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

  • (35)
Henry Evans

Henry Evans is the Founder and Managing Partner for Dynamic Results, LLC. In his career, Henry Evans has delivered more than 10,000 hours of Executive Coaching and also, more than 2000 hours of Change Management and Strategic Implementation services to clients. He applies the knowledge and experience gleaned from numerous successes and a failure in […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (99)
  • (7)
Sterling Hawkins

Sterling Hawkins is a transformative figure in the realm of organizational culture and business innovation. Known for his groundbreaking work on creating cultures of innovation and resilience, Hawkins has emerged as a preeminent speaker and thought leader. His signature speech, “No Matter What,” encapsulates his philosophy of overcoming challenges and fostering an environment where innovation […]

  • Travels from: Denver, CO
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (40)
Jon Dorenbos

Jon Dorenbos played 14 seasons in the NFL, notably making the Pro Bowl twice as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2016, Jon competed on America’s Got Talent where he showcased his skills as a sleight-of-hand magician, making it to the finals and placing third overall in the competition amongst tens of thousands of […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (32)
Kristin Arnold

For over 25 years, Kristin Arnold has helped over a hundred different organizations, facilitated over four hundred executives and their teams, and presented to over a half a million people around the world around the topics of team leadership, team work, collaboration, culture, and critical thinking. Whether your meeting is completely online or a “hybrid” […]

  • Travels from: Scottsdale, AZ
  • Communication Speakers
  • (50)
Michael Tchong

Michael Tchong stands as a beacon of innovation and foresight in an ever-evolving digital landscape. His unique approach to decoding the future has positioned him as a preeminent trend-spotter and an influential figure in the realms of technology and entrepreneurship. With a distinct passion for staying ahead of emerging waves, Michael has established four successful […]

  • Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (29)
Kate Fagan

Kate Fagan is a celebrated ESPN host, author, and keynote speaker who shines a spotlight on crucial topics within the sports world. Known for her engaging storytelling and insightful commentary, she has a remarkable ability to connect with audiences on a deep level, using her experience as both a former collegiate athlete and a prominent […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Mental Health
  • (22)
DJ Tim Lacatena

DJ Tim Lacatena, a DJ, Saxophonist, and Emcee based in Los Angeles. From Super Bowl LVII to Villa Medici in Rome to tech conferences in Silicon Valley, his aim as a DJ is to ensure audiences have an unforgettable and electrifying night! With over a decade of experience in the world of high-end events, Tim […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Mobile DJ
  • (47)
  • (13)
Allison Massari

Allison Massari, an extraordinary inspirational speaker hailing from the scenic town of Belvedere, California. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as she not only overcame unimaginable adversity but has dedicated her life to inspiring others through her compelling story and motivational insights. Allison’s life took a drastic turn in […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Inspirational 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