Deborah is an executive strategist and advisor on cybersecurity, risk, and digital government, and a nationally recognized thought leader in advancing secure, resilient public sector transformation. With more than 35 years of public service and executive leadership experience, she is known for bridging business strategy and cybersecurity to drive innovation, strengthen governance, and deliver mission-focused outcomes.
Deborah previously served as Chief Information Security Officer for the State of New York, where she led one of the nation’s most comprehensive cybersecurity programs. She played a key role in the state’s IT transformation and consolidation efforts, helping modernize how services are delivered while strengthening policy and protections for critical infrastructure and sensitive data. She also directed the New York State Cyber Command Center, overseeing state incident response and digital forensics.
A trusted advisor and mentor, Deborah is recognized for clear, calm leadership in times of crisis, her ability to connect stakeholders across complex environments, and her commitment to building the next generation of leaders. She serves on multiple advisory boards and is a graduate-level instructor.
Her contributions have been recognized with national honors, including State Cybersecurity Leader of the Year, the SANS Difference Maker Award, and the inaugural Thomas M. Jarrett Cybersecurity Leadership Award. She holds an MBA from the University at Albany and multiple industry certifications, including CISSP, CRISC, SANS GSTRT and PMI PMP.
