Mary O'Brien

Mary

O'Brien

Mary O’Brien is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general officer and a leader in cybersecurity, intelligence, emerging technology, and national security. With 34 years of distinguished military service, she commanded at every level of the Air Force and served in pivotal staff leadership roles, including the Joint Staff Director of Command, Control, Communications and Computer/Cyber, and Chief Information Officer, the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Cyber Effects Operations, and the Director of Intelligence, U.S. Cyber Command. An innovator, Mary pioneered advancements in the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles, networked weapons, and advanced intelligence sensors, significantly enhancing military operational capabilities. Mary is also a proud recipient of the National Defense University College of Information and Cyberspace Rear Admiral Grace Hopper Award, recognizing her innovative contributions to the fields of information and cyberspace.

She is the CEO of Mary O’Brien Strategies, LLC, a consulting business which provides clients with expert guidance to navigate complex digital challenges, focusing on risk mitigation, technology integration, and resilience-building strategies. She actively contributes to cybersecurity policy and practice through her involvement with The Cyber Guild, where she champions initiatives for a sustainable cybersecurity ecosystem.

Mary is an NACD Directorship Certified® member and holds the Digital Director Network Qualified Technology Expert certification. She earned a MA in Organizational Management from The George Washington University, a Master of Strategic Studies from the Air War College in Montgomery, AL, and a BS in Chemistry from the U.S. Air Force Academy.

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