Built by practitioners. Shaped by global experience.

Global expertise guiding responsible AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technology policy.

Theia Institute was founded by practitioners who have spent their careers building, securing, governing, and transforming technology in the real world. Their experience spans AI governance, cybersecurity, intelligent automation, enterprise engineering, organizational leadership, and global technology engagement. Together, they provide the practical foundation for Theia's work with institutions, governments, industry leaders, and international partners.

Todd A. Jacobs

Executive Director &

Co-Founder

Todd A. Jacobs is a cybersecurity, AI governance, and technology strategy leader with experience advising Fortune 500 companies, government organizations, and international stakeholders. His work spans CIO advisory, DevSecOps, audit remediation, digital transformation, privacy, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on translating complex technology and policy issues into practical governance frameworks. He is a published author and frequent speaker whose work has contributed to public-policy discussions on AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technology. At Theia, he leads the Institute’s strategy, international engagement, and executive-level work at the intersection of technology, trust, and governance.

Barak Engel

Co-Founder

Barak Engel is a veteran Silicon Valley cybersecurity strategist, author, and entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience building and advising security programs across major technology and consumer organizations. He pioneered the virtual CISO model and has served in senior security and privacy roles for companies including MuleSoft, StubHub, Live Nation/Ticketmaster, Amplitude Analytics, and others operating at global scale. Barak is the author of Why CISOs Fail and The Security Hippie, and an Amazon best-selling novelist whose debut fantasy novel, The Crack in the Crystal, expanded his work into fiction. At Theia, he brings a distinctly business-focused and international perspective to cybersecurity, governance, risk, and technology leadership.

Doug Shannon

Co-Founder

Doug Shannon is a global intelligent automation and Generative AI leader with more than two decades of experience in digital transformation, enterprise technology, and operational innovation. His background includes leadership roles and work with organizations such as Cisco and Chevron, along with extensive experience helping complex enterprises turn emerging technologies into scalable, governed business capabilities. Doug is recognized for his work in intelligent automation, resilient systems, GenAI adoption, and the intersection of technology and organizational process. His perspective is shaped by work across global enterprises and international technology communities, including Theia’s engagement with visiting cybersecurity and technology delegations through several international programs

Q. Wade Billings

Co-Founder

Q. Wade Billings is an engineering, infrastructure, DevOps, SRE, and organizational-culture leader with more than three decades of experience building and scaling technology teams across five continents. His career has included work with organizations such as AT&T, Sprint, Intel, and a wide range of high-growth technology companies, giving him a practical perspective on how engineering systems, workplace culture, and leadership affect organizational resilience. Wade’s current work focuses on high-performing engineering cultures, responsible technology adoption, and the human impact of AI in the workplace. Through Theia, he also contributes to international dialogue on AI, cybersecurity, and workforce transformation.