Spotlight on Ryan Messier, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Chemonics International

I am a career-changer. After two decades of Environmental and IT consulting, I spent the last 13+ years in Information Security. I am currently the CISO at a large organization protecting data and infrastructure across the world in many different locations. I spend most of my time focused on securing front-line systems in some of the most remote and contested areas of the world. 

Learn more about the Washington, DC CISO community here.
 

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

I started my climb managing cyber security incidents for a healthcare prescription network. I completed coursework and expanded my skills and knowledge, rising through the Information Security departments at a Fortune 100 hospitality company and a Fortune 500 manufacturer.  My background supporting US Government clients, operating in highly sensitive areas (e.g., healthcare), in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East (e.g., hospitality, DoD) and high up-time environments (e.g., manufacturing) made me a great fit for my current role. 
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

Stop and listen. It is often the softest voices that provide the most critical input into key decisions. Take a step back, analyze the situation and listen to those that are initially unable to break through the noise. 
 

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

Artificial Intelligence – We know it is out there, but we are all struggling to figure out how our organizations will be impacted by it. 
 

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

Find a good mentor, assume it will take time to settle-in, and figure out what your impact will be in the organization.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

The ability to influence outcomes in my organization and beyond.
 

What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?

Networking with like-minded people on the cutting edge of the industry. Gartner makes it easy to find the right resources when I am struggling with an issue or a decision, to bounce ideas off of, brainstorm solutions with or to just provide feedback in a non-competitive, safe space. 
 

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