CISOs Connect Announces Winners of Inaugural DC100 Awards Recognizing Top Deputy Cybersecurity Leaders

100 Deputy CISOs and Second-in-Command Security Executives Celebrated for Strategic Vision, Operational Excellence, and Industry Leadership

NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CISOs Connect, the exclusive, membership-based community advancing cybersecurity leadership, today announced the winners of its inaugural DC100 Awards, celebrating the CISOs Top 100 Deputy CISOs across industries.

View the 2025 DC100 Winners: https://tinyurl.com/yaedkjby

The DC100 is a merit-based recognition program spotlighting exceptional Deputy CISOs, BISOs, and equivalent second-in-command security leaders who are already shaping enterprise security strategy while preparing to lead the industry's future. These professionals have demonstrated outstanding strategic vision, operational excellence, and the leadership capabilities essential in today's complex threat landscape.

Winners were evaluated by CISOs Connect's distinguished board of CISO judges on criteria including:

• Scope of responsibility
• Innovation in security practices
• Strategic impact on organizational posture
• Cross-functional leadership
• Mentoring and talent development
• Professional engagement and industry contributions

"Today's Deputy CISOs and their equivalent security leaders are the strategic architects behind our industry's most critical security initiatives," said Frank Aiello, DC100 judge and CISO at Maximus. "They don't just support the CISO vision—they build it, operationalize it, and mentor the next generation. The DC100 winners exemplify the leadership our industry needs right now."

The DC100 expands CISOs Connect's respected awards portfolio, which also includes the CISOs Top 100 CISOs Award (C100) and the CISOs Top 100 Accelerated CISOs Award (A100). All awards are fully transparent, 100% merit-based, and free from pay-to-play considerations. Candidates are assessed solely on objective, clearly defined benchmarks.

The DC100 CISO board of judges includes distinguished cybersecurity executives recognized for their leadership and commitment to mentorship:

• Adam Ennamli – Chief Risk and Security Officer, General Bank of Canada
• Brian Fricke – CISO & IT Risk Head, City National Bank of Florida
• Damiano Tulipani – SVP & Chief Information Security Officer, Amalgamated Bank
• Frank Aiello – CISO, Maximus
• Heather Gantt-Evans – CISO, Marqeta
• Josh Landuyt – CISO, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
• Nashira Spencer – CISO and Head of Enterprise IT, Stitch Fix
• Priya Mouli – CISO, Sheridan College
• Rushton James – VP & CISO, Liberty Dental Plan
• Stephen Ford – CISO, Rockwell Automation
• Sue Lapierre – VP, IT Governance & Information Security Officer, Prologis
• Temi Adebambo – GM & CISO, Microsoft Gaming

"Recognizing our Deputy CISOs is essential to building a resilient security culture," said Rushton James, VP & CISO at Liberty Dental Plan and DC100 judge. "These leaders work tirelessly behind the scenes to operationalize strategy, manage risk, and drive innovation. The DC100 celebrates those who turn vision into execution and elevate cybersecurity across the enterprise."

Heather Gantt-Evans, Marqeta CISO, added: "The depth of talent at the deputy level is remarkable. These executives are managing sophisticated security programs and demonstrating the executive presence that will define our industry's next chapter."

David Cass, President of CISOs Connect, added: "One of CISOs Connect's core missions is to recognize cybersecurity leaders who make a meaningful impact. The DC100 represents our commitment to celebrating excellence at every leadership level. With hundreds of outstanding applicants, selecting just 100 winners was extraordinarily challenging."

CEO of CISOs Connect, Aimee Rhodes, emphasized the strategic importance of recognizing deputy leaders: "Deputy CISOs, BISOs, and second-in-command leaders are the bridge between tactical execution and strategic vision. They build resilient security cultures, manage complex risk portfolios, and develop the next generation of talent. The DC100 honors those who aren't just preparing for the future of cybersecurity leadership, they're actively creating it."

About CISOs Connect

CISOs Connect is an exclusive, invitation-only community of senior cybersecurity leaders and subject matter experts. Founded and led by CISOs, it offers a trusted, peer-driven environment for sharing insights, conducting original research, and advancing professional development. Members collaborate on critical challenges, strengthen leadership capabilities, and make informed decisions in a private, non-commercial setting.

Renowned for its respected CISO awards and high-impact programs, CISOs Connect delivers content-rich initiatives shaped directly by its community. With roots in North America and a growing presence in Europe, the Middle East, and Australia, CISOs Connect continues to expand as a global network for today's top security executives.

Contact:
Aimee Rhodes
201-835-9205
[email protected]

SOURCE CISOs Connect