Malcolm “MK” Palmore has spent a career in service to this nation. Born in the nation’s capital under the shadows of our monuments and the living history of the United States, it may not be surprising that MK chose a career of service early in his life. Raised in Washington, D.C. at a time when it carried the moniker of the “murder capital” of the United States, the odds were stacked against his success; in fact, the odds were stacked against his very survival. The product of a divorced family, MK was raised alongside two older brothers by his mother, a strong african-american woman, who reinforced daily the concept of living up to your responsibilities, which continues to guide him to this day.  

Having set his sights on attending the United States Naval Academy during his elementary school years, MK only applied to two colleges during his senior year of high school; the United States Naval Academy and West Point. Having worked hard during his high school career to achieve this objective in a highly competitive setting, he was accepted to both. MK chose the Naval Academy and excelled at his military studies. Following his four years as a member and leader in the Brigade of Midshipmen, MK was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. In the USMC, MK further honed his leadership skills, which had been the cornerstone of his collegiate education. It is this period which formed the foundational elements of MK’s first book, Leadership for Youngsters, where the concept of adhering to specific leadership characteristics was effectively reinforced.

Following a distinguished and honorable service in the USMC, MK continued his career with the U.S. Federal Government as a Special Agent in the famed Federal Bureau of Investigation. Over a 22-year career in the FBI, MK investigated and developed expertise in the areas of Hate Crimes, Domestic & International Terrorism, Violent Crimes, Public Corruption, Crisis Management/Response (FBI SWAT Certified) and Cybersecurity. As an executive and leader for the FBI in the San Francisco Division, MK was the leader of the Cybersecurity Investigative Branch. During this final period of service, MK led one of the nation’s largest cybersecurity investigative teams, accruing insights into the nation’s most insidious criminal and national security adversaries in the cybersecurity realm. Due to his unrivaled access, exposure and experiences, MK developed a unique perspective and ideology on cybersecurity matters. He has spoken on the subject in 100s of venues, both nationally and internationally.  

 

MK currently serves as the Field Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the Americas for Palo Alto Networks. Palo Alto Networks is a global cybersecurity enterprise headquartered in Silicon Valley, and is consistently recognized as a leader in the cybersecurity industry. In addition to his duties at Palo Alto Networks, MK frequently serves as an adjunct professor in the academic disciplines of Leadership, Technology Implementations in Business, and Crisis Management & Response.