Governing Body Spotlight


Governing Body Member of the Atlanta CISO Community

Elias Oxendine IV

VP, Information Security & Privacy

Tractor Supply Company

Elias Oxendine IV is an experienced IT Security Executive with over 25 years in cybersecurity, risk management, and compliance. Before joining Tractor Supply in 2024, he served as Chief Information Security Officer at YUM! Brands, overseeing the company's cybersecurity strategy. With a background that includes key roles at General Electric and service as a US Naval Intelligence Officer, Elias now leads Information Security, Privacy, and IT Operations at Tractor Supply.  

A fun fact about Elias, he is an adrenaline junkie. Every time he visits Las Vegas, he jumps off the Stratosphere on the first day.

Learn more about the Atlanta CISO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

My path to my current role began with my experience in IT Security, spanning over 25 years and focusing on cybersecurity strategy, risk management, and compliance. This journey included high-impact roles, such as Chief Information Security Officer at YUM! Brands, where I led the company’s cybersecurity initiatives, and roles at General Electric, where I managed information security and IT risk. Adding to this, my background as a US Naval Intelligence Officer provided a foundation in leading intelligence operations, culminating in your current role overseeing Information Security, Privacy, and IT Operations at Tractor Supply Company.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

Security by Design. We must continue to shift security further left and into the development cycle to proactively address vulnerabilities.
 

What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?

Balancing security with business agility. We are not only integrating security into the development process but also looking to embed security resources into those product teams so they can run fast.
 

What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is key to understanding team dynamics, measuring stress, and creating a positive work culture.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

The ability to grow and influence others in life, professionally and personally.
 

What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?

The network and community.
 



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