Celebrating Emerging Leaders: 2026 A100 Award Winners by CISOs Connect

Celebrating the 2026 A100 Award Winners from CISOs Connect

In a significant event held on June 29, 2026, CISOs Connect unveiled the recipients of its esteemed 2026 A100 Awards. These awards acknowledge the outstanding contributions of 100 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) who have been in their roles for under five years, highlighting their profound impact in an era critical to the cybersecurity field.

The A100 Awards represent a recognition of merit as determined by an independent panel of highly respected CISOs. This year's winners were chosen based on their demonstrated leadership and ability to advance the profession during what many consider a pivotal time in cybersecurity history. Noteworthy is the fact that the selection process is strictly peer-based, ensuring that the integrity of the awards is maintained through transparent evaluation without the influence of sponsorships or fees.

The judging panel for the 2026 A100 Awards consisted of a diverse group of experts in the field, including prominent figures such as Anthony Candeias, CISO at a leading hedge fund, and Chrisma Jackson from Sandia National Laboratories. Each nominee was assessed using clearly defined criteria, which highlighted their unique contributions to their organizations and the cybersecurity landscape overall.

Beyond the traditional recognition, the awards this year celebrated an exciting first: a geographical expansion that included recipients from multiple global locations. This broadens the horizon of influence these individuals can exert in their respective industries, as illustrated by the rising trends of board-level engagement, cross-functional fluency, and significant leadership in AI governance amongst applicants.

David Cass, President of CISOs Connect, remarked on this development, emphasizing that this year's winners are not merely adapting to AI trends within their organizations; they are proactively leading the charge. The growing interconnectedness of security with business objectives has made it clear that modern CISOs must possess far more than technical skills. They must also demonstrate strategic thinking that aligns security with broader business goals.

As Don Baham, CISO at Rubicon Founders and a judge for the A100 Awards, shared, the depth of talent among this year's nominees was both inspiring and humbling. He noted the increasing ability to lead through uncertainty—a critical trait in today's rapidly evolving business environment. This sentiment was echoed by Aimee Rhodes, CEO of CISOs Connect, who praised the modern CISO's emergence from a strictly technical function to a crucial business role.

The award ceremony took place in Nashville, further underscoring its growing significance as a global community of governmental and private sector leaders collaborate on issues of cybersecurity, governance, and emerging threats. With 2026 marked as another significant year for the CISOs Connect community, it is clear that the trajectory of cybersecurity leadership is evolving, and the new breed of CISOs are at the forefront of this transformation.

As CISOs Connect continues to strengthen its supportive platform for cybersecurity executives, the community embraces an unwavering commitment to shared learning and development. Through engagement in research, peer discussions, and dedicated leadership programs, CISOs are encouraged to mold their organizations into resilient information fortresses in an increasingly digital world.

In recognition of these milestones, CISOs Connect aims to continue advancing both the profession and excellence in cybersecurity. The complete list of 2026 A100 Award winners can be accessed online, alongside a recording of the ceremony, showcasing their accomplishments and contributions to date. Unquestionably, these leaders are setting new benchmarks and redefining what it means to be a CISO in today's fast-moving environment, indicating a positive future direction for the cybersecurity industry as a whole.

Embracing a spirit of collaboration, CISOs Connect remains a vital network for professionals striving to be on the leading edge of security innovation and to build sustainable futures for their organizations in an interconnected world.