JC Vega

Colonel J. Carlos Vega is a former military officer and current cybersecurity executive with over 30 years of leadership experience across defense, government, and industry. He is widely recognized for bridging mission and market, bringing deep expertise in cyber risk, governance, and organizational transformation.

A former CISO, CIO, and strategic leader, Vega has led innovation within the Department of Defense and shaped cybersecurity strategy across startups, public agencies, and corporate boardrooms. His work focuses on systemic cyber risk, supply chain security, and enterprise resilience.

Vega was the first Cyber Operations Colonel in the U.S. Army and played a central role in the creation of the Army’s cyber branch. As a co-founder of the Army Cyber Institute, he helped define the history, doctrine, and future of Army Cyber Operations, building a professional culture rooted in high performance, ethics, and mission-first leadership. His experience provides a rare, first-hand perspective on the institutional evolution of military cyber power.

He serves as a board member and strategic advisor to multiple organizations, where he provides executive oversight and guidance on digital risk, resilience, and cybersecurity governance. He is Vice Chairman of the ISSA Board of Directors Special Interest Group (BoD SIG), a forum dedicated to advancing cybersecurity expertise in corporate boardrooms.

A frequent keynote speaker and trusted voice in national security and cyber policy circles, Vega draws on decades of operational leadership to inform and empower decision-makers navigating complexity and disruption.

He is a Senior Army Aviator and Blackhawk Instructor Pilot, ISC2 CISSP certified, a Board Certified Qualified Technical Expert, and has taught at West Point. He holds a graduate degree from the Naval Postgraduate School.

ISSA International Events Featuring JC Vega