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From Word to wings: Deborah Wheeler took on a new set of challenges in February when she accepted the role of CISO at Delta Air Lines Inc. The Atlanta-based carrier is the oldest airline operating in the United States. It grew from its agricultural roots, crop dusting, to providing international cargo and passenger services, with more than 5,000 flights daily across its own and affiliate operations. Part of IT leadership at Delta, Wheeler reports to the CIO and is tasked with securing sensitive information for the global carrier and millions of passengers. Delta's longevity in a turbulent industry has required a willingness to embrace technology advances and swift recovery from IT glitches, such as widespread computer outages. Starting this summer, the airline is rolling out a pilot test of facial recognition technology -- algorithms match facial images to priority customers' passports -- at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, to speed up self-service baggage drops. JetBlue Airways is fielding a similar pilot program...