Alan Levine: The Unexpected Journey of a Cybersecurity Leader 

In a world reliant on technology, cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of business operations around the globe. Among the leaders in this field is Alan Levine, the 2025 Pittsburgh CIO of the Year Choice Award Winner, a man whose remarkable journey from playwright to Alcoa and Arconic’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) exemplifies the unpredictable twists of a career in technology.  

Levine’s career didn’t start with cybersecurity in mind. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he pursued a bachelor’s and a master’s in creative writing before setting his sights on a doctorate in playwriting at Carnegie Mellon. While this path seems far removed from the world of cybersecurity, the skills he developed in writing and teaching laid the foundation for his future endeavors. In 1975, Levine found himself propelled into the world of creative writing, having a play produced in Manhattan, which led to a teaching position in New Jersey. Despite this success, he realized a need for stability and a “terminal” degree to cement a future in academia. This realization brought him to Pittsburgh, where he enrolled at Carnegie Mellon for a joint doctorate degree in English and Playwriting.  

A Twist of Fate  

Life, however, had different plans for Levine. When circumstances prevented him from completing his doctorate, he pivoted towards a new opportunity, working as a technical writer at Presbyterian University Hospital in Pittsburgh. It was here that Levine’s adaptability and problem-solving skills came into play, as he shifted from creative writing to composing technical documentation. His ability to simplify complex information for users gradually immersed him in the realm of technology. 

“In the 1980s, not a lot of people worked with computers, and I got into security simply by volunteering to explore IBM’s new security technology,” said Levine. “That marked my foray into cybersecurity.”  

Rising through the Ranks  

Levine’s career trajectory saw a significant uptick when he assumed the role of disaster recovery coordinator at what became the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he spent 18 years. His work and reputation eventually caught the attention of Alcoa, a Dow 30 company. Levine equates moving from UPMC to Alcoa to moving from a great minor league team to the major leagues. This leap was not just a change in companies; it heralded the beginning of his esteemed career in cybersecurity, eventually leading to his executive roles at Alcoa and its successor, Arconic. 

Reflections and Advice 

Reflecting on his journey, Levine emphasized the importance of humor and adaptability in the field. His sense of humor not only charmed his family but also illuminated the sometimes-tense corridors of cybersecurity.  

“It never happened once that I would walk down the hall in any organization where I was doing security, and somebody would high five me for not getting hacked. It never once happened,” said Levine. “However, if we did have a cyber event, you know, I’d walk down the hall and people would shun me!” 

He also pointed out that successful CISOs thrive not by following rigid plans, but by remaining open to unexpected opportunities and challenges.  

For aspiring CISOs, Levine’s advice is both practical and philosophical. He suggests reconsidering the career entirely if one isn’t prepared for its demands. However, for those undeterred, he advises dreaming boldly without setting fixed expectations. “Don’t have a plan; rather, be ready to adapt, learn and grow,” Levine explained, drawing on his own uncharted but richly rewarding career path. “I never moved, but sometimes if you stand at the beach long enough with your feet in the sand, near the water, your position will change even if you didn’t intend it to, but it does anyway.” 

Levine’s story is about the power of adaptability and courage in navigating life’s unpredictable turns. As he shares his wisdom with future IT leaders at Carnegie Mellon, where he’s faculty and advisor now, closing a circle that’s rounded after fifty years, he continues to impact the world of cybersecurity with humor and grace. His unique path from playwright to cybersecurity luminary illustrates that sometimes the most unexpected journeys are the most fulfilling. Levine’s humility, humor and wisdom leave a lasting impression, not just on the stage he started on, but on the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.