Maria S. Thompson

Maria S. Thompson brings to the state over 20 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity. She served 20 years in the United States Marine Corps and retired as the cybersecurity chief/information assurance chief for the Marine Corps. Since then, she has served in numerous security roles such as certification and accreditation (C&A) lead for the Multi-National Forces – Iraq and senior security engineer in a joint military organization and federal agency. Maria joined the North Carolina Department of Information Technology in 2015 as the state’s first Chief Risk and Security Officer. There she was instrumental in establishing the Whole of State Approach to Cyber. This included the development and implementation of the state’s first Cyber Disruption Plan, and the Joint Cyber Task Force (JCTF). Maria departed her role with the State in 2021 and currently works as a Cybersecurity Leader within the Private Sector.

Maria has been a featured speaker and presenter at various events including RSA and Israel HLS & Cyber Conference.

Maria earned her bachelor’s degree in information systems management and also holds a master’s degree in information technology. Maria’s personal honors include receiving the 2007 National Security Agency’s prestigious Rowlett Award for individual achievement in information assurance.