payton will show you how to future-proof your organization and lead confidently in the age of relentless cyber threats.
From the White House to Your House: Leadership & Life Lessons

Theresa Payton shares her amazing journey of resilience and determination as a business professional, wife and mom of three that led her to the most visible position in the tech world, White House CIO. And that’s before she became a CEO, one of the world’s leading media voices on technology and cybersecurity and star of the hit CBS TV series, “Hunted.” Drawing from her experiences leading in high-stakes environments, she reveals how family and purpose have been her guiding lights in balancing home life, career, and service. Payton’s uplifting message will inspire you to lead boldly, embrace challenges with grace, and thrive in every role you’re called to fulfill.

What other organizations say about Theresa Payton

Thank you so SO much for joining us this week for the Banking Summit. Your presentation was a crowd favorite (currently ranked #1 in our feedback survey) and the perfect addition to our event.
Financial Services

What other organizations say about Theresa Payton

Theresa is very engaging and has so many amazing and relevant stories from her career. It’s nice to hear all the real world situations she has dealt with. I wished her presentation was longer. Theresa made a lot of good points that are important to our industry. Consider having her back next year please!
Technology

What other organizations say about Theresa Payton

Theresa’s talk, ‘Unmasking Cybercriminals and the Triple Threat Facing Business and You’ was a wake-up call on how cybercriminals leverage AI and emerging technologies. Her expertise in risk mitigation, digital security, and real world cyber threats made this session incredibly insightful.
Other

What other organizations say about Theresa Payton

Thank you for your brilliant presentation this morning at Great Audit Minds (GAM). Very informative, eye-opening, and dare I say, alarming. I ordered the last (!!) hardcover copy of your book from Amazon and am excited to read it.
Accounting

What other organizations say about Theresa Payton

Absolutely loved your session and the 2026 predictions!!!
Technology

What other organizations say about Theresa Payton

OMG!! I cannot begin to tell you how much we LOVE Theresa! She’s the best! The session was amazing and she is so warm and giving. I will certainly be recommending her to any of my colleagues after an engaging, informative, knowledgeable and warm speaker. In the meantime, I’m going to let all my colleagues in the events business know that they should just erase any other cybercrime speakers they have OFF their lists right now!
Publishing

What other organizations say about Theresa Payton

Theresa! Loved your keynote speech. You are an inspiration to us all with all your achievements. The thing that stuck out to me about you was your empathy, your grace and the way you connect with your audience. Thank you for being an advocate of security.
Hospitality

Works by Theresa Payton

Theresa Payton
Privacy in the Age of Big Data: Recognizing Threats, Defending Your Rights, and Protecting Your Family
Theresa Payton
Manipulated: Inside the Cyberwar to Hijack Elections and Distort the Truth
Theresa Payton
Protecting Your Internet Identity

_{As an Amazon Associate WSB earns from qualifying purchases.}

Theresa Payton Topics & Types

REQUEST AVAILABILITY

Tell us about your event and the speaker you are interested in booking and we will be in touch right away.