Theresa Payton

Theresa Payton is a trailblazer in technology and cybersecurity who made history as the first female White House Chief Information Officer under President George W. Bush. She is recognized as one of the world’s top advisors on secured digital transformation, AI, and privacy.

Theresa consults Fortune 500 boards, CEOs, and technology executives on safeguarding critical assets and navigating complex digital challenges. She is also CEO and chief advisor of Fortalice and a trusted cybercrime expert for network television news programs and major media outlets.

Theresa Payton is available to be booked for corporate and private events. Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group today to inquire about Theresa Payton’s fees.

Want to book Theresa Payton for an event?

Contact the Mollie Plotkin Group at 215-995-0905 to book Theresa Payton for a keynote speech, corporate event, leadership program, workshop, fireside chat, virtual appearance, or other private or professional event.

Our team will help confirm Theresa Payton’s availability, speaking fee, travel requirements, and fit for your audience. To start the booking process, please share your event date, location, audience size, event format, and the type of presentation you are looking for.

The Mollie Plotkin Group is a full-service keynote speaker agency and entertainment bureau that helps organizations secure keynote speakers, entertainers, athletes, celebrities, and thought leaders for corporate meetings, conferences, fundraisers, and special events.

White House CIO and Cybersecurity Advisor

Theresa Payton made history as the first female White House Chief Information Officer, serving under President George W. Bush. Today, she is recognized as one of the world’s top advisors on secured digital transformation, AI, and privacy.

She works with Fortune 500 boards, CEOs, and technology executives to help safeguard critical assets and navigate complex digital challenges. As CEO and chief advisor of Fortalice, Theresa brings practical security expertise to organizations facing fast-moving cyber risks.

Media Expert on Cybercrime, AI, and Privacy

Theresa is a go-to expert for network television news programs and major media outlets because of her broad cybercrime-fighting knowledge, relatable persona, and ability to make complex technology understandable.

She also starred as Deputy Commander of Intelligence on the CBS TV reality hide-and-seek show, “Hunted,” bringing her security expertise to a national television audience.

To hire Theresa Payton for an event, contact the Mollie Plotkin Group with the proposed event date, location, audience size, event format and program goals. Theresa Payton is available for corporate events, conferences, leadership meetings, private events, workshops, fireside chats and virtual programs.

After receiving your request, a Mollie Plotkin Group booking agent will review Theresa Payton’s availability, discuss the event details and get back to you within 48 hours with next steps for securing Theresa Payton for your program.

The cost to book Theresa Payton depends on the event date, location, format, audience size and scope of the appearance. Theresa Payton’s speaking fee ranges from $20,000 to $30,000. Speaking fees may vary for keynote speeches, workshops, fireside chats, private events, corporate meetings and virtual programs.

For the most accurate Theresa Payton booking fee, contact the Mollie Plotkin Group with your event details. Our team will help confirm availability, pricing and the best format for your event.

Theresa helps audiences understand how technology, cybersecurity, leadership, and purpose intersect in high stakes environments. Through practical guidance, real world stories, and live demonstrations, she shows organizations how to embrace innovation while protecting trust, security, and people.

Common keynote themes include: AI, cybersecurity, digital transformation, innovation, trust, leadership, resilience, family, purpose, and high stakes decision making.

AI and the Future of Us: Navigating the Promise and Perils of Artificial Intelligence

Understand AI’s real impact, its emerging risks, and the practical steps needed to use it responsibly.

Theresa unpacks AI’s transformative power while exposing the risks it creates for businesses, security, and daily life. Using anonymized stories from law enforcement’s front lines and live demonstrations of modern cybercriminal tradecraft, she gives audiences clear actions to harness AI’s potential while protecting themselves and their organizations.

• Understand how AI is affecting business, security, and daily life.
• Recognize the risks created by misinformation, fear, and cybercriminal activity.
• Apply practical steps to protect yourself, your clients, and your organization.

This program is ideal for business leaders, security teams, client facing professionals, and organizations preparing for the impact of AI.

Secured Digital Transformation: Innovating Without Compromising Trust

Move innovation forward while protecting the assets and trust your organization depends on.

Theresa shares strategies for driving digital transformation without compromising security. Through compelling case studies and easily understood takeaways, she shows audiences how to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and lead with confidence in a world of relentless cyber threats.

• Balance innovation with security and constant vigilance.
• Safeguard critical assets while improving operations and customer experiences.
• Build a stronger approach to future proofing your organization.

This program is ideal for executives, technology leaders, operations teams, and organizations navigating digital change.

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

Lead boldly, stay grounded in purpose, and thrive across the roles you are called to fulfill.

Theresa shares her journey of resilience and determination as a business professional, wife, and mom of three, including her path to serving as White House CIO. Drawing from her experiences as a CEO, media voice on technology and cybersecurity, and star of the CBS series “Hunted,” she shows how family and purpose have guided her through leadership, career, home life, and service.

• Lead with resilience and determination in high stakes environments.
• Use family and purpose as grounding forces through challenge and change.
• Embrace professional and personal responsibilities with confidence and grace.

This program is ideal for leadership audiences, women’s leadership events, corporate teams, and groups seeking an uplifting message on resilience and purpose.

Closing Takeaway

Theresa gives audiences the clarity, practical tools, and inspiration to lead through technological change, protect what matters, and approach the future with confidence.