Theresa Payton

Theresa Payton

Keynote Speaker: First Female White House Chief Information Officer; AI, Cybersecurity & Digital Trust Authority; CEO of Fortalice Solutions

Theresa Payton Biography

Theresa Payton is recognized in the cybersecurity and technology sectors for her role as the first female White House chief information officer under President George W. Bush. During her tenure, Payton led technology and operations supporting the administration's digital transformation initiatives, including the implementation of an all-digital budget and photography system. She established the first dedicated 24/7 Security Operations Center at the White House, setting standards for cybersecurity frameworks and advancing secure digital transformation within government institutions. Prior to her White House service, Payton spent 16 years in the U.S. banking sector, holding leadership positions at Wachovia and Bank of America.

After her government service, Payton transitioned to the private sector, co-founding Dark3, a cybersecurity product company, and Fortalice Solutions, a cybersecurity consulting firm. As CEO of Fortalice Solutions, Payton leads a team specializing in digital intelligence, cybersecurity strategy, and threat mitigation for organizations, including Fortune 500 companies. She is recognized as an AI strategist and cybersecurity expert, advising boards, CEOs, and technology leaders on artificial intelligence, digital risk management, and privacy protection.

Payton is the author of several books, including "Manipulated: Inside the Cyberwar to Hijack Elections and Distort the Truth," "Privacy in the Age of Big Data," and "Protecting Your Internet Identity." "Manipulated" explores digital deception and cyber manipulation impacting election integrity and personal security. Payton was named a William J. Clinton Distinguished Lecturer by the Clinton School of Public Service.

Her work has been acknowledged with honors such as inclusion in Security Magazine's "Top 25 Most Influential People in Security," the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award, and recognition as the Woman Cybersecurity Leader of the Year. She is a U.S. patent holder and has been featured in the book "100 Fascinating Women Fighting Cybercrime." Award Magazine named her among the "Top 50 Women in Tech." Payton also served as head of intelligence on CBS's reality series "Hunted." She is a frequent guest on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox Business, and Fox News, and has been featured on CBS News, CNN, NBC News, and MSNBC, where she discusses cybersecurity, privacy, and digital risk topics for broad audiences.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Theresa Payton and other top speakers and celebrities.

Theresa Payton Speaking Topics

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 Payton 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 Payton 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.

Faith, Family, and Fearless Leadership: Thriving in Every Role

Theresa Payton 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 Videos

Theresa Payton - Introduction Video
Theresa Payton - Protect Your Digital Identity: Don't Fear A.I.
Theresa Payton - Bloomberg Tech

How do I book Theresa Payton to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Theresa Payton for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Theresa Payton, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Theresa Payton or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Theresa Payton for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Theresa Payton, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Theresa Payton are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and $20,000 - $30,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Theresa Payton, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Theresa Payton speak about?

Theresa Payton is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Political, Cybersecurity, Women in Business, Female Leadership, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, Finance, Technology, Women in Tech, Security & Defense, Women's History Month, Influential Women, World Affairs, Geopolitics, Executive Leadership, Women, Black History Month, Black Heritage, Social Activism, Anti-Racism and Diversity & Inclusion.

Where does Theresa Payton travel from?

Theresa Payton generally travels from Charlotte, NC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Theresa Payton?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Theresa Payton for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Theresa Payton for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Theresa Payton or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Theresa Payton is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Political, Cybersecurity and Women in Business. The estimated speaking fee range to book Theresa Payton for live events is $20,000 - $30,000, and for virtual events $20,000 - $30,000. Theresa Payton generally travels from Charlotte, NC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Asha Saxena, Tyler Cohen Wood and Amy Jo Martin. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Theresa Payton for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/09/2026.

Theresa Payton Speaking Topics

  • 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 Payton 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 Payton 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.

  • Faith, Family, and Fearless Leadership: Thriving in Every Role

    Theresa Payton 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 Videos

Theresa Payton - Introduction Video
Theresa Payton - Protect Your Digital Identity: Don't Fear A.I.
Theresa Payton - Bloomberg Tech
Theresa Payton - Social Media Privacy
Theresa Payton - Profile of a Woman in Cybersecurity

Theresa Payton Reviews

  • Theresa was the perfect fit for our event - her approachable and professional speaking style connected with our audience and she was generous with both her knowledge and time to help give real value to our customers. She was a real stand out, and we would love to work with her again.
    Bastion o/b/o Spark - Nov 17 2025

  • How do I book Theresa Payton to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Theresa Payton for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Theresa Payton, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Theresa Payton or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Theresa Payton for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Theresa Payton, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Theresa Payton are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and $20,000 - $30,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Theresa Payton, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Theresa Payton speak about?

  • Where does Theresa Payton travel from?

    Theresa Payton generally travels from Charlotte, NC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Theresa Payton?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Theresa Payton for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Theresa Payton for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Theresa Payton or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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