Theresa Payton
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.
Under $25,000
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

Theresa Payton’s Speech Topics
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.
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.
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.
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Works by Theresa Payton
Theresa Payton
Protecting Your Internet Identity
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Theresa Payton Topics & Types
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