Michael Darling 
Founder and Principal Consultant

Michael Darling's security journey began in the Marine Corps, where 23 years of service instilled the discipline and strategic thinking that would define his career. From combat zones to Marine Forces Cyber, he learned that security isn't just about technology—it's about empowering people to achieve their goals.

This foundation took him to the highest levels of government, where he helped shaped America's cybersecurity landscape. At the Executive Office of the President, Michael’s portfolio included $2.5B in security budgets and extensive involvement in Presidential cybersecurity policy. As a Senior Executive at CISA, he helped craft landmark legislation and represented the U.S. to the GCC and NATO allies to enable international cybersecurity initiatives.

Transitioning to private sector leadership, Michael brought this expertise to Fortune 500 enterprises. At Venable LLP, he architected a $15M+ security program safeguarding client’s most sensitive data. His PwC tenure saw him support groundbreaking intelligence-sharing networks with of some of the largest corporations in the world, proving that collaboration amplifies security.

Michael bridges the gap between policy and practice, delivering results that matter. His unique blend of military precision, government insight, and corporate acumen makes him the cybersecurity leader organizations trust when failure isn't an option.