Whitney Palacios
About Whitney Palacios
Whitney Palacios serves as the Chief Information Security Officer at BigBear.ai, bringing extensive experience in cybersecurity and leadership from previous roles at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and the US Navy Reserve.
Current Role at BigBear.ai
Whitney Palacios serves as the Chief Information Security Officer at BigBear.ai, a position she has held since 2023. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the company's information security strategy and ensuring the protection of sensitive data. Her leadership in cybersecurity is critical to the organization's mission of providing advanced analytics and decision support solutions.
Previous Experience at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Whitney Palacios has extensive experience at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, where she held multiple roles. From 2017 to 2019, she worked as the Information Security Risk Manager for the Federal Employee Plan Operations Center. She then transitioned to the role of Director of Threat Surface Management from 2022 to 2023, followed by her position as Director of Security Operations from 2019 to 2022. Her tenure at CareFirst involved significant responsibilities in managing security operations and risk management.
Military Background
Whitney Palacios has a notable military background, having served in the US Navy Reserve as a Chief Petty Officer from 2010 to 2016. During her service, she was stationed at Fort George G Meade, Maryland, where she developed skills in cybersecurity and intelligence. Additionally, she served as a Cryptologic Technician in the US Navy from 2002 to 2010, further enhancing her expertise in signals intelligence.
Educational Qualifications
Whitney Palacios holds a Master's degree in Science from Maryland University of Integrative Health, which she completed from 2016 to 2019. She also earned a Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies from American Military University between 2006 and 2008. Furthermore, she achieved a Paralegal Certificate from the same institution. Her educational background is complemented by various certifications and studies in languages and natural products manufacturing.
Skills and Expertise
Whitney Palacios is skilled in building teams and capabilities within cybersecurity environments, demonstrating strong leadership and organizational skills. She has expertise in Signals Intelligence, which involves intercepting and analyzing electronic signals. Additionally, she is recognized for her communication skills, allowing her to convey complex security concepts effectively to diverse audiences. Mentorship is also a key aspect of her professional approach, as she is committed to developing future cybersecurity professionals.