Synovus

Joseph Frantz is the Director of Cyber Threat Defense at Synovus, where he oversees identity and access management, host controls, cloud security technologies, and security automation. With a background in the U.S. Air Force, he brings a missiondriven mindset to protecting digital infrastructure, blending strategic leadership with deep technical expertise. Frantz holds a Bachelor’s in Information Technology, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and a Master’s in Applied Computer Science from Columbus State University. He has earned the prestigious John L. Levitow Award and currently holds a CISSP along with seven SANS GIAC certifications.

Beyond his role at Synovus, Frantz is a passionate mentor and advocate for cybersecurity education, actively supporting programs like the Cybersecurity Nexus at Columbus State University and the SANS Technology Institute. He also co-owns a partnership LLC focused on software gaming development. Committed to excellence in both professional and personal spheres, Frantz continues to foster a culture of security awareness, innovation, and mentorship across the industry. Recognizing Frantz’s resilient leadership in cyber threats, this article underscores how his leadership philosophy—grounded in mentorship, measured decision-making, and strategic risk evaluation—has shaped initiatives across identity and access management, AI governance and endpoint protection.

From Fighter Jets to Securing a Million Identities

My journey began in the United States Air Force, where I worked in avionics maintenance with aircraft computers and advanced systems. That foundation in precision, discipline, and critical systems set the stage for what came next. After four years, I transitioned into cybersecurity and earned my first certification—CompTIA Security+—which laid the groundwork for everything that followed.

As an Information Assurance Manager at Moody Air Force Base, I assessed how various squadrons handled information security and helped raise the bar on standards. This fast-paced, hands-on role not only shaped how I approached technical problems—it defined my leadership style: decisive, adaptable, and grounded in collaboration.

At a pivotal crossroads—whether to remain in the military or step into the private sector—I chose the latter, joining the SANS VetSuccess initiative. That decision proved transformative. The program provided advanced training in Security Essentials, Incident Handling, and Intrusion Analysis, while connecting me to a network of top cybersecurity employers and mentors who helped shape the trajectory of my career.

I joined Total System Services (TSYS) as an information security engineer, with a focus on data loss prevention and multi-factor authentication. Within six months, I was promoted to lead the team. Over the next five years, I drove initiatives in application security, security engineering, and identity and access management—gaining experience not just in defending systems, but in building scalable, sustainable security infrastructure.

That path led me to Synovus, where I first served as senior manager of Identity and Access Management and later advanced to lead our Cyber Threat Defense group. Today, I oversee a team that spans identity and access management, security engineering, security architecture, and automation— each aligned with zero trust principles. Our mission is clear: ensure every user accesses only what they need, when they need it, while delivering enterprise-grade security that never comes at the cost of user experience. We protect a 5,000-person workforce and digital platforms serving hundreds of thousands of customers.

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of this journey. I’ve worked with more than a dozen interns and co-ops, many of whom have continued with me to Synovus—testament to the culture of loyalty, trust, and growth we’ve built. For me, leadership in cybersecurity isn’t just about securing systems; it’s about developing people and empowering teams to think critically, act decisively, and innovate responsibly.

Balancing AI Innovation with Security Boundaries and User Trust

With the rise of artificial intelligence, organizations are navigating the dual pressures of boosting efficiency and safeguarding governance. AI often demands broad data access, making it critical to establish frameworks that secure operations while honoring privacy, regulatory, and ethical standards.

At Synovus, we’re developing AI-aligned processes grounded in risk tolerance and compliance. I lead identity and access management initiatives—from user lifecycle governance and multi-factor authentication to single sign-on and privileged access management—ensuring the right users and systems access the right resources at the right time. I also oversee our endpoint detection and response platforms, delivering enterprise-grade protection without compromising user experience.

Empowering Secure Innovation through Perspective, Patience, and Partnership

I approach problem-solving with a measured perspective, weighing every angle before making decisions. As technology evolves, it brings both efficiency and new vulnerabilities—a balance that demands accountability, especially in fields like artificial intelligence, where immense power must be managed responsibly.

I lead with education, helping business partners see that security isn’t a roadblock—it’s a strategic enabler. My goal is to show how strong security can accelerate their objectives, not slow them down.

Enhancing Customer Experience Through CloudBased Identity Management

We’re nearing completion of a strategic migration of our retail customer identities to a cloud-native platform—a move designed not just to modernize operations, but to futureproof how we connect with customers. This shift enhances security, agility, and user experience in equal measure. Looking ahead, we’re extending this transformation across additional customer-facing channels, unifying identity management to deliver a seamless, secure experience across the full spectrum of our financial services.

The Future of Cybersecurity: AI and Machine Learning Integration

Over the next five to ten years, artificial intelligence and machine learning won’t just support cybersecurity—they’ll become foundational to it. These technologies will redefine how we process data, detect threats, and accelerate response, fundamentally transforming the security landscape.

At Synovus, we’ve proactively appointed dedicated AI leadership to ensure we stay ahead of the curve—driving innovation while maintaining control, governance, and trust. AI won’t replace human expertise, but it will amplify it— accelerating development, embedding security earlier in the lifecycle, and enabling end-to-end solutions that are smarter, faster, and more resilient by design.

Advice for Emerging Leaders in Cybersecurity

One piece of advice I’d offer emerging leaders is; always lead with risk in mind. Before jumping into solutions, take a breath—look at the likelihood, weigh the impact, and make decisions based on what the technology can actually deliver.

In cybersecurity, it’s tempting to react emotionally, especially when the pressure’s high. But the best decisions come from clear thinking and solid data. Don’t let urgency drive you—let insight guide you. When you ground your choices in risk and reality, everything else falls into place.