North Raleigh Today

The City of Raleigh has welcomed Marina Kelly as its new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Kelly, a native of Newton, N.C., officially assumed her role on April 8.

In her new position, Kelly will be tasked with navigating business risks to lead the City's security initiatives and strengthen its digital assets. She will play a crucial role in guiding the City through a complex and ever-evolving security landscape, while also balancing organizational needs, business relationships, and risks to enhance the community's overall security.

Kelly's interest in security traces back to her childhood, influenced by her father, a police officer, who used family outings as training sessions for observation skills. Her journey to becoming a CISO involved a shift in career focus from education to computers, culminating in a master's degree in computer science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Prior to joining the City of Raleigh, Kelly held various roles in technology, including positions as a business analyst, project manager, and information technology manager at N.C. State University. She also served as a director of technology and data protection officer for cybersecurity and professional development organizations, specializing in information security, compliance programs, and digital transformations.

Away from her professional endeavors, Kelly finds solace in spending time with her two Coton du Tulear dogs, indulging in reading, watching documentaries, nature walks, and baking. Her personal motto, passed down from her father, reflects her commitment to making a positive impact: "Leave people, places, and things better than you found them."

Kelly's appointment as the City's CISO signifies a new chapter in Raleigh's approach to information security, with her wealth of experience and dedication poised to enhance the City's overall security posture.