Carrie Mills
Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Southwest Airlines
Professional Overview
Carrie Mills is a seasoned cybersecurity executive with over 15 years of experience in protecting critical infrastructure and safeguarding sensitive information. As the Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Southwest Airlines, she leads a team of security professionals responsible for implementing robust security measures, managing cyber risks, and ensuring the resilience of the organization's IT systems and data assets.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Vice President and CISO at Southwest Airlines, Carrie is responsible for defining and executing the company's cybersecurity strategy. She oversees the development and implementation of comprehensive security controls, incident response plans, and compliance frameworks to protect the airline's global operations and customer information. Under her leadership, the cybersecurity team has successfully thwarted numerous cyber threats, maintaining the integrity of Southwest's critical systems and safeguarding the privacy of its passengers.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Carrie served as the Vice President of Cybersecurity and the Managing Director of Cybersecurity Defense at Southwest Airlines, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing the organization's security posture and incident response capabilities. Before joining Southwest, she held various leadership positions in information security and risk management at Brinker International, including roles as the Director of IT Security and Risk Management and the Senior Manager of Information Security, Network Engineers, and IT Phones.
Academic Background
Carrie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Dallas, where she graduated with distinction.
Areas of Expertise
- Cybersecurity strategy and risk management
- Information security program development and implementation
- Threat detection, incident response, and crisis management
- Compliance and regulatory framework integration
- Aviation industry security and resilience
- Security operations center (SOC) leadership and optimization
Professional Impact
Carrie's contributions to the aviation industry have been widely recognized. She serves as an Alternate Board Member for the Aviation Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Aviation ISAC), where she collaborates with industry peers to drive collective cybersecurity efforts and foster information sharing. Her leadership and expertise have been instrumental in enhancing the overall security posture of Southwest Airlines, helping the company navigate evolving cyber threats and maintain the trust of its customers.
Conclusion
Carrie Mills is a highly respected cybersecurity leader who has dedicated her career to protecting critical infrastructure and safeguarding sensitive information. Her deep understanding of the aviation industry, coupled with her strategic vision and technical expertise, make her an invaluable asset to Southwest Airlines as the organization continues to prioritize cybersecurity and resilience in the face of a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
