In this epsiode, Michelle talks entry level and what it should really mean, qualifications and if they are necessary and whether now is the right time to get into security leadership with her guest, Jessica Nemmers.

Jessica Nemmers is a Field Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) with Flair Data Systems. In her role, Jessica acts as an advisor to organizations providing guidance on all aspects of cybersecurity, from developing strategies for protection and resiliency to implementing controls to meet compliance requirements. With over 25 years in the IT industry, Jessica’s passion for security began while working in datacenter operations at Perot Systems (now NTT Data). She later became the first CISO at Commercial Metals Company (CMC) where she built a cybersecurity program from the ground up. She went on to become a Chief Security Officer in the financial industry at Elevate Credit. As a board member and an experienced Chief Security Officer, Jessica works with security leaders, executives, and boards to establish a common understanding of cyber risk and improve the decision-making process around cyber program investments.

Jessica is a co-author of “The CISO Mentor” and has received recognition as a trailblazer for women in technology by the Dallas Business Journal and one of the “Dallas 500” most powerful business leaders in North Texas by D Magazine. She is known in the Dallas/Ft. Worth community as “The Ballerina Turned CISO” due to her prior career as a professional ballerina.  Her unique career journey has fostered passion projects focused on mentorship for women in technology and those wishing to transition into cybersecurity from other careers.

Jessica is a proud mom of 4 grown children and works in Texas and Maryland, where she lives with her husband, David.