With nearly two decades of experience, Sue McTaggart, MS, has built a distinguished career in cybersecurity. She currently serves as the co-founder of Dark Defensive, where she is responsible for safeguarding information across multiple data centers and implementing scalable, sustainable cybersecurity programs for United Airlines, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Since 2022, Ms. McTaggart has also held the role of senior principal cybersecurity at United Airlines, where she is dedicated to strengthening cybersecurity measures and aligning them with industry best practices. Prior to this, she served as an application security architect at Phreesia from 2021 to 2022, playing a key role in developing secure applications.
From 2018 to 2021, Ms. McTaggart was a senior security architect at Emergent Holdings Inc., where she achieved a career-defining moment in 2019 by receiving the Peace Setter Award. This recognition honored her innovative implementation of a Security Champion program and a vulnerability management initiative that successfully reduced vulnerabilities from over 70,000 to zero. Her leadership at Emergent Holdings fundamentally transformed the organization’s cybersecurity approach.
Ms. McTaggart’s career includes significant roles in cybersecurity and information technology, demonstrating her expertise in securing and managing complex systems. From 2011 to 2021, she served as an information security architect at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, where she played a key role in strengthening the organization’s security framework. In 2011, she worked as an IT director at Select 1 Transport Inc., overseeing technology operations.
Earlier in her career, Ms. McTaggart gained experience as a software developer at Midwest Health Plan from 2010 to 2011 and as an IT manager at ProCare Health Plan Inc. from 2008 to 2010. She began her professional journey as a software developer for Wayne County, Michigan, from 2006 to 2008, laying the groundwork for her transition into cybersecurity.
Ms. McTaggart laid a strong academic foundation, earning an Associate of Science in computer science from Henry Ford Community College in 1997, followed by a Bachelor of Science in computer and information sciences from the University of Michigan in 2005. She further expanded her expertise through coursework in cloud and DevOps continuous transformation and digital transformation at MIT Professional Education. In 2023, she earned a Master of Arts in information and cybersecurity from UC Berkeley School of Information, graduating magna cum laude.
Ms. McTaggart also dedicates her time to memberships with esteemed organizations such as the Executive Women Forum Organization, Women in Engineering, and the Berkeley Alumni Association. Beyond her professional achievements, she volunteers with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and participates in fundraising efforts for underserved local communities. Additionally, she contributes to feeding initiatives with Capuchin.
Ms. McTaggart attributes her success to her unique upbringing and determination to explore beyond her remote community. Growing up without electricity sparked her imagination and vision for the future, motivating her to overcome challenges and pursue opportunities across different islands. Her courage and resilience have been pivotal in shaping her journey, allowing her to build a positive mindset and believe in her potential despite obstacles.
Reflecting on her path, Ms. McTaggart sees herself as a problem solver driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact and contribute to a better world. Specializing in cybersecurity, she is dedicated to securing and protecting information, recognizing that data security is not just about safeguarding information but can also have life-saving implications. This realization has fueled her commitment to the field. Additionally, her passion for making a difference is rooted in a desire to protect lives, and she views her expertise in cybersecurity as the most effective way to achieve this goal. She firmly believes that the right technological implementations, when properly secured, can create a profound and positive impact on individuals’ lives.
Looking to the future, Ms. McTaggart is committed to promoting safety and supporting vulnerable populations. She envisions focusing on charitable initiatives that make a meaningful impact, particularly in internet safety and advocacy efforts for Indonesia. Passionate about protecting individuals from scams, she aims to contribute to nonprofit organizations addressing critical issues such as human trafficking and digital security. She remains dedicated to using her expertise to drive protective policies and looks forward to expanding her philanthropic efforts to create a lasting, positive difference in people’s lives.