A native of Minnesota, Travis Howard is an information security officer, cybersecurity strategist, technology leader, author and speaker. He specializes in technology governance and leadership, managing enterprise information risk and directing security operations, owing to his deep passion for how we move, absorb, and defend information in the digital age. His versatile leadership and technical aptitude has resulted in many noteworthy accomplishments achieved in the demanding and highly volatile environments of national security and military operations. He is a frequent contributing expert in professional journals, think-tanks, and leading communities of practice such as (ISC)2, a prolific LinkedIn Pulse writer, and conference presenter.

As a veteran of the U.S. Navy’s information warfare community, Mr. Howard has over 20 years of progressive, award-winning leadership experience in enterprise-level information technology and cybersecurity operations aboard Navy warships, as well as analyst and advisory experience in major staff assignments. Notably, he served as IS Director/CISO of an expeditionary aircraft carrier where he led a transformation in cybersecurity operations. He culminated his military career as a legislative liaison to the U.S. Congress, where he managed relationships between senior Navy officials and the 115th and 116th Senate and House Armed Services and Intelligence committees' members and staff. 

Mr. Howard holds an MBA and MS in cybersecurity policy from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and a BS in information technology management from Trident University. He is a certified information systems security professional (CISSP) with an additional credential in cloud security (CCSKv4). He is the 2014 recipient of the AFCEA Meritorious Rising Star Award for Achievement in Information Technology, the first naval officer so recognized, and has been decorated throughout his military career for professional achievements and meritorious service.