About Theresa
Theresa Payton’s Journey from White House CIO to AI Strategist and Global Cybercrime Fighter
First Female White House CIO
Pioneering AI Strategist | Cybersecurity Leader | Privacy Advocate |
Theresa Payton made history as the first female White House Chief Information Officer under President George W. Bush, implementing leading edge technology and securing critical systems with unmatched expertise. Today, she’s a globally trusted AI strategist and cybersecurity expert, guiding Fortune 500 boards, CEOs, and tech leaders to harness AI’s transformative power, neutralize digital risks, and champion privacy. Her clear, actionable strategies turn complex challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.
A sought-after voice in major media, Theresa breaks down AI trends and cybercrime with clarity and relatability, making her a staple on network TV. As Head of Intelligence on CBS’s reality series Hunted, she showcased her ability to outsmart threat actors in real time, captivating global audiences. Invite Theresa to your next event—her dynamic keynotes transform AI complexity into practical insights that inspire and empower.
As CEO of Fortalice Solutions, a Forbes-featured, Inc. Power Partner, and Global 500 cybersecurity leader, Theresa drives a team of top-tier experts in digital intelligence, cybersecurity, and threat mitigation. Fortalice equips organizations to thrive securely in an AI-driven world.
As Seen In
The first female White House Chief Information Officer
Meet Theresa's career highlights
First Female White House Chief Information Officer
CEO and Founder of Fortalice Solutions
Top 25 Most Influential People in Security (Security Magazine)
Author of Manipulated: Inside the Cyberwar to Hijack Elections and Distort the Truth
Cybersecurity Crusader of the Year (CISO Magazine)
Manipulated: Theresa's new book
Cyber Warfare Exposed:
Theresa Payton on the Hidden Battles Shaping Our Digital Future
AI Strategist and secured digital transformation expert Theresa Payton shares insights from the global digital battlefield, exposing how cyber threats—AI-driven attacks, deepfake videos, and self-replicating chatbots—are reshaping the landscape. She reveals how these hidden threats manipulate public beliefs and offers actionable steps for individuals, corporations, and policymakers to protect against these growing dangers.
Meet
Theresa's career highlights
First Female White House Chief Information Officer
CEO and Founder of Fortalice Solutions
Author of Manipulated: Inside the Cyberwar to Hijack Elections and Distort the Truth
Cybersecurity Expert
Board Leadership &
AI Strategy + Cybersecurity Expertise.
Board Member
Paychex
Independent Director
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation – SMBC Group
Board of Trustees
Immaculata University
Book Theresa Today!
Book Theresa Payton, leading AI strategist and secured digital transformation expert, for your next event!
Discover her powerful speaking topics and areas of expertise below:
"Dear Theresa, it was very nice talking to you in Geneva. Your speech and the panel were one of the congress highlights, and it was so directly applicable! Hope you had a nice trip back. Best, Peter"
Theresa Payton @ PICTET Group Geneva Switzerland
"Cisco Demystifying Cybersecurity Challenges.
WOW. You are a captivating presenter! I am an Enterprise Account Exec at Cisco and studied Marketing and AI in college as AI has been fascinating to me since the early 2000s. Thanks for taking the time to talk cybersecurity to us. 😄"
Theresa Payton @ GDT and CISCO Webinar
October 2024
"We had a lovely time with Theresa and the events she participated in all hit our internal objectives. We are very satisfied with the results!"
Theresa Payton @ Unico
August 2024
"Theresa was amazing. It was wonderful to work with you and we were so very grateful to have Theresa join us."
Theresa Payton @ Maine Credit Union League
August 2024
"Everyone loved them both!!! I will, no doubt, recommend them to others. Great content and good people! SO easy to work with! Thank you!"
Theresa Payton and Nyle DiMarco @ Healthcare Distribution Association
June 2024
"As the kickoff speaker she promised to begin our day with a "conversation to energize" and man oh man, did she deliver! The initial callouts were
- It takes a community.
- Human-Centered Design
- Human User Stories
- Protecting people's lives and finances"
Theresa Payton @ Prove Identity Inc.
April 2024
"Event was great and both Admiral Mike Rogers and Theresa Payton were awesome!"
Admiral Mike Rogers abnd Theresa Payton @ Security Industry Association
April 2024
"Theresa was absolutely wonderful, and her message and her personality was just the perfect fit for our audience. I received excellent feedback about her, and she was an absolute rockstar and all-round lovely human being who I was so grateful to meet.”
Theresa Payton @ CANARIE
October 2023
"Theresa: I was so impressed by you this morning on the AI Cybersecurity webinar. So wonderful to see another woman in leadership in AI/Cyber! You were spot on."
Theresa Payton @ Dell, Inc.
October 2023 | Virtual Event
Learn how Theresa's expertise has impacted the industry.
Contact Theresa's team and they will direct the inquiry to the correct person.
As the first female White House CIO and CEO of Fortalice Solutions, Theresa Payton brings frontline experience to others in AI strategy, digital security, technology transformation, and leadership.
For Speaking Inquiries, you may contact
KPA Speaker Management Directly:
703.217.0569 | kelly@kpaspeakermgt.com
For All News Media Inquiries, you may contact
Watchmen@FortaliceSolutions.com and copy Vanessa Santos at Vanessa@redrenegadedc.com
Need AI or Protective Intelligence Help?
Watchmen@FortaliceSolutions.com
