Marc Ashworth, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at First Bank, is a respected IT executive with over 30 years of experience in cyber and physical security, IT/security architecture, and management. Marc is a published author, public speaker, and hosts the “The Cyber Executive” podcast. In addition, he is the Chairman of the Missouri Bankers Association Technology Committee, Webster University Cyber Advisory board, Co-Founded the State of Cyber annual security conference, and a Lifetime member of FBI Citizens Academy. He is a former board officer and treasurer for the St. Louis InfraGard Alliance. Possessing security certifications in CISSP, CISM, CRISC, Security+ and other certifications, Marc currently oversees First Bank’s information security, financial crimes unit, physical security, and the network services departments.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CIO Magazine, Marc shared insights into his career journey, the evolving role of the CISO, and his perspectives on cybersecurity, leadership, and innovation. Marc discussed the impact of AI on the CISO role, the importance of balancing business value with risk management, and his passion for staying current with industry trends. He also highlighted the value of soft skills, emotional awareness, and continuous learning for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Marc. Can you walk us through your career journey and how you’ve evolved as a CISO?
I’ve always been interested in technology, even as a kid. During college, I worked in IT operations for a trucking company, and for many years after college, I was developing code while maintaining networks and servers. I spent many years consulting where I worked on development, server, network and security projects for companies ranging in size from small family owned to large Fortune 100 companies. I spent a few years with a large physician group as there CIO/CSO and then went into aerospace manufacturing as their head of IT. I have always been a technical person due to the size of the organization until I came to First Bank where I have been a strategic leader as the CISO.
What do you love the most about your current role?
I love the constant change in security. Threats quickly evolve and I find that challenging, as well as finding ways to safely enable the business.
How do you see the role of the CISO evolving in the next 5-10 years, and what opportunities or challenges do you foresee?
AI is a game changer in business in so many ways and security/risk is one of them. I feel the geo-political world will remain relatively hostile and will continue to drive cyber risks. The CISO will need to continue to drive business value while balancing those risks and managing legacy hardware and software risks.
What qualities do you think are most important for a CISO to possess, and how do you embody those qualities?
I believe a technical background is important to be able to understand the technical risks associated with IT initiatives. However, it is also important to understand business and to be able to translate the technical risks to business risks.
What inspired you to start your podcast, and what topics do you focus on?
I had been told by several people that I should start my own podcast. I do a lot of public speaking and many of those followers were saying the same thing. So, in February of 2025 I launched “The Cyber Executive” podcast to talk about cyber, technology and leadership. However, we also talked about other important topics such as health, stress management and business. Unlike other podcasts where leaders talk about their journey to leadership, or the latest news, I wanted a podcast that dives into relevant topics and gets the thoughts of c-suite leaders on those topics.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
I can’t say there has been just one person that has mentored me over the years. I have worked with so many great people and I have tried to take what I have learned from them.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
I like to work out, whether it is in the gym, running, hiking or just a nice walk outside with my wife. I grew up in the outdoors and to this day I still love being out in nature. We recently started camping again and I’m really enjoying that time outside. Likewise, anytime I can spend time with my family and friends is important. We are recent empty nesters so time with my kids is even more valuable.
How do you stay current with the latest trends and advancements in cybersecurity and IT?
I listen to various podcasts, check the various news sites, and technology magazines such as CIO Magazine. I don’t read many books, but I read a lot of articles and listen to podcasts. I also have a great peer group where we actively share information.
What is your biggest goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
I hope to still be doing security and as a CISO. Hopefully, my podcast will still be going strong, I’m sure it will change in how it is being done currently. I also hope to continue to do public speaking at various events.
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a career in cybersecurity or IT leadership?
You must be passionate about what you do. I don’t care if it is cyber, technology, teaching, baking or whatever it is. Just be passionate about it and others around you will see that passion and it will inspire them as well. Concentrate on the soft skills for leadership, and your own emotional awareness. You also must be able to manage stress in a healthy way. Exercise in some form or another is a great way to do that. Never quit learning and use whatever means to learn that is right for you.