Stephenie Southard ─ Delivering cutting-edge financial services industry and cybersecurity...
September 9, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Stephenie Southard
Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer
Baxter Credit Union
Are you looking for a visionary leader who expertly links the financial services industry with cybersecurity to identify weaknesses in her company? We know the person—Stephenie Southard!
Stephenie Southard is the Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer for Baxter Credit Union (BCU), and has worked in the IT & Security sector for over 25 years. She is responsible for elevating BCU’s company security, and has improved their business by formulating and aligning security protocols to keep BCU systems in compliance. She played a massive role in helping BCU achieve the highest cybersecurity certification within a year. Stephenie was recently awarded one of 10 BEST CISOs of 2021 by Tech Magazine. Still to this day she loves what she does and takes every chance she can to recruit others into this field.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Stephenie Southard!
Our 10 Questions for this IT Wondrous Woman.
Fun Facts
1. What’s the one thing about you that your business colleagues don’t know about you?
I lived in Okinawa, Japan during my childhood.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
Too many, I just jumped on a plane for the first time in almost fourteen months. It was just as painful as before, not my favorite thing to do.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
Seafood Mofongo in Puerto Rico. Delicious.
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
Experiences mean have achievements and failures; daily wins or losses. It’s part of the game in this field. Being transparent, growing trust with your peers and partners and being kind is what makes a successful leader to me.
5. Did you have a mentor in the early part of your career and, if so, what is the biggest lesson you learned from your mentor or influencer?
Yes, I always have mentors. It’s so important to have someone to challenge and cheer you along. Some things I have learned from them is to be patient and listen more than you speak. Those are things I don’t always do well.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
I’ve heard this question for many years, surprisingly my answer has never changed, it’s believe in yourself and always be humble.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I ask to be part of their journey, and I make sure I am available. As a leader, don’t be afraid to share your experiences… good and bad. And, never have the attitude that you are the smartest one in the room because you are only hurting your personal growth.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
They all become interesting; nothing ever goes as planned with security. A few of the memorable ones are building manufacture facilities to meet Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards or taking organizations that have no security to certification level in a short amount of time.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
I try to stay current on what’s happening in the world as it relates to cybersecurity. I focus on ways to keep my staff engaged and excited to be part of the team.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Staying current with the demands of the CISO. Organizations are learning that it is no longer just about cybersecurity and awareness; it also includes governance, risk, business resiliency, vendor relationships, and many more.
