Governing Body Spotlight

Ian Davis is an Information Security Professional with over 12 years of experience, primarily in Government and military service. Currently, he leads the Information Security function at Power Home Remodeling, where he manages cyber strategy and operations to protect the organization's digital assets and customer data. Ian has developed expertise in building resilient security frameworks that balance robust protection with business enablement. His approach combines technical innovation with clear communication, ensuring security principles resonate with both technical teams and executive leadership. Ian is passionate about fostering a security-aware culture where protection becomes everyone's responsibility rather than just an IT function.

A fun fact about Ian, as a non-Philadelphia native with a passion for cheesesteaks, Ian makes it a point to order one at every new restaurant he visits and actively maintains a top 5 ranking of the best in the city and surrounding area.  

Learn more about the Philadelphia CISO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

My cybersecurity journey began when I joined the Navy after high school, choosing a cyber role because I liked video games. Thankfully, I still did enjoy the field! I started on the Navy's SOC floor as an analyst before attending the United States Naval Academy to study IT and commission as an officer. My next role was Director of IT on a Navy ship, followed by overseeing digital innovation projects at the Navy's HR organization, and ultimately serving as the organization's CISO. My priorities eventually shifted, and I transitioned out of the Navy, moving to South NJ, where I found my current role at Power Home Remodeling.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

"Listen first, speak last." Prioritize your understanding before offering direction or solutions.
 

What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?

I believe one of the greatest challenges CISOs face today is effectively managing supply chain risks, both physical and software-based. The interconnected nature of modern business creates cascading vulnerabilities, limited oversight, and increasing complexity throughout our environments.

I'm addressing this through a comprehensive third-party management program that includes embedding specific security and compliance requirements in vendor contracts, implementing continuous monitoring metrics to maintain visibility, and designing incident response plans with a focus on resilience rather than just prevention. This multi-layered approach allows us to better manage risks we can't directly control while maintaining operational effectiveness.
 

What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?

For any new CISO, focusing on building strong relationships across your organization should be your first priority. Take the time to understand the company's objectives, culture, and business priorities so you can align your security initiatives to support those goals rather than hinder the organization's mission.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

I've always loved Ronald Reagan's classic quote: "The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets people to do the greatest things."

I believe true leadership isn't about personal achievement, but about empowering your team. Leadership should be centered on servant leadership – focusing on growing and enabling team members to reach their full potential. When measuring leadership success, I look beyond the technical metrics it is so easy to get caught up in, by evaluating how my team is developing. I also regularly ask myself challenging questions like: Am I creating enough opportunities for growth? Are team members taking on new challenges and succeeding? Have I built an environment where innovation thrives and people feel supported?

The most meaningful measure of my effectiveness as a leader is what my team accomplishes collectively, not what I achieve individually.
 

Gartner C-level Communities Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.
 

By CISOs, For CISOs®
 

Join the conversation with peers in your local CISO community.