In high tech or any role, Jennifer Byrne is an advocate for applying original thinking and personal conviction in order to create positive impact across work, personal and public arenas. Utilizing wisdom gained from twenty years in the tech industry, Jennifer teaches others through her role as an advisor to startups, personal mentorship to young leaders, and a forthcoming book on how to apply an innovator’s mindset in order to survive and thrive in today’s fast-changing, tech-infused world.

In her most recent role as Chief Technology Officer of Microsoft US, Jennifer worked with companies and organizations across all industries and market segments to re-frame their business opportunities in digital terms. Jennifer infused innovation practices into Microsoft’s technical field teams which led to high-value and well-publicized digital transformation strategies with top global companies.

Under Jennifer’s leadership, her teams at Microsoft undertook innovation projects designed to foster inclusive growth in a cross-sector and community-oriented manner.  She led the fifteen Microsoft Technology Centers across the US, hosting thousands of customers and community events each year. 

In previous roles at Microsoft, Jennifer was responsible for market expansion initiatives leveraging business model and technology innovation for government, healthcare, and education providers around the globe. She joined Microsoft as the Chief Security Officer for the Worldwide Public Sector Division in 2014.

Prior to Microsoft, Jennifer was a leader in Cybersecurity, having held technical, sales and executive positions at companies such as Intel, McAfee and Symantec.  She began her career in technology as an Information Security Analyst and Engineer serving US Government clients.  Her first career, which remains her passion today, was in the non-profit world working with under-served populations.