David Takayama
David Takayama is a distinguished technology executive with over 30 years of hands-on technical experience
CISSP, CISA, and CEH Certified
David Takayama is a pioneering technology executive with over three decades of experience in cybersecurity, system engineering, and emerging technologies. As one of only five Native Hawaiian Executives in the world’s top 100 Cyber Organizations, David Takayama has consistently stayed ahead of the curve—particularly in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into security and policy frameworks that shape national and global resilience.
David’s Expertise
Throughout his 30-year career, including 25 years in executive leadership roles, David Takayama has combined deep technical proficiency with strategic foresight. His current contributions as a Co-Author and Policy Liaison to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), and the White House place him at the nexus of AI, ethics, and federal policy. David Takayama plays a vital role in advancing public-sector discussions on topics such as “Artificial Intelligence and Responsible Policy,” “Combatting Targeted Disinformation Campaigns,” and “AI’s Impact on Criminal and Illicit Activities.”
From building the first ZeroTrust DoD platform at Palo Alto Networks to establishing secure MSSP architectures at Proofpoint, David Takayama has a proven record of designing scalable, AI-augmented solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Department of Defense, Intelligence, and Civilian sectors. His leadership roles at major corporations such as Verizon, Symantec, and Proofpoint have consistently driven innovation, expanded federal pipelines, and contributed to multimillion-dollar revenues.
David Takayama holds numerous industry certifications, including CISSP, CISA, and CEH, and he remains an active member of ISC2, Infragard, and ISACA. With formal training in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Hawaii and a degree in Computer Information Systems from Capella University, he combines academic rigor with practical experience.
Additional Information
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Known for his inclusive leadership style, David Takayama has also focused on diversity and representation in tech. At Palo Alto Networks, he launched the Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders Employee Networking Group to empower underrepresented professionals in cybersecurity.
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David Takayama’s personal philosophy is simple yet profound: “Change is always good. Challenges should be embraced. But achievement without enjoyment is a job without accomplishments.” He believes that success in tech is not just about knowledge—it’s about continuous learning, adaptability, and meaningful contribution.
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With an active TOP SECRET clearance and a long track record of strategic innovation, David Takayama continues to be a driving force in federal cybersecurity and AI readiness. His expertise shapes how government and industry respond to 21st-century digital threats, making him a trusted thought leader in the ever-evolving world of cyber defense and AI governance.