Theresa Payton: AI Strategist

  • First female Chief Information Officer at the White House​s
  • Founder and CEO of Fortalice Solutions​
  • Author of “Manipulated: Inside the Cyberwar to Hijack Elections and Distort the Truth”​cyber-security
  • 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.

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Charlotte, North Carolina
  • **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000

Keynote Topics

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 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, Theresa will equip you with practical actions to harness AI’s vast potential while protecting yourself, your clients and your organization. 

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 shares strategies for driving transformation while safeguarding your organization’s critical assets.

With compelling case studies and easily-understood, actionable takeaways, Theresa will show you how to future-proof your organization and lead confidently in the age of relentless cyber threats. 

Thriving in Every Role

Theresa shares her amazing journey of faith, 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 media world’s leading 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 faith and purpose have been her guiding lights in balancing family, career, and service. Theresa’s uplifting message will inspire you to lead boldly, embrace challenges with grace, and thrive in every role you’re called to fulfill.

Theresa Payton stands at the forefront of this mission, renowned as the first female Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the White House. Her pioneering efforts in cybersecurity have cemented her status as a leading authority in the field. As the founder and CEO of Fortalice Solutions, a premier cybersecurity consulting firm, Theresa combines her extensive […]

Theresa Payton stands at the forefront of this mission, renowned as the first female Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the White House. Her pioneering efforts in cybersecurity have cemented her status as a leading authority in the field. As the founder and CEO of Fortalice Solutions, a premier cybersecurity consulting firm, Theresa combines her extensive experience with a profound commitment to protecting organizations against emerging cyber threats.

Theresa’s journey from banking executive to White House CIO showcases her dedication to technological advancement and security. Her insights into the complexities of cybercrime, coupled with her hands-on experience in both public and private sectors, make her an invaluable asset to any organization seeking to fortify its digital defenses.

Theresa Payton’s career is a testament to her expertise and leadership in cybersecurity. Before her historic appointment as the first female CIO at the White House under President George W. Bush, she honed her skills in the financial sector, holding executive roles at Bank of America and Wells Fargo. These positions allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the technological challenges and security risks inherent in large financial institutions.

In 2008, Theresa founded Fortalice Solutions, where she leads a team of cybercrime fighters dedicated to protecting businesses and governments from risk and fraud. Her firm is recognized as one of the top cybersecurity consulting companies, known for its innovative approaches to combating cyber threats.

Theresa Payton’s unique blend of frontline experience, strategic insight, and engaging communication skills makes her an exceptional choice for any event focused on cybersecurity, technology, or leadership. Her presentations are enriched with real-world anecdotes and actionable takeaways, providing audiences with a deeper understanding of the cyber landscape and practical strategies to enhance their security posture.​

Event planners can trust Theresa’s professionalism and ability to connect with diverse audiences, ensuring that her message resonates and inspires action. Her track record of successful engagements with organizations across various industries attests to her versatility and effectiveness as a speaker.​

Theresa Payton’s distinguished career, from breaking barriers as the first female White House CIO to leading a top-tier cybersecurity firm, exemplifies her commitment to protecting and advancing our digital world. Her expertise, coupled with her engaging speaking style, offers audiences invaluable insights into cybersecurity challenges and solutions. Booking Theresa for your event ensures a compelling and informative experience that will empower attendees to navigate the complexities of today’s cyber environment confidently.​

Hashtags: #Cybersecurity #Leadership #WomenInTech #DigitalTransformation #InformationSecurity

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Theresa Payton

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent resources available for download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

View further speakers

  • (61)
  • (2)
Bethany Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton, a name synonymous with resilience and triumph, has captivated the world with her incredible journey of overcoming adversity. Best known for her remarkable story of survival and perseverance following a shark attack that left her with one arm, Bethany has transformed her personal challenges into a platform for motivating and inspiring others. As […]

  • Travels from: Hanalei, Hawaii
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (43)
  • (2)
Maria Elena Salinas

Maria Elena Salinas is an award-winning journalist, trailblazing media personality, and inspirational keynote speaker with nearly four decades of experience at the forefront of American journalism. Celebrated as “The Voice of Hispanic America,” Maria Elena has earned the trust of millions with her unwavering dedication to truth, cultural representation, and advocacy for underrepresented communities. Her […]

  • Travels from: Miami, FL
  • Celebrity Emcees
  • (57)
DJ CLA-2

DJ CLA is a dynamic and versatile mobile DJ, lighting up Las Vegas with her electrifying performances and exceptional ability to set the perfect tone for any event. With a reputation for blending high-energy beats and smooth transitions, her name has quickly become a sought-after entertainer for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and everything in […]

  • Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
  • Mobile DJ
  • (71)
Charmaine Yee

Charmaine Yee is a highly sought-after virtual event host and emcee in Singapore. Versatile – she is fluent in both English and conversational Mandarin, and professional, Charmaine brings high energy and lively wit to every virtual event she hosts. From facilitating live and virtual panel discussions and in-person or virtual corporate events to award ceremonies […]

  • Travels from: Singapore
  • Event Emcee
  • (19)
Melanie Lawson

In the realm of professional emcees, there are few who embody the essence of warmth, authenticity, and charisma quite like Melanie Lawson. With a career spanning over two decades in the television industry, Melanie has not only garnered acclaim as an Emmy Award-winning journalist but has also established herself as a sought-after professional emcee, moderator, […]

  • Travels from: Jacksonville, FL
  • Event Emcee
  • (23)

David Avrin is a distinguished figure in the realm of marketing and branding, hailed as The Visibility Coach, he stands among the most sought-after speakers globally. With a captivating blend of high energy and content-rich presentations, David has captivated audiences throughout North America and across the globe. From Singapore to Dubai, his recent engagements have […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Customer Experience
  • (27)

As a Speaker, Susan Koziak delivers inspiring keynotes and seminars which combine principles of high performance and the importance of self-care for a holistic, balanced approach to business, energy, mindset, emotional and physical health. “Stress Less Expert” Susan Koziak offers easy anxiety and stress-relieving solutions to navigate work and life events with more ease and […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Workplace Wellness
  • (39)
Mark Noon

Mark Noon is a distinguished speaker, executive coach, and author with over 25 years of expertise in military and civilian healthcare leadership. Renowned for his ability to inspire and empower leaders at every level, Mark has transformed organizations by equipping them with the tools and strategies needed for success. His career, which began as an […]

  • Travels from: Pensacola, FL
  • Leadership Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.