Meet Matt Lagana - 2025 Chapter President
President, FWSIM | Managing Director | CTO & CISO | MBIA, Inc.
Matt is a distinguished technology executive with over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, cybersecurity, risk management, and operational excellence. In his dual role as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at MBIA, he plays a critical role in advancing the company’s technology strategy and securing its digital landscape.
As expressed in his letter from the President earlier this year, Matt is deeply passionate about the importance of community within the technology leadership space. He believes that, to effectively navigate the challenges and complexities that IT leaders face, it is essential to be part of a vibrant and supportive community, namely the Fairfield/Westchester Society of Information Management (SIM) chapter. Matt feels strongly that this community goes far beyond traditional networking, and is a space where collaboration and mutual support help drive collective success.
Early Career and Leadership Experience
Matt’s career journey began at Avon Products, where he held several key technical and leadership positions. His time at Avon provided him with invaluable experience in managing large scale IT initiatives and navigating complex technological landscapes. The diverse roles he undertook there shaped his deep understanding of IT operations, security, and risk management, laying the foundation for his later leadership opportunity in the Financial Services sector.
Over the years, Matt’s expertise enabled him to streamline costs, accelerate time-to-market, and implement effective risk management strategies. These accomplishments set the stage for his impactful contributions to his organization, where his leadership for over 20 years continues to drive innovation and operational excellence. At MBIA, Matt’s leadership has been instrumental in aligning the organization’s technology strategy with its business objectives and doing so while protecting the company from the many cyberthreats it continues to face.
Education and Certifications
Matt holds a Master’s Degree in Management & Systems from New York University, with a concentration in Strategy & Leadership and has been a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) since 2002. A testament to his ongoing commitment to continuous learning and upholding the highest standards of security and professional excellence.
In addition to his role at MBIA and now serving as President of the Board of the Fairfield/Westchester SIM chapter, he contributes his knowledge and leadership to strengthen the regional tech community by serving as a member of the Technology Advisory Boards at Iona College and Pace University. In this capacity, he is passionate in helping to mentor and shape the next generation of technology leaders.