Bernice is a cybersecurity leader with more than 25 years of experience. For over a decade, she ran her own IT risk management consulting company in the private sector. She has held a variety of executive leadership roles focused on cybersecurity operations, IT risk management, IT governance, incident management, and auditing. Bernice currently holds the position of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the State of NC.

Bernice has a talent for analyzing complex situations to utilize strategic risk-focused approaches to align with industry cyber best practices as well as meet regulatory requirements.  She enjoys leading teams to empower all staff in fostering an effective cybersecurity culture. She holds several professional certifications, including ISC2 CISSP, PMI PMP, ITIL v3 Foundations, School of Cybersecurity CEIA, and a Cybersecurity Nano degree.  She is on the NC Technology Advisory Board and Chair of the NC Museum of Life & Science Board of Directors.  Bernice was named the NC TECH Association’s 2024 CISO of the Year.