Ashley Devoto
CISO
Discount Tire
Ashley Devoto is chief information security officer (CISO) for Discount Tire and former CISO for Booz Allen Hamilton. This seasoned executive has been in the cybersecurity industry for about 19 years and has a unique pedigree that encompasses military, consulting, and industry experience.
Her career in cybersecurity started as an active duty Cyberspace Operations Officer in the Air Force, where she worked on the "front lines" to protect classified and unclassified networks from nation-state sponsored threat actor groups. She brought her operational experience from the military into her role as a consultant working with a diverse group of F500 clients to design, build, operate, and transform their cybersecurity programs.
In addition to her consulting experience, she has held several industry roles, including serving as a Business Information Security Officer (BISO) and is now a three-time CISO and a graduated Board director of a publicly-traded company.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
My path to Chief Information Security Officer has included a blend of experience across military, consulting, and industry roles at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. That unique diversity of experience and perspective has informed my approach and thinking on designing, operating, and transforming cybersecurity programs and building high-performing teams.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
My leadership principles are rooted in my service in the United States Air Force and the core values that we live by - Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.
What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
The greatest challenge facing Chief Information Security Officers today is being nimble enough to keep pace with the velocity of business initiatives, securely embrace 'disruptive' technologies like AI, and creatively build organizational scale in talent- and resource-constrained environments.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
Over my career, I have found success through my commitment to a collaborative, partnership-based approach whereby I work with business stakeholders to determine how cybersecurity can be an enabler and a competitive advantage.
How do you measure success as a leader?
I think a key measure of success for a leader is ultimately their ability to create and sustain followership, which is only attained through authentic and demonstrable servant leadership.
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