CISOs Connect Launches the Inaugural Top 100 Deputy CISOs Awards Honoring Cybersecurity Leaders

The Launch of the Inaugural Top 100 Deputy CISOs Awards by CISOs Connect



On July 15, 2025, CISOs Connect, an esteemed community dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity leadership, announced the debut of the DC100 Awards. This award series is designed to recognize the top 100 Deputy Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and other equivalent leaders in the industry. These figures play a pivotal role in formulating and executing enterprise security strategies, thereby driving organizational success.

The DC100 Awards are part of CISOs Connect's prestigious series which includes the well-regarded C100 (Top 100 CISOs) and A100 (Top 100 Accelerated CISOs) awards. Consistent with its predecessors, the DC100 is based on a merit system that is fully transparent, ensuring that selection is not influenced by any pay-for-play schemes.

A Tribute to Unsung Heroes



Aimee Rhodes, CEO of CISOs Connect, remarked, “Today's Deputy CISOs are already influencing the profession's future. The DC100 honors those leaders who are handling substantial responsibilities now and who will steer our organizations in the future. They are not only preparing for what’s ahead but actively making progress.”

The award selection process is led by a distinguished board comprising ten veteran CISOs. They are chosen from a variety of sectors to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. The criteria for selection include leadership qualities, the scope of responsibilities undertaken, and the candidates’ innovative approaches and preparedness for top-tier roles.

David Cass, President of CISOs Connect, added, “This award is crucial in recognizing exceptional leaders just beneath the CISO level whose work is sometimes overlooked. Their strategic and operational contributions are foundational to our field. With the DC100, we aim to celebrate their achievements and connect them with a broader network of peers.”

Insights from Judges



One of the judges, Frank Aiello, CISO of Maximus, explained, “Working with outstanding Deputy CISOs has shown me how vital their roles are in delivering results at the highest levels while positioning themselves for more significant leadership. The DC100 is a marker for the industry, indicating that these professionals are making an executive impact.”

The eminent judging board includes notable industry leaders such as:
  • - Adam Ennamli, Chief Risk and Security Officer at General Bank of Canada
  • - Brian Fricke, CISO and IT Risk Head at City National Bank of Florida
  • - Damiano Tulipani, SVP and Chief Information Security Officer at Amalgamated Bank
  • - Heather Gantt-Evans, CISO at Marqeta
  • - Josh Landuyt, Senior Director of Information Security at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
  • - Nashira Spencer, CISO and Head of Enterprise IT at Stitch Fix
  • - Pria Mouli, CISO at Sheridan College
  • - Stephen Ford, CISO at Rockwell Automation

Importance of Recognizing Deputy CISOs



Rushton James, another CISO judge, emphasized, “Acknowledging our Deputy CISOs is vital for nurturing a resilient security culture. These dedicated leaders work tirelessly to implement strategies that manage risk and ensure continuity. The Deputy CISO Award pays tribute to the unsung heroes who realize visions and elevate cybersecurity throughout the organization.”

Adam Ennamli further echoed this sentiment, stating, “The DC100 Awards celebrate the quiet powerhouses who crystallize vision into tangible results through diligent execution.”

About CISOs Connect



CISOs Connect is an elite, membership-only collaborative community comprising trusted cyber peers and specialists. It empowers security leaders to exchange knowledge and access proprietary content and analysis, fostering a platform for collaboration to support informed decision-making in business and technology. Known for its rich CISO-driven content, CISOs Connect stands at the intersection of expertise and community engagement.

For those interested in submitting nominations for the DC100 Awards, visit the nomination platform. This initiative continues to strengthen the leadership framework within the cybersecurity domain, solidifying the essential role of Deputy CISOs in enterprises today and future.

Topics Business Technology)

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