

Rooted in Security - Session 2
Session 2 - Building Secure AI Systems: Lessons from the Trenches
Mary Kotch is a nationally recognized Chief Information Security Officer and AI-driven cybersecurity executive with more than 20 years of hands-on experience building and leading enterprise security programs across insurance, healthcare, and financial services. Currently serving as Fractional AI/CISO at Clover Health and teaching AI cyber courses at Penn State University.
She has held senior CISO, CTO, and CIO roles at Validus Holdings, Aspen, Core Specialty, and MetLife, managing teams of 2,000+ and budgets exceeding $550M.
Rooted in Security NYC is a new community designed to bring together women across all levels of cybersecurity leadership (from managers to CISOs) to share knowledge, grow meaningful networks, and have honest, vendor-free conversations about cybersecurity, leadership, and career growth. This group is focused on creating a smaller, more intimate forum for real dialogue and connection.
Whether you’re leading teams, building cybersecurity programs, or preparing for your first executive role, this is a space to learn, challenge ideas, and lead together.
*We are creating an inclusive space for all across cybersecurity, all are invited! (cisgender women, transgender women, and non-binary people, allies, etc.)