Darrell Bateman is a seasoned cybersecurity and technology executive with more than three decades of leadership experience spanning financial services, higher education, and enterprise IT. He currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at City Bank, a publicly traded regional bank with $4 billion in assets. In this role, he leads the institution’s cybersecurity, risk management, and regulatory compliance programs, ensuring operational resilience and alignment with evolving federal and state requirements.

Throughout his career, Darrell has been recognized for his ability to build and mature information security programs that not only meet compliance standards but also enable business growth and innovation. He established the CISO role and Information Security Department at City Bank, leading the organization to achieve the highest examination ratings from federal regulators. His leadership has guided the bank through an Initial Public Offering, multiple acquisitions, and a rapidly evolving digital landscape with a focus on secure, scalable, and sustainable growth.

Before joining City Bank, Darrell served as Assistant Vice President and Information Security Officer at Texas Tech University, where he developed the university’s first formal Information Security Program and advised state leadership on cybersecurity policy. Earlier in his career, he held several progressive technology leadership roles at Texas Tech, where he helped modernize IT infrastructure and establish foundational systems that supported the institution’s expansion into a research powerhouse.

Darrell is an active advisor and board member across multiple sectors. He currently serves on advisory boards for Dune Security, Herman Science, and Vation Ventures, and is a long-standing member and former chair of the Texas Tech University Computer Science External Advisory Board. He also contributes his expertise to professional organizations including (ISC)², where he has served as a consultant in the development of CISSP examination content.

A Distinguished Engineer of the Texas Tech University Whitacre College of Engineering, Darrell is widely respected for his ability to bridge technology, governance, and business strategy. He brings to every board and advisory engagement a balanced perspective by combining technical depth, regulatory insight, and a commitment to advancing organizational resilience in an increasingly complex risk environment.