Lisa Davis
Lisa Davis is a seasoned technology executive and board leader with more than 25 years of experience driving large-scale digital transformation across government, academia, healthcare, and high-tech industries. She began her academic foundation at Syracuse University, where she studied computer engineering, and went on to build a distinguished career that includes senior CIO and executive leadership roles in complex, mission-driven organizations. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for modernizing enterprise systems, leading global-scale innovation initiatives, and translating emerging technologies into measurable business and operational impact.
In her current chapter, she serves as the Founder of Davis Core Advisory, where she advises Fortune 500 boards, startups, and executives on AI adoption, digital transformation, and leadership strategy. She also holds multiple board and advisory roles, including with Pager Health, Movius, Saltgrass Capital, and Progress Partners. In addition, she is a recognized author of The Only Woman in the Room, where she shares insights from her career navigating and leading within male-dominated industries while advocating for stronger pathways for women in technology and leadership.
Beyond her executive and advisory work, Lisa Davis is a prominent advocate for inclusive leadership and workforce transformation in the age of AI. She is a member of organizations such as 50/50 Women on Boards and continues to speak, write, and mentor emerging leaders globally. Her work centers on the belief that successful digital transformation is not only about technology, but also about people, culture, and equitable systems that enable all talent to thrive.
• Certified Information System Security Professional since 2003
• Golden Gate University - MS
• 50 Women to Watch for Boards
• National ORBIE Healthcare CIO of the Year
• Bay Area ORBIE Healthcare CIO of the Year
• Forbes CIO Next List
• CIO Hall of Fame Inductee
• FutureEdge 50 Award
• The Innovator 25 North America
• Top 100 Social CIO
• Top 100 Women of the Year in Technology
• CIO 100 Award
• Digital Edge 25 Award
• InformationWeek Elite 100
• CIO Top 100 Award
• CIO Ones to Watch Award
• Computer World’s Premier 100 IT Leaders
• Georgetown University President’s Excellence Award
• Superior Civilian Service Award
• Federal 100 Award
• Information Week Award for Government IT Innovation
USMS Director’s Distinguished Group Award - JDIS Migration
• USMS 2009 CFC Manager- President’s Award
• USMS Director’s Distinguished Group Award – Information Technology Transformation
• USMS Director’s Distinguished Group Award – Wireless Strategy Sourcing Group
• Superior Civilian Service Medal
• Federal Employee of the Year in Management
• Achievement Medal For Civilian Service
• Joint Meritorious Unit Award
• Civilian Of the Year
• 50-50 Women on Boards
• Athena Alliance
• Private Directors Association
• Women's Corporate Directors Association
• Extraordinary Women on Boards (EWOB)
• T200 (C-Suite Women in Tech)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to grit and perseverance towards my goals.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that you already have everything you need. Stay true to yourself, take a seat at the table, and own your own power.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my field is to believe in yourself and never shrink to accommodate anyone else's opinion of you.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field is that we do not have enough women representation in technology and in artificial intelligence. That's also the biggest opportunity - it's both a challenge and an opportunity for women.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My core values are all about integrity, honesty, and being an authentic leader.
Locations
Davis Core Advisory
San Diego, CA 92106