Debora Plunkett joins JCPenney board of directors

J. C. Penney Company has elected Debora Plunkett, former senior advisor to the director of the US National Security Agency (NSA), to its board of directors. The company said, possessing extensive experience in cyber security, information assurance and innovation in information security, Plunkett has a deep understanding of the data-driven and interconnected world of today. The company also announced that Colleen Barrett, President Emeritus of Southwest Airlines Co., will retire from the board at the end of her term on May 19, 2017.

"Debora has a strong background in information management and technology, and has been trusted by some of the nation's top leaders to deliver robust security solutions and policies for the U.S. government," said Marvin R. Ellison, Chairman and CEO of JCPenney in a media release, adding, "Her distinguished background brings tremendous value to our board as JCPenney continues on a path to becoming a world-class omnichannel retailer."

Most recently, Plunkett has served as a professor at University of Maryland University College teaching graduate-level cyber security courses. She also provides consultation on cyber security, information assurance and management topics at her firm, Plunkett Associates LLC.

Prior to these positions, she served as senior advisor to the director of the NSA, leading efforts to develop and deliver solutions to improve diversity, inclusion and equality for a highly technical workforce. Prior to that, Plunkett served as director and deputy director of information assurance for the NSA, managing the agency's information assurance and cyber defense mission, and also held a variety of executive leadership, supervisory and analytical roles for the NSA. She also served as director for the Office of Transnational Threats at the National Security Council of The White House.

Plunkett currently serves as a strategic advisory board member for the International Consortium for Minority Cybersecurity Professionals and an advisory board member for CyberMaryland.

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