Security leadership is not limited to Fortune 500 companies and cloud-native startups. Across state governments, cities, and public service organizations, CISOs operate in environments where cyber risk directly affects citizens, infrastructure, and public trust.
These leaders secure election systems, public safety platforms, healthcare services, and critical civic infrastructure. Many work with limited budgets, legacy systems, and high public accountability. Below are CISOs and public sector security leaders operating in nontraditional sectors who deserve closer attention.
Teri Takai
Former CIO, State of Michigan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-takai-a4a8566/
Teri Takai led statewide cybersecurity efforts across Michigan’s public agencies. Her work focused on modernizing legacy systems, coordinating across departments, and improving cyber resilience in government operations that support millions of residents.
Sherri Ramsay
Palo Alto Advisory Board
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherri-ramsay-98441866/
Sherri Ramsay emphasizes resilience, service continuity, and protecting public-facing systems.
Leigh-Anne Galloway
Founder, Payment Village | Public Sector and Payment Security Leader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighannegalloway/?originalSubdomain=uk
Leigh-Anne Galloway brings over 20 years of security experience spanning public sector, payments, fraud, and security research. She is the founder of the Payment Village and a published payment security researcher, with a strong focus on real-world risk, early technology adoption, and practical security design.
James Imanian
Abundance360
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesimaniancyberriskexecutive/
James Iman is an executive with 30 years of experience across aviation, cyberspace operations, and risk management. He brings deep expertise in IT and cybersecurity, supported by a professional network that spans the federal government and the technology sector.
Brian Gardner
CISO, City of Austin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-gardner-phd/
Brian Gardner is responsible for protecting the City of Austin’s municipal systems and public safety platforms. His role highlights the growing cyber risks facing large metropolitan governments.
CISOs in public interest and nontraditional sectors operate where cyber incidents have immediate real-world consequences. Their work protects public safety, civic services, and trust in government systems. As threats continue to rise, these leaders play a critical role in national and local resilience.