Since 2013, Tom Higgins has been the chief administrative officer of First Data, where he leads the company’s security operations. A U.S. Navy veteran, Tom is also the driving force behind the company’s Military and Veteran’s Affairs function, focusing on the employment of veterans and their families.

Born in Flushing, New York, Tom holds a B.S. from the SUNY Maritime College. He previously held a 24-year tenure with the U.S. national security and foreign policy governmental bodies and most recently was head of operational control at J.P. Morgan Chase.

“My Irish ancestors on both my father’s and mother’s sides of the family came to the U.S. to seek opportunity, freedom, and success,” Tom says. “I have always believed it was my duty to achieve something that would honor their journey and their struggle.” He is second-generation Irish American on his father’s side, with connections to Claremorris and Castlebar in Co. Mayo, and fifth-generation on his mother’s side, which is rooted in Co. Kerry.

Tom and his wife, Fiona (whose own family comes from Co. Armagh) live in New York.