Southwest Airlines Announces New Chief Information Security Officer

Southwest Airlines announced today that Carrie Mills has beean promoted from Vice President Technology, Cybersecurity to Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) effective March 16.

As Vice President & CISO, Mills will be responsible for all aspects of cybersecurity across Southwest Airlines® facilities, airports, and aircraft, comprising security engineering, security operations, incident response, threat intelligence, risk and compliance, and vulnerability management.

In 2017, Mills joined Southwest® as the Senior Manager Cybersecurity Threat Intelligence and Response. Mills earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in management information systems from the University of Oklahoma, is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and has a long-standing passion for cybersecurity. Carrie's domain expertise and Leadership talents have been invaluable in evolving Southwest's cybersecurity capabilities.

With Mills's shift in responsibility, Jim Dayton's role has changed from Vice President & CISO Technology to Vice President Technology—Platforms & Architecture. In this role, Dayton will be responsible for building modern foundational data, developing technology platforms, and overseeing the technical design of Southwest's systems to continue bolster the resiliency, security, and effectiveness of Southwest's technology solutions.

"Both Carrie and Jim are excellent Leaders within our Technology Department, and the evolution of their functions is essential as we continue the ongoing work of modernization," said Southwest Airlines Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Lauren Woods. "As an airline, we always put Safety first, and our Technology Team guides this commitment through reliable, secure, and effective solutions."

About Carrie Mills

Carrie Mills brings more than 15 years of cybersecurity experience to her role as Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Carrie is responsible for leading the Company's cybersecurity strategy and ensuring the protection of data and assets across Southwest Airlines' facilities, airports, and aircraft.

Since joining Southwest in 2017, Carrie's cybersecurity domain expertise and Leadership talents have been invaluable in growing Southwest's cybersecurity capabilities. Carrie has invested in the growth and development of Team members, helped champion cybersecurity education within and outside of Southwest, and has built relationships across the Company to help complete numerous cross-functional cybersecurity program improvements.

Given her passion for cybersecurity, Carrie believes in giving back to the cybersecurity community by participating in the Aviation Information Sharing and Analysis Center (A-ISAC) Board and as a member of the Cybersecurity Council at Airlines for America. She has shared her knoweldge and experience at many cybersecurity events while promoting women in cybersecurity.

Carrie graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor's of Business Administration degree in Management Information Systems. She holds a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certifcation.

Carrie and her husband Matt enjoy caring for their two dogs, Lulu and Gus. When not working, you can usually find Carrie reading, watching documentaries, hanging out with friends and family, and traveling.