Sharon Kelley: A Trailblazer in Cybersecurity Recognized as SC Awards Finalist
In a significant recognition for her contributions to cybersecurity, Sharon Kelley, the Executive Director for Information Security and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), has been named a finalist for the prestigious Resilient CISO Award at the 2026 SC Awards. The SC Awards, celebrating their 29th year, honors trailblazers in the field of information security, distinguishing those who foster resilience through impactful leadership.
The Resilient CISO Award specifically acknowledges cybersecurity leaders who exhibit exceptional dedication to enhancing organizational resilience. Kelley is among 23 other distinguished finalists in this category, each selected for their notable leadership and measurable impact on their respective institutions.
Kelley's proactive approach to cybersecurity at NJIT has been pivotal in shaping a robust information security infrastructure. She has prioritized building a resilient IT security team, fostering an environment of mentorship, structured learning, and practical operational exposure. Recognizing that technical prowess alone cannot secure digital assets, she emphasizes the significance of cultivating judgement, accountability, and confidence within her team—a critical emphasis in the landscape of cybersecurity.
One of her groundbreaking initiatives includes the establishment of a student-led Security Operations Center (SOC) in collaboration with TekStream, a leading digital resilience company. This SOC provides students and early-career practitioners an invaluable platform to gain hands-on experience in real-world threat responses, equipping them with best practices for incident response, documentation, and escalation processes. Kelley's vision exemplifies how academic institutions can bolster their defenses while also nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, addressing a growing need for skilled talent in the industry.
In her own words, Kelley expressed, "I'm honored to be recognized alongside leaders who are redefining what modern cybersecurity looks like. Higher education faces a uniquely complex threat landscape, and at NJIT, we recognized that achieving digital resilience extends beyond the technology we use to the talent we have in the industry. In partnership with TekStream, we established our student-powered SOC to strengthen our defenses while creating meaningful career pathways for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals."
The SC Awards Reception, where the winners will be announced, is scheduled for March 24, 2026, during the RSA Conference in San Francisco. This event serves as a platform to acknowledge excellence and innovation within the cybersecurity realm, highlighting the individuals and technologies that are pushing the bounds of what’s possible in the security landscape.
Kelley Damore, Chief Content Officer of CyberRisk Alliance, remarked, "The SC Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in cybersecurity, recognizing the people and technologies driving real progress. Being named a finalist is a mark of credibility and trust—a powerful validation from peers and experts who understand what it takes to deliver real-world security impact."
Kelley's recognition as a finalist not only honors her individual achievements but also highlights the transformative role NJIT plays in cybersecurity education. By equipping students with practical skills and experiences, she is ensuring that the field continues to evolve alongside the dynamic nature of cyber threats.
With the continuing rise of cyber threats, leaders like Kelley are integral for ensuring that educational institutions are at the forefront of cultivating a well-prepared workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the digital age.
The Resilient CISO Award specifically acknowledges cybersecurity leaders who exhibit exceptional dedication to enhancing organizational resilience. Kelley is among 23 other distinguished finalists in this category, each selected for their notable leadership and measurable impact on their respective institutions.
Kelley's proactive approach to cybersecurity at NJIT has been pivotal in shaping a robust information security infrastructure. She has prioritized building a resilient IT security team, fostering an environment of mentorship, structured learning, and practical operational exposure. Recognizing that technical prowess alone cannot secure digital assets, she emphasizes the significance of cultivating judgement, accountability, and confidence within her team—a critical emphasis in the landscape of cybersecurity.
One of her groundbreaking initiatives includes the establishment of a student-led Security Operations Center (SOC) in collaboration with TekStream, a leading digital resilience company. This SOC provides students and early-career practitioners an invaluable platform to gain hands-on experience in real-world threat responses, equipping them with best practices for incident response, documentation, and escalation processes. Kelley's vision exemplifies how academic institutions can bolster their defenses while also nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, addressing a growing need for skilled talent in the industry.
In her own words, Kelley expressed, "I'm honored to be recognized alongside leaders who are redefining what modern cybersecurity looks like. Higher education faces a uniquely complex threat landscape, and at NJIT, we recognized that achieving digital resilience extends beyond the technology we use to the talent we have in the industry. In partnership with TekStream, we established our student-powered SOC to strengthen our defenses while creating meaningful career pathways for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals."
The SC Awards Reception, where the winners will be announced, is scheduled for March 24, 2026, during the RSA Conference in San Francisco. This event serves as a platform to acknowledge excellence and innovation within the cybersecurity realm, highlighting the individuals and technologies that are pushing the bounds of what’s possible in the security landscape.
Kelley Damore, Chief Content Officer of CyberRisk Alliance, remarked, "The SC Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in cybersecurity, recognizing the people and technologies driving real progress. Being named a finalist is a mark of credibility and trust—a powerful validation from peers and experts who understand what it takes to deliver real-world security impact."
Kelley's recognition as a finalist not only honors her individual achievements but also highlights the transformative role NJIT plays in cybersecurity education. By equipping students with practical skills and experiences, she is ensuring that the field continues to evolve alongside the dynamic nature of cyber threats.
With the continuing rise of cyber threats, leaders like Kelley are integral for ensuring that educational institutions are at the forefront of cultivating a well-prepared workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the digital age.
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