Jesse Whaley
Chief Information Security Officer
Professional Overview
Jesse Whaley is an accomplished cybersecurity executive with over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors. As the Chief Information Security Officer at Amtrak, he leads a team of security professionals responsible for safeguarding the company's critical infrastructure and sensitive data. Whaley's expertise spans defensive cyber operations, IT management, and digital forensics, making him a valuable asset in protecting organizations against evolving cybersecurity threats.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Information Security Officer at Amtrak, Whaley is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive security strategies to protect the organization's information assets. He oversees a team of cybersecurity professionals and collaborates with cross-functional leaders to ensure the organization's security posture remains robust and aligned with industry best practices. Under Whaley's leadership, Amtrak has strengthened its incident response capabilities, improved vulnerability management, and enhanced employee security awareness, contributing to a more resilient and secure infrastructure.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Whaley held several high-profile positions within the U.S. Department of Defense, including Director of the Cybersecurity Operations Center, Chief of Defensive Cyber Operations, and Director of IT. In these roles, he led teams responsible for protecting critical national security systems, implementing advanced security technologies, and driving operational readiness. Whaley's extensive experience in the public sector, combined with his expertise in cybersecurity and IT management, has enabled him to make significant contributions to the organizations he has served.
Academic Background
Whaley holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Virginia and a Master's degree in Information Technology from the University of Maryland. He is also a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and holds various other industry certifications, demonstrating his commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest security best practices and technologies.
Areas of Expertise
- Defensive Cyber Operations
- Cybersecurity Strategy and Implementation
- Incident Response and Threat Management
- IT Infrastructure Management
- Digital Forensics and Investigations
- Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management
- Team Leadership and Collaboration
Professional Impact
During his tenure at the U.S. Department of Defense, Whaley spearheaded the development and implementation of advanced cybersecurity solutions, resulting in a significant reduction in cyber incidents and improved operational readiness. As the Chief Information Security Officer at Amtrak, he has implemented robust security controls, enhanced employee security awareness, and facilitated the seamless integration of new technologies, contributing to the organization's overall security posture and resilience.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, technical expertise, and strategic leadership, Jesse Whaley is a highly sought-after cybersecurity professional. In his current role as the Chief Information Security Officer at Amtrak, he continues to drive innovation, enhance security, and protect the organization's critical assets, positioning Amtrak as a leader in the transportation industry's cybersecurity landscape.
