Lisa Plaggemier

Lisa Plaggemier serves as executive director of the National Cybersecurity Alliance, a nonprofit focused on advancing cybersecurity awareness and building a secure digital ecosystem. Plaggemier has developed a career centered on empowering individuals and organizations to navigate technology safely, addressing issues such as online scams, fraud, and cybercrime. Her background in marketing and global experience inform her approach to making complex cybersecurity concepts accessible to broad audiences.

Plaggemier began her professional journey as an international marketer with Ford Motor Company, collaborating with dealers and distributors across the United States, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. This experience strengthened her skills in brand building and campaign development. After returning to the United States, she joined CDK Global, an automotive technology provider, where she served as director of security culture, risk, and client advocacy. This role highlighted the communication gap between cybersecurity professionals and the general public, prompting her transition into cybersecurity leadership. Plaggemier later held executive roles as chief evangelist at InfoSec Institute and chief marketing officer at MediaPro, which was acquired by KnowBe4, before assuming her position at the National Cybersecurity Alliance.

During her tenure, the National Cybersecurity Alliance has received recognition, including multiple CSO Awards for initiatives such as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual campaign that generates significant global media engagement, and for "Kubikle," a cybersecurity-themed comedic YouTube series with millions of views. Plaggemier has co-authored the organization's flagship annual research publication, "Oh, Behave! The Annual Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report," a study conducted across several countries that examines how human behavior and attitudes influence cybersecurity outcomes. The report serves as a resource for CISOs, policymakers, and security professionals seeking to address the human element of cyber risk.

Plaggemier is an active participant in the cybersecurity community, speaking at industry events including RSA Conference, Gartner, and SANS. She has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives and has served on the U.S. Secret Service Cyber Investigations Advisory Board, the advisory board of the Identity Theft Resource Center, the board of Allies Against Slavery, and the board of U.S. Cyber Games. Her presentation, "A Whole Lotta BS (Behavioral Science) About Cybersecurity," leverages research to help audiences understand and improve their security behaviors, emphasizing the importance of the human factor in cybersecurity. Plaggemier is a graduate of the University of Michigan.