INSTITUTE™
The 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Foundation Think Tank with a Global Focus on Cybersecurity, AI Ethics and Governance
Visionary Founders.
Proven Experts.
Theia Institute is a Washington, D.C.–based 501(c)(3) think tank advancing AI ethics, AI governance, and responsible innovation. Our founders bring deep experience spanning cybersecurity leadership, enterprise engineering, automation, and board-level AI strategy. Together, they shape Theia’s pragmatic approach to education, credentials, and policy engagement.
Listen to the Founders
Explore our panel discussions on cybersecurity and AI—where Theia’s founders unpack real-world risks, governance, and enterprise adoption.
Apple Podcasts – Theia Institute: A Cybersecurity Forum
Dr. Todd A. Jacobs
Executive Director, Founder
Business-first cybersecurity and AI governance leader. Designs practical guardrails, risk programs, and executive credentials that turn policy into measurable outcomes.
Barak Engel
Founder
Security strategist and author (Why CISOs Fail, The Security Hippie). A pioneer of the fractional CISO model, aligning security with business value at scale.
Doug Shannon
Founder
Global intelligent-automation and GenAI practitioner. Guides organizations in responsible GenAI adoption—from governance patterns to productivity and control frameworks.
Dr. Lisa Palmer
Founder
Board-level AI strategist (CEO/CAIO, DrLisa.AI). Advises executives and directors on AI value creation, risk, and governance maturity across complex enterprises.
Q. Wade Billings
Founder
Engineering-leadership and culture expert. Builds high-trust, high-reliability product organizations while championing responsible AI practices.