As PepsiCo’s Global Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Sara is responsible for developing the risk-based information security strategy for PepsiCo and implementing this across the enterprise. Sara is the company’s top information security executive, responsible for safeguarding networks and data across the $66 billion food and beverage powerhouse, including all its business units and brands globally. Her accountabilities include developing a best-in-class security risk mitigation blueprint; creating a role-based user access management and identity management deployment; refreshing security policy for the enterprise globally; strengthening overall infrastructure security; and developing and implementing forward-looking security architecture.

Prior to PepsiCo, Sara was Verizon’s Chief Network Security Officer (CNSO). In this role, Sara led several organizations responsible for the security of all Verizon wireline networks serving Verizon’s residential, small business and enterprise customers. Sara was responsible for defining Verizon Wireline Network’s security strategy and risk tolerance for safeguarding company and customer data, intellectual and network assets, and providing functional direction and control of Verizon’s Wireline Network Security Program. Before serving as the CNSO for Verizon, Sara was the CISO for Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon focusing on enterprise customers. In this role, she was responsible for the security of all Verizon Business data and for ensuring the integrity of the Verizon Business network and information systems.

Sara holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Auburn University and a master’s degree in business administration from Brenau University.