Gary McAlum

IANS Faculty

    Gary recently retired from USAA, after serving over 11 years as a Senior Vice President and their first Chief Security Officer where he was responsible for building out a holistic security program spanning Information Security, Fraud Operations, Privacy, Business Continuation, Physical Security, and Corporate Investigations.  Since retiring from USAA, Gary has joined TAG Cyber as an advisor/senior analyst providing cyber security research and advisory services.   In addition, Gary provides start-up advising as a member of the Forgepoint Capital Cybersecurity Advisory Council, and serves on two non-profit Boards.   Prior to USAA, Gary spent a short time with Deloitte in their federal practice after a 25-year career as an Air Force officer where he served in a variety of leadership and staff positions within the information technology career field including: telecommunications, satellite communications, deployed network operations, and cybersecurity.  Most notably, Gary was on the front line of cyberspace operations for the Department of Defense where he supported the establishment and evolution of the Joint Task Force Global Network Operations, the organization that was the focal point for the operation and security of DoD information systems and networks, and pre-cursor to establishment of the US Cyber Command. 
    Expertise
    • Board and Executive Communications
    • Management & Leadership
    • Security Strategy
    • Crisis Response
    • Cyber Risk Management

    Achievements & Contributions

    • Successful 25-year Air Force career in the IT/cyber career field, retiring at rank of Colonel
    • Former Chief Security Officer for USAA, a financial services company focused on military community
    • Former Chairman, Internet Security Alliance (ISA) Board of Directors and key contributor to multiple editions of NACD Handbook “Cyber Risk Oversight” authored by ISA
    • Air Force Cyberspace Operations Hall of Fame, inducted 2016
    • Regular contributor and speaker in a variety of forums, security podcasts, and media publications.
    • Board member for two non-profits:  Fisher House Inc. and National Cybersecurity Center (NCC)
    • Military Transition Mentor with American Corporate Partners (ACP)

    Certifications & Credentials

    • BA, Mathematics – The Citadel
    • MS, Management Information Systems – University of Arizona
    • MS, National Resourcing Strategy – National Defense University
    • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – (ISC)2
    • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) – ACFE
    • Cybersecurity Risk Oversight Certificate - NACD
    • FBI Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Academy
    • Executive Development Program for Security Executives – Wharton School of Business

    Hobbies & Fun Facts

    Besides church and hospice volunteer activities, Gary is an avid BMW motorcycle rider who enjoys long rides that end up on twisty mountain roads.