Celebrating Cybersecurity Excellence: CISOs Connect Honors The 2025 A100 Award Winners

CISOs Connect Honors Emerging Cybersecurity Leaders



On June 30, 2025, CISOs Connect, a prestigious organization focused on advancing the roles of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), held its second annual awards ceremony for the Top 100 Accelerated CISOs (A100). This esteemed event recognized 100 outstanding individuals who have recently entered the field of cybersecurity—specifically those with less than five years of experience in their roles.

These awards are not just a ceremony; they symbolize a crucial milestone in recognizing the next generation of leaders within the cybersecurity landscape. As Erika Voss, CISO of Blue Yonder and 2025 judge, articulates, “The cybersecurity landscape has undergone enormous changes in the past two years, and recipients of this year’s award have proven their capability in navigating such volatile conditions.”

The Purpose Behind the A100 Awards



The A100 Awards aim to honor candidates who have demonstrated both innovation and commitment while contributing to the broader community, especially given the rise in collaborative threats within the cybersecurity industry. The selected nominees exemplify dynamic potential in leading organizations through challenging cybersecurity challenges with a focus on mutual growth and shared knowledge.

The evaluation process is rigorous and overseen by a board of distinguished judges, each a veteran CISO in their own right. This prestigious panel looks for a set of criteria that includes:
  • - Current service as a CISO or equivalent role in an enterprise for less than five years
  • - Active participation in professional organizations
  • - Engagement in security-related volunteering, activism, and mentoring initiatives

Recognizing Excellence Through Rigorous Selection Process



David Cass, President of CISOs Connect, emphasized the organization's dedication to recognizing notable cybersecurity leaders. He stated, “One of CISOs Connect's core missions is to recognize those making impactful strides in the industry. Narrowing down the list to just 100 exceptional candidates was no easy task.” The attention to merit and integrity throughout the selection process underscores the importance of transparency and accessibility to diverse talent.

A noteworthy characteristic of the A100 awards is their commitment to a 100% transparent evaluation process, ensuring fair recognition based purely on merit. The judges include leaders from various successful firms, such as Anthony Candeias (Weight Watchers) and Bob Turner (Penn State University), among others—highlighting the breadth and depth of experience that these judges bring.

The Future of Cybersecurity Leadership



Aimee Rhodes, CEO of CISOs Connect, laid out the vision for the future, stating, “This award sets a new standard by honoring diverse experiences and innovative approaches.” By focusing on the value of knowledge sharing within the CISO community, CISOs Connect highlights the essential role that collaborative efforts play in combating forceful industry challenges.

Much support for the awards comes from partners like CyberAlliance, reflecting the essential relationship between emerging leaders and established organizations. Kendrall Felder, CEO of CyberAlliance, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating that the recognition afforded to these leaders is vital in a world where the responsibility of upholding security standards weighs heavily on their shoulders.

Conclusion



CISOs Connect continues to push the boundaries of cybersecurity excellence and community engagement. By recognizing innovators through initiatives such as the A100 awards, the organization provides a vital platform for emerging industry leaders to shine in a rapidly evolving domain. This commitment sets a bright future for the cybersecurity landscape, nurturing talent to protect society’s most critical assets effectively.

For a complete list of the 2025 A100 winners, visit here.

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