Theresa Payton

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

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In-Person Fee Range:

$20,001 - $30,000

Fee Details

Virtual Fee Range:

Inquire for Fee

Traveling from:

North Carolina

Keynote Clip

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Topics

Ethics & Values Innovation & Creativity Global Business Solutions Women In Business Speakers Big Data Cyber Security & Identity Theft Global Issues Technology Speakers Innovation Speakers Artificial Intelligence (AI) Speakers Virtual Keynote Speakers Digital Transformation Science & Technology

Theresa Payton

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

Add To My Favorites Check Fee/Availability

In-Person Fee Range:

$20,001 - $30,000

Fee Details

Virtual Fee Range:

Inquire for Fee

Traveling from:

North Carolina

Why Book

Theresa Payton thrives in the energy of live events, where her ability to connect with audiences shines. Whether she’s participating in dynamic panel discussions, emceeing high-impact gatherings, or sharing her expertise on podcasts, TV, and radio, Theresa brings passion, expertise, and a touch of humor to every setting.
Known for turning complex topics such as AI, cryptocurrency, big data, and quantum computing, into relatable and actionable insights, she excels at engaging diverse audiences and sparking meaningful conversations.
From thought-provoking dialogues to energizing keynotes, Theresa leaves listeners informed, inspired, and ready to take action.

Biography

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.

Speaker Theresa Payton is 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, and recently 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.

Programs

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 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.

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 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.

From the White House to Your House: Leadership & Life Lessons

Theresa 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. Theresa’s uplifting message will inspire you to lead boldly, embrace challenges with grace, and thrive in every role you’re called to fulfill.

Books

Manipulated: Inside the Cyberwar to Hijack Elections and Distort the Truth

Privacy in the Age of Big Data: Recognizing Threats, Defending Your Rights, and Protecting Your Family

Topics

Ethics & Values, Innovation & Creativity, Global Business Solutions, Women In Business Speakers, Big Data, Cyber Security & Identity Theft, Global Issues, Technology Speakers, Innovation Speakers, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Speakers, Virtual Keynote Speakers, Digital Transformation, Science & Technology,

Theresa Payton Reviews

“Thank you for participating for the second year in a row! You were awesome! You are a fan favorite at Humana and we hope to see you again next year if not sooner.”

— Humana, Inc.

“Theresa is amazing on every level. The audience feedback was so great. She is the best speaker we ever had. Theresa is such a lovely person, Very inspiring!”

— TD Ameritrade

“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 in our day and age.”

— RH-ISAC

“Absolutely loved your session and the 2026 predictions!!!”

— Cisco

“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!”

— Thomson Reuters

“Thank you for your fantastic presentation at Executive Summit and for being part of our (standing room only) Zero Trust session. I’ve heard nothing but great feedback from attendees on both fronts.”

— Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Theresa Payton and what is she known for?

Theresa Payton is a globally recognized cybersecurity expert, AI strategist, and keynote speaker represented by Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau. She made history as the first female to serve as White House Chief Information Officer under President George W. Bush, where she oversaw IT operations for the President and his staff from 2006 to 2008. She is the CEO of Fortalice Solutions, a Forbes-featured cybersecurity firm, and has been named one of the Top 25 Most Influential People in Security.

2. What topics does Theresa Payton speak about?

Theresa Payton delivers keynotes on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, privacy protection, and technology leadership. Her signature programs include AI Revolution: Embrace, Protect, Thrive and Secured Digital Transformation. She translates complex security issues into practical, actionable strategies.

3. What makes Theresa Payton different from other cybersecurity speakers?

What sets Theresa apart is her rare combination of White House experience, entrepreneurial success, and ability to make complex topics accessible. She holds a U.S. patent for security design innovations and has led cybersecurity initiatives at the highest levels of government and business. She also starred as Head of Intelligence on CBS’s reality series Hunted.

4. What types of events does Theresa Payton speak to?

Theresa Payton speaks at corporate conferences, industry summits, financial services events, healthcare organizations, and government gatherings. She regularly appears on major media outlets including The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC.

5. Is Theresa Payton available for virtual keynotes?

Yes. Theresa Payton is available for both in-person and virtual keynote presentations. Her dynamic presentation style, including live demonstrations, translates effectively to virtual formats.

6. What is Theresa Payton's speaking fee?

Theresa Payton’s speaking fee varies depending on the event format, location, and specific requirements. To get an exact quote, contact Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau by calling 973-313-9800, emailing info@eaglestalent.com, or completing the Check Availability form on her profile page.

7. Has Theresa Payton written any books?

Yes. Theresa is the author of multiple industry-leading books on IT strategy and cybersecurity, including Manipulated: Inside the Cyberwar to Hijack Elections and Distort the Truth, which The Guardian named one of the Top 10 Books About Cybercrime.

8. How do I book Theresa Payton for my event?

Theresa Payton is represented by Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau. To check her availability or request a quote, call 973-313-9800, email info@eaglestalent.com, or visit her speaker profile at EaglesTalent.com and complete the booking inquiry form.