“Resilience in Action, Security by Design”
Sonya Cox is a globally recognized cybersecurity leader, defense strategist, and veteran of the U.S. Navy with over 37 years of experience spanning national defense, international cyber policy, critical infrastructure protection, and private sector innovation. She currently serves as the Senior Cybersecurity Advisor to the Government of Montenegro under the U.S. Department of State’s Global Defense Reform Program (GDRP), where she leads the strategic transformation of the country’s cyber defense posture in alignment with NATO standards.
In this pivotal diplomatic role, Sonya supports the Ministry of Public Administration, the Ministry of Defense, and the General Staff, helping Montenegro build national cyber resilience, establish a centralized cybersecurity agency, and coordinate its cyber strategy across defense and civilian sectors. Her work is foundational in protecting sovereign digital infrastructure while fostering regional and international cooperation in the face of evolving cyber threats.
Before her diplomatic appointment, Sonya held senior leadership roles in the private sector, most notably as Senior Manager of Cyber Threat Intelligence and Fusion Operations at Stryker Corporation, a Fortune 500 global medical technologies firm. There, she established and matured the organization’s first Cyber Threat Intelligence program, providing global threat visibility, board-level risk reporting, and 24/7 support to ensure patient safety and business continuity.
Her journey began in the United States Navy, where she served for 30 years and retired at the rank of Commander. Her career was distinguished by a series of groundbreaking roles, including standing up the first Joint Cyber Center for U.S. NORTHERN COMMAND (USNORTHCOM), serving with NATO’s Allied Command Transformation, and acting as senior officer at the National Military Command Center during the September 11 attacks. She commanded at every level and was deployed or stationed in various high-priority assignments, including Spain, the Pentagon, and aboard the USS Nassau.
Sonya’s military expertise extends deeply into joint interoperability planning, cyber operations, network defense, command and control, and strategic warfighting transformation. Her unique blend of operational and policy experience made her an invaluable asset in implementing cutting-edge cyber standards within the Department of Defense, often bridging the gap between emerging threats and national readiness.
She is the Founder and President of Oakum Group LLC, a certified Service-Disabled Women Veteran Owned Small Business (SDWVOSB). Oakum Group provides cyber advisory services to government agencies and private organizations, with a focus on integrating threat intelligence, risk management, and strategic planning. Through this platform, she continues to drive innovation and excellence in cybersecurity across sectors.
Sonya’s academic credentials include a Master of Science in Information Technology Management from Touro University International, a Master of Arts in Strategic Military Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Penn State University. She is also a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College and holds premier cybersecurity certifications: CISSP, CISM, CCISO, and Security+.
Beyond her formal roles, Sonya actively serves as a Disaster Recovery Manager with Team Rubicon, supporting humanitarian and emergency response efforts across the U.S. This service underscores her commitment to operational excellence in crisis environments and her passion for helping communities rebuild and thrive after disaster strikes.
A sought-after speaker on topics of cybersecurity leadership, AI governance, women in technology, and defense readiness, Sonya is deeply invested in mentorship and diversity in tech. She is affiliated with organizations such as AFCEA, ISACA, ISSA, and the American Legion, and is dedicated to shaping a safer, more inclusive cyber landscape for future generations.
Character:
Sonya Cox is defined by her unwavering sense of duty, discipline, and service. Her 30-year military career, combined with her ongoing public and private sector leadership, demonstrates a lifelong commitment to integrity, resilience, and protecting national and global interests.
Knowledge:
Her expertise spans military cyber operations, defense strategy, international diplomacy, and corporate cybersecurity leadership. With certifications like CISSP, CISM, and CCISO, and decades of hands-on experience in threat intelligence, risk management, and cyber policy, she brings unmatched depth and versatility to every mission.
Strategic:
Sonya possesses a proven ability to align complex organizations around long-term cyber objectives, whether advising a foreign government or managing global threat response for a Fortune 500 company. She approaches transformation methodically—balancing tactical execution with visionary thinking to deliver sustainable impact.
Communication:
A skilled communicator across technical, executive, and diplomatic environments, Sonya bridges gaps between cybersecurity professionals, military leadership, and government stakeholders. Her clarity, poise, and credibility make her a trusted voice in high-stakes decision-making and international collaboration.
