Meredith Harper recently joined us as our new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). What attracted her to Synchrony, she says, was our culture that emphasizes diversity, equity and inclusion, our flexible way of working and our emphasis on career development.

Meredith has a wealth of experience in both information security and managing teams, most recently having served for four years as Global CISO at Eli Lilly and before that as Chief Information Privacy & Security Officer at Henry Ford Health System.

While the global information security threat landscape continues to grow and change, Meredith’s team is tasked with the essential role of safeguarding Synchrony and its resources. Her collaborative leadership style means that she values her team’s expertise. Meredith knows that they’ll create the best solutions for today’s complex security challenges as she offers the vision and strategy that can only be achieved through years of experience.

“Any CISO who walks into a space and doesn’t value the talent is not going to be successful.”

Because information security threats are looming 24/7, Meredith knows that finding a sustainable work-life balance for security professionals is key to avoiding burnout. In order to do the important work of protecting Synchrony’s data and assets, she says, “you need to be healthy and whole.”

Meredith leads by example, making sure she takes time to enjoy her family – four nieces and nephews and two goddaughters – and travelling around the U.S. with her husband, Lowell. She also loves tackling home repair projects because she appreciates the challenge of building something, just like she’s building up her team.

Training and career development are key factors in Meredith’s plan to strengthen an already strong Information Security team. She’s encouraging her team to take initiative and pursue more knowledge and experience with her support.

Meredith wants Synchrony’s Information Security team to be a “talent magnet” that attracts professionals who are looking for a fulfilling career in a workplace that respects their talents and fosters a sustainable and caring culture.