The 2020 Women Leaders in Technology: Jordan Rae Kelly

Kelly is a Senior Managing Director and the Head of Cybersecurity for the Americas at FTI Consulting. Kelly has more than 12 years of experience managing cyber policy planning and coordinating incident response. She joined FTI Consulting from the U.S. Government, where she served as the Director for Cyber Incident Response on the National Security Council at the White House.

"Technological problems can seem very daunting to people who are not well versed in those fields," Kelly says. "I enjoy speaking to people about cybersecurity and helping them think about these challenges in a way that is completely digestible." 

During her tenure at the White House, she was responsible for both national incident response coordination, as well as management of the U.S. Government's process for managing zero-day exploits.  She was also a chief author of the National Cyber Strategy, the first of its kind in the United States in 15 years.

"I will always be proud of my participation in the creation of the National Cyber Strategy in 2018, during my time at the White House on the National Security Council," she says. "Cybersecurity is a bi-partisan issue, and the publication of the document served as a call to action for all American businesses to take steps to enhance our national cybersecurity."

Ask her if she's ever experienced unique challenges being a woman consultant in the technology field? She says there are many occasions where she found herself serving as the only woman in a meeting, on a call, or in a room. "While these situations might create extra pressure or attention, I see them as opportunities to make a great impression and to set the stage for the many other capable women on our team," she says.  

In addition, she says she is looking forward to the newest class of college graduates who will join ghe FTI Consulting team. "Two-thirds of this group is actually women, and I'm looking forward to continuing to grow and develop new professionals on our team."

As far as being recognized as one of the Women Leaders in Technology award, Kelly says being recognized for the award is a great honor. "Each of the female professionals who are in this group are continuing to impact this industry as it evolves, and winning this award means that there is a great, visible network of women in this field available for collaboration and partnership."

What would you say is the the best advice (consulting or otherwise) you've ever received?

Kelly: "Action creates opportunity.  We can spend infinite amounts of time thinking and planning, but nothing opens doors and drives change like taking actual steps forward."