Jesse Whaley is an accomplished thought and action leader across multiple disciplines encompassing technology, security, intelligence, and criminal investigations. He has consistently delivered award-winning cybersecurity performance and groundbreaking improvements for the U.S. Department of Defense, international governmental alliances and private companies.

As Amtrak’s current Chief Information Security Officer, Jesse leads the management of cyber risk and information security matters. He manages everything from traditional enterprise technology risks to unique challenges with operational technology that securely moves trains and safely delivers passengers to their destinations. Jesse authored and is delivering a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to strengthen the company’s security posture while supporting the digital transformation of the business.

Previously, Jesse transformed cybersecurity operations at the Pentagon. He designed and built major programs to protect the nation’s military headquarters from cyber threats including cyber intelligence fusion, cyber hunt, and user activity monitoring in support of the DoD Insider Threat Program.  Jesse held many other leadership positions throughout DoD including leading defensive cyberspace operations at a regional cyber center. He delivered unique critical technology capabilities as a Director within the military intelligence community and served as an IT Director (CIO equivalent) overseas. Jesse also provides expert advisory services through Alpha Sights and Emissary.

Jesse is especially known for leading revolutionary global initiatives. His accomplishments include successfully leading teams through resolution of over 10,000 cybersecurity incidents and over 500 criminal investigations. Jesse and his teams have received numerous awards. In 2017, Jesse was named the Pentagon IT Senior Civilian Employee of the Year. Jesse is active throughout the technology and security communities as a member of (ISC)2, ISACA, Evanta’s Washington DC CIO/CISO Governing Body, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Rail Information Security Committee (RISC), and HMG Strategy’s Washington DC CISO Advisory Board.

Jesse also served 10 years in the U.S. Army as a CID Special Agent and a Digital Forensic Examiner. Jesse has lived and worked across the globe, developing trusted partnerships with his counterparts in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.