Chrisma Jackson’s career is a testament to leadership, innovation, and the transformative power of mentorship. As the Director of Cyber Security and Mission Computing and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Sandia National Laboratories, Chrisma leads a multidisciplinary team that drives advancements in enterprise cybersecurity, high-performance computing, and software engineering. With over two decades of experience, her work has shaped critical systems that safeguard national security and serve the broader public good.

Chrisma’s journey into the cybersecurity field has been marked by a focus on both technical excellence and purpose-driven leadership. Holding degrees from Texas A&M University and New Mexico Tech University, and as a Harvard Kennedy School National Security Fellow, she has combined her educational foundation with an unyielding commitment to solving some of the nation’s most complex security challenges. Under her guidance, Sandia’s High-Performance Computing team earned a place among the top 20 fastest supercomputers in the world, and her leadership has helped solidify the lab’s position as a Cyber Center of Excellence growing now to the Cyber Community of Excellence within the DOE National Nuclear Security Administration.

Recognized for her impact, Chrisma has received the prestigious 2024 Top 50 Empower Advocates Role Model award, an honor bestowed by her mentees, and the inaugural A100 Award, celebrating her as one of the top 100 emerging CISOs. Her dedication to mentorship and sponsorship has been a cornerstone of her career, with a focus on supporting underrepresented groups and creating pathways for success in STEM fields. These accolades highlight her exceptional efforts in fostering growth, leadership, and inclusivity within her field.

As Sandia’s Campus Executive for Texas A&M University and Prairie View A&M University, Chrisma actively fosters partnerships to connect students with opportunities in STEM fields. Her outreach efforts include shaping educational collaborations and advocating for greater diversity in technology and engineering. Through these initiatives, she is creating pathways for students and young professionals to excel in fields critical to the nation’s future.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Chrisma’s dedication to her community exemplifies her multifaceted approach to leadership. She volunteers at the Animal Humane Shelter, focusing on rehabilitating dogs to prepare them for adoption, and has partnered with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sister of Central New Mexico and Expanding Your Horizons to inspire students to explore STEM careers. As a board member of R4 Creating, Chrisma works to increase STEM access for underserved communities, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and education in building a stronger, more innovative world.