David Lingenfelter, chief information security officer at Penn Entertainment, has built a distinguished career by turning curiosity into innovation. With over 30 years in cybersecurity, he has become a respected leader whose expertise bridges the technical and strategic demands of a fast-evolving industry. His work not only protects systems but also propels organizations toward sustainable digital growth.
When Lingenfelter joined Penn Entertainment during a transformative merger, the company faced a crucial need for scalable, enterprise-level security. He seized that moment to integrate cybersecurity into the business’s broader operational vision. Rather than serving solely as a gatekeeper, he positioned security as a strategic partner in Penn Entertainment’s continued evolution. By building a security culture that values education, adaptability and resilience, he created the foundation for innovation to flourish without compromise.
Lingenfelter’s drive to constantly learn and improve has guided every phase of his professional journey. He approaches problems with a deep desire to understand systems, improve processes and develop talent around him. His leadership has earned him seats on advisory boards for major platforms like Okta and Box, as well as roles in high-impact industry collaborations such as the Cybersecurity Collaborative. These contributions demonstrate his ability to influence not just one company but the wider ecosystem.
Being named a Titan 100 Honoree reflects how profoundly Lingenfelter has shaped both his organization and his field. At Penn Entertainment, his presence is transformative. He mentors colleagues, fosters an environment where questions lead to progress and equips the workforce with the tools they need to meet modern challenges. His belief in human potential drives a culture where everyone, from engineers to executives, shares responsibility for keeping digital assets secure.
Penn Entertainment is charting an ambitious path, expanding its digital capabilities and exploring new offerings in the gaming and entertainment sector. Lingenfelter plays a central role in that vision. By aligning security strategy with business objectives, he ensures that growth is both bold and sustainable. His work eliminates the false trade-off between innovation and protection, proving that the two can—and must—coexist.
Among his many accomplishments, Lingenfelter is most proud of his influence on culture and people. While advisory roles, published insights and speaking engagements mark important milestones, he finds lasting value in empowering others to lead, question and evolve. His efforts have helped Penn Entertainment and its teams face emerging threats with confidence and clarity.
His personal development philosophy mirrors his professional ethos. He places high value on communication, recognizing it as the linchpin of leadership in complex technical environments. Whether working with seasoned experts or rising talent, he brings clarity to complexity and motivation to every conversation.
Lingenfelter’s journey reflects a rare combination of technical depth, strategic insight and humility. He continues to set the standard for cybersecurity leadership, not through fear-based narratives but by building trust and capability. With every initiative, he reaffirms what it means to lead with intent—and why he stands among the most influential Titans in his industry.
