#USA #New York #Cybersecurity Leaders #CISOs Connect #CISO Top 100

Introduction

CISOs Connect™, the esteemed global community of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and leading cybersecurity professionals, is excited to announce the opening of nominations for the 2026 CISOs Top 100 CISOs (C100) Awards. This initiative highlights the exceptional contributions of security leaders who excel in safeguarding organizations and advancing the cybersecurity profession. The 2026 awards represent a significant milestone, incorporating international judges to further reflect the global nature of cybersecurity challenges and solutions.

The Importance of the C100 Awards

The C100 Awards aim to honor CISOs who establish the gold standard in security management across various industries. Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field that requires leaders to remain resilient amid changing landscapes. The C100 Awards focus on promoting integrity, innovation, and collaboration among security executives, celebrating those who address today's security challenges while paving the way for future advancements.

Global Judges Driving Change

This year's awards will feature a prestigious panel of global judges, consisting of active CISOs from a variety of sectors. This diverse group will evaluate nominees based on a transparent and impartial process that empowers anyone to nominate candidates or self-nominate. The judging panel comprises only those who are currently engaged in the field, ensuring the assessment process reflects the real-life experiences and complexities attended to by professionals in the cybersecurity arena.

List of Esteemed Judges:

• - Angela Williams, SVP, Global Chief Information Security Officer, UL
• - Ashley Devoto, Chief Information Security Officer, Discount Tire
• - Brett Conlon, Chief Information Security Officer, American Century Investments
• - Howard Whyte, Chief Information Security Officer, CRC Group
• - Hussein Syed, SVP Chief Information Security Officer, RWJBarnabas Health
• - And many more from various prestigious organizations.

Nomination Process

The C100 Awards uphold a distinctively transparent nomination and judging process. As such, anyone within the global cybersecurity community can submit nominations, ensuring inclusivity in recognizing remarkable leaders within the sector. The criteria for nominations are clear and defensible, focusing on essential attributes that define successful CISOs today.

Winners will be celebrated during the CISOs Connect Conference in Miami on December 8, 2025, in an event uniting security leaders from North America and across the globe, aiming to underscore the pivotal role of collaboration in this demanding field.

The Voices of the C100 Community

Key stakeholders in the industry have recognized the value of the C100 Awards. Howard Whyte, CISO of CRC Group, elaborates on the program's core philosophy: “The power of the C100 is that it is shaped entirely by CISOs for CISOs. This recognition reflects the realities we face every day.” Mandy Andress from Elastic adds, “The C100 celebrates the multifaceted nature of the CISO role today.” These sentiments explain the growing importance of the C100 as a platform that not only acknowledges individual excellence but also enhances the collective community of cybersecurity leaders.

Aimee Rhodes, CEO of CISOs Connect, shares insights into the initiative's inception: “When we launched the C100, we intended to spotlight CISOs leading the industry with integrity and innovation. Today, this role has never been more visible, and its demands have surmounted expectations.”

Expanded Support and Accessibility

The collaboration between CISOs Connect and partners, such as Black Kite, further strengthens the inclusiveness of the C100 Awards. This partnership guarantees the awards remain cost-free and accessible, allowing any qualified CISO to stand for recognition without the barriers usually associated with such accolades. This commitment to transparency and fairness is crucial as cybersecurity threats continuously rise across the globe.

Conclusion

Nominations for the 2026 CISOs Top 100 CISOs (C100) Awards are now open. We invite industry participants to nominate deserving professionals who go above and beyond in their leadership roles. By recognizing excellence in cybersecurity, the C100 Awards motivate leaders not only to drive their organizations forward but to also foster a robust network of support within the global community.

For more information or to submit nominations, please visit the CISOs Connect awards platform.