Staff Reports
Jefferson’s Stephen Pullum has been working on cybersecurity for over 40 years. Now he’s combining that knowledge to help pioneer the ethical use of AI.
His philosophy, “If it doesn’t help, it hurts,” underscores his mission to create technology that protects and empowers. With real-world experience spanning decades—when security meant more than just data and often involved lives on the line—AfricurityAI stands out as a company that prioritizes people over profit.
Stephen has been certified by some of the top names in the computing industry like SANS, NSA, and ISC2, keeping him ahead of the curve in the needs of technological advancements.
“Since the beginning of 2025, I have been featured in several global magazines,” he said. “One of [Jefferson’s] own is making history” by having is company, AfricurityAI, featured in podcasts and magazines in Germany and the EU.
While his company has a global presence, it’s still based here in Marion County.
Pullum is also trying to be a roll model to youth – both here and abroad and uses his company to promote AI literacy on the K-12 level in marginalized, underrepresented and misrepresented populations.
“If there are not any role models for our youth out of our own community, what inspiration do they have in this new age of both Artificial Intelligence and merit employment. What motivates them besides ‘Rich Rap Artist Criminals’ and scrupulous athletes? I am neither both, but I rank from the Pentagon to the Projects. In the United States, Europe and Asia,” he said.
His latest accomplishment was when he was asked to be a speaker at the Copenhagen Compliance event. The Copenhagen Compliance was established in 2006 to support global oversight on good governance, risk management, compliance and IT security. He was also recently named part of MSN’s 10 Visionary Entrepreneurs Who Transformed Ambition into Success, given an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, and is regularly featured in CIO Bulletin.
But Stephen’s accomplishments are many over his 40+ years, but the value of family and his role as a father and grandfather are what matters most and his oldest daughter, Stephanie, is joining him in the field.
Both are disabled veterans and are using their knowledge to advance ethical AI and cybersecurity on local levels and will be expanding their local presence and influence over the next several years.
Stephanie is a 2003 graduate of Jefferson High School who’s been focused on administrative support for independent artists and small businesses. Now she wants to turn that knowledge into opportunities for youth who want to continue their music education and turn it into a career.
But she’s also focused on working with her dad in AI and cybersecurity.
“I have mentored a lot of wonderful people in AI and Cybersecurity. But when your own daughter asks what does she need to do to ‘learn and transition’ into AI…..that takes the cake,” Stephen said.
Pullum said he’s hoping to return home full time later this year as he’s been living in Thailand for the last several years, returning home on a regular basis.
He reminds everyone to be the person you want the world to know and that leads the world to your door.
“There is but one you. Make sure the world knows the truth, integrity, and promise of who that person is. Everything else you will lose in time,” he says.