Douglas Lemott Jr. never forgets the time his mother challenged him to earn a 4.0 GPA in exchange for a new computer. The stakes were high for a single-parent household already stretched thin, but she believed in her son’s potential—and he refused to let her down. When Lemott won that bet, he didn’t just gain a computer; he ignited a lifelong passion for problem-solving and innovation.
“That computer was more than just a machine; it was my gateway into a world of problem-solving, logic, and strategy,” Lemott said, reflecting on his adolescent years. “It opened my eyes to what was possible.”
From that point on, Lemott’s focus and discipline propelled him to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Commissioned into the Marine Corps, he specialized in communications, later completing a Master of Science in Computer Science at the Naval Postgraduate School.
He served the nation’s military for 27 years, leading teams in high-stakes operational environments—from installing and protecting mission-critical networks to eventually spearheading the Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Group.
A Look at Douglas Lemott Jr.’s Background and Career
Today, Douglas Lemott Jr. serves as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the Analysis and Resilience Center for Systemic Risk (ARC). In plain terms, he makes sure ARC members can securely share information and resources that protect vital economic and national interests.
Before stepping into this role, he was the Vice President of Security Operations and Deputy CISO at SAP National Security Services (SAP NS2), where he designed a high-level cybersecurity program to defend mission-critical systems from persistent threats.
Lemott has a strong background and experience in information technology management, cybersecurity, network/security operations, governance, and compliance.
After decades of service in both public and private sectors, Lemott has built a reputation as a guardian of digital infrastructure—overseeing everything from cutting-edge cloud environments to some of the world’s most sensitive data centers.
But those who reduce his accomplishments to mere technical skills miss the broader story: Lemott is a leader in every sense of the word—a mentor, a visionary, and above all, a man driven by faith and service.
The Mentor’s Mindset
One hallmark of Douglas Lemott’s career is mentorship. Whether he’s coaching the next generation of cybersecurity professionals or guiding Marines in the field, he sees people as the most valuable part of any operation.
“People sometimes just need someone to believe in them,” Lemott says. He recalls a Marine who had faced disciplinary action but ultimately rose to become a sergeant major under Lemott’s watch. “I don’t believe in tossing people aside because of mistakes. If someone has promise, it’s our duty as leaders to nurture that potential.”
That belief carried through to his time in the private sector. At VMware and later at SAP NS2, Lemott didn’t just bring top-tier security protocols—he also brought a commitment to building strong, capable teams. “As a leader, I’ve learned that to be effective, you have to care more about your mentees’ success than your own comfort. That means investing time, attention, and trust in them.”
Lemott believes the true measure of a leader is how well their team performs in their absence.
“Are they well trained for the responsibilities I and the organization expect them to achieve? Are they a cohesive unit, drawing on each other’s strengths? Do they feel empowered to act boldly and decisively without constantly seeking permission or approval? Cybersecurity is a team sport, and if the team is performing well, that will translate to an enhanced cybersecurity posture,” Lemott explains.
Douglas Lemott Jr. Is A Servant Leader
What sets Lemott apart as a thought leader? It’s not just his track record—it’s the way he communicates complex issues with clarity. He believes meaningful security strategies require synergy between technology, governance, and human talent.
“Technology alone doesn’t solve every challenge,” he explains. “It’s about building a culture where security is second nature. That means training, awareness, and ensuring your people have the skills—and the authority—to act decisively.”
A strong proponent of inclusivity, Lemott champions programs like Cyber 4+, which equips high school students with cybersecurity certifications and early college credits. He’s also involved with the Northern Virginia Cybersecurity and Privacy Community, pushing for broader access to cybersecurity roles. “I didn’t come from a privileged background,” Lemott says. “Opportunities opened up for me because people believed in me—and I worked hard. I want to pay that forward.”
The Core of Leadership
Douglas Lemott Jr.’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the values he learned in the Marine Corps: Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
“Honor means treating others with dignity and respect. Courage means standing up to challenges and conquering them. Commitment means being devoted to professionalism and discipline,” he says.
These values seamlessly translate to the private sector, where Lemott continues to lead with integrity.
“I seek to be courteous and considerate of others regardless of seniority. I treat the service staff and senior leaders with the same due respect. I have the courage to seek out challenging assignments and step outside of my comfort zone. Performing well in challenging assignments is a great way to set yourself apart.”
Lemott also emphasizes the importance of work-life balance. “I find myself much more effective when I balance my professional and personal obligations. It’s also important to set this example for those you are privileged to lead.”
A Legacy of Impact
Looking back, Lemott is most proud of the legacy he left in the Marine Corps.
“I coached and mentored countless Marines, and I am very honored and proud to witness their personal and professional success. I am not one who seeks the spotlight, so I take great pride in the work done behind the scenes to get these young men and women prepared for the challenges they will face in their careers,” he says.
His commitment to mentorship has had lasting effects.
“Leadership is very personal for me, and I firmly believe that to be an effective mentor, you have to care more about the success of the mentee than yourself.”
Lemott attributes much of his resilience and leadership strength to his faith.
“First and foremost, I am a Christian and strong believer in God. I strive to continually stay in alignment with God’s will and typically start my day by reading my Bible and a daily devotional. My faith has brought me through several challenging phases in my life.”
His mindset? “If you’re going to pray about it, don’t worry about it. And if you’re going to worry about it, don’t pray about it.”
Final Thoughts
Douglas Lemott Jr. has built an extraordinary career on the foundation of discipline, mentorship, and faith. Whether leading Marines in battle, securing national infrastructure, or mentoring the next generation, he remains committed to his mission.
“I believe it is important to give back and serve others,” he says. “Service comes in various forms, and serving in this field is my way of giving back and continuing to support our national security.”
Looking back, Lemott sees the most valuable lessons in leadership not in moments of success, but in how he responded to failure. The ability to learn from setbacks, seek mentorship early, and set firm ethical boundaries were pivotal in shaping his career.
Equally important, he says, is recognizing the need for balance—both professionally and personally—to remain an effective leader.
“You can’t lead well if you’re constantly running on empty,” he said. “Maintaining that balance isn’t just about personal well-being—it’s about setting the right example for those who follow you.”