Renata C. Spinks-McNeal
Cybersecurity and Technology
Renata C. Spinks-McNeal is a highly respected cybersecurity and technology executive with extensive experience spanning active-duty military service, academia, and senior roles within the United States Federal Government, intelligence community, and Department of Defense. As a career Senior Executive Service (SES) member, she most recently served as Assistant Director of IT/Deputy CIO for IC4 (Information, Communications, Computers, Command and Control) at the United States Marine Corps, where she also fulfilled responsibilities as Senior Information Security Officer and Authorizing Official for the entire service. Prior to that role, Mrs. Spinks-McNeal was appointed as the nation's inaugural Cyber Technology Officer, serving as a Senior Leader (SL) for Marine Forces Cyber & Space Command, US Marine Corps.
Mrs. Spinks-McNeal’s federal tenure includes significant contributions at both the US Treasury Departmental Offices and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). She distinguished herself at the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement division, where her interest in cybersecurity deepened through her work on forensic investigations and human intelligence cases involving human trafficking and child exploitation. She is a decorated combat veteran serving with the 28th Combat Support Hospital “China Dragons” OIF, OEF, under the US Army 44th Medical Command, 82nd Airborne Corps Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Mrs. Spinks-McNeal is a recognized thought leader, keynote speaker, and panelist. She has received multiple awards for her demonstrated expertise across science, technology, and art disciplines essential to delivering secure and innovative technology solutions. She has led initiatives in emerging technology adoption, workforce development, process improvement, and architectural design, and is acclaimed for transforming siloed enterprise IT into an integrated, intelligence-driven approach that supports effective decision-making at the tactical edge. Drawing upon her comprehensive experience in federal agencies, industry, and the military, Mrs. Spinks-McNeal has played a pivotal role in advancing technical and business operations across both the Department of Defense and with industry partners, particularly in information technology enterprise and cybersecurity operations.
Currently, Mrs. Spinks-McNeal serves as founder and CEO of CyberSec International, a global leader in specialized cyber operations, intelligence-based IT enterprise governance, transition planning, and modernization. Additionally, she founded Rising Footsteps, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing support and literacy programs to under-resourced communities. She serves on technical advisory boards, conducts workshops, tutorials, develops playbooks, and is actively involved in establishing cybersecurity education initiatives in her home state of Louisiana. Her highest academic award is a Master of Science in Technology Management. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Science (DSc.) in Cybersecurity.
