Southwest Airlines Elevates Cybersecurity Leadership with Carrie Mills as New CISO

Southwest Airlines Co. has taken a significant step in enhancing its cybersecurity framework by promoting Carrie Mills to the role of Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), effective March 16. In her new capacity, Mills will oversee the entirety of cybersecurity operations within the airline's facilities, including airports and aircraft. This move underscores the airline's commitment to safeguarding its operations and customer data against evolving cyber threats.

Mills, who joined Southwest Airlines in 2017 as the Senior Manager of Cybersecurity Threat Intelligence and Response, brings a wealth of expertise and a strong educational background to her new role. With a Bachelor of Business Administration in management information systems from the University of Oklahoma and a certification as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Mills's elevation to CISO marks a pivotal moment in her career and for Southwest's cybersecurity initiatives.

As Vice President & CISO, Mills will be entrusted with the critical responsibilities of security engineering, operations, incident response, threat intelligence, and managing risks and compliance across the airline's vast operational landscape. This role is integral to maintaining the high standards of safety and security that Southwest Airlines is renowned for, ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure and customer information.

In parallel to Mills's promotion, Southwest Airlines announced a shift in Jim Dayton's position from Vice President & CISO Technology to Vice President Technology—Platforms & Architecture. Dayton's new role will focus on developing modern data foundations, technology platforms, and overseeing the technical architecture of the airline's systems, further bolstering the resiliency and efficiency of Southwest's technology solutions.

Lauren Woods, Southwest Airlines' Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, praised the leadership qualities of both Carrie and Jim. She emphasized that their evolving roles are vital to the airline's ongoing efforts toward technological modernization and enhancing operational security. "As an airline, we prioritize safety above all, and our Technology Team is at the forefront of delivering secure, reliable, and effective solutions to meet that commitment," Woods stated.

Southwest Airlines, a trailblazer in the aviation industry, has been recognized for its unique blend of value and hospitality. With a focus on employee-centric culture and a history of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs, Southwest continues to foster loyalty among its customers and employees alike. The airline's commitment to cybersecurity, led by Carrie Mills and supported by a dedicated team, is a testament to its unwavering dedication to safety, security, and innovation.