CISOs Connect Announces Winners of the 2026 DC100, Recognizing Security Executives Helping Turn Cybersecurity Into Business Advantage

100 Deputy CISOs and second-in-command security executives honored for leadership that enables growth, transformation, and responsible AI adoption

NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CISOs Connect today announced the winners of the 2026 DC100, honoring 100 of cybersecurity's leading Deputy CISOs and second-in-command security executives whose leadership drives growth and transformation beyond the security organization.

View the 2026 DC100 honorees: at www.securitycurrent.com

The role has changed. Cybersecurity is no longer measured only by the threats an organization withstands. It now influences whether that organization can launch a product, close an enterprise deal, complete an acquisition, enter a regulated market or put AI into production. This year's honorees work at that intersection — close enough to the technology to know what is real, close enough to the business to know the cost of waiting.

"Deputy CISOs are no longer supporting roles. They are force multipliers, shaping strategy, driving transformation and increasingly leading how their companies adopt AI, not just how they guard against it," said Frank Aiello, Senior Vice President and CISO at Maximus and a 2026 DC100 judge. "What distinguished this year's honorees was connecting that work to the priorities of the business."

Security Leadership Has Become Business Leadership

Second-in-command security executives increasingly translate between the business and the build. They help manage regulatory exposure that can determine market expansion, third-party risk that can affect critical partnerships, and the identity, data, and governance decisions underlying enterprise AI initiatives.

"The strongest Deputy CISOs today combine deep security expertise with business judgment," said David Cass, President of CISOs Connect. "They understand the economics behind a decision, can communicate with a board, and know where AI creates real value. We wanted leaders who do not just manage security well — they help the enterprise move forward."

Selected on Merit by CISO Judges

The DC100 is entirely merit-based. There is no fee to submit or be nominated, no sponsor or paid placement, and money plays no role in who is considered or selected.

Nominees were evaluated on cross-functional and business leadership, strategic impact, scope of responsibility, innovation, mentoring, industry contributions, and readiness for broader executive leadership.

"What stood out in this year's nominations was how many of these leaders are already operating beyond the traditional boundaries of security. They're helping shape business decisions, showing where AI can move the business forward and giving their organizations the confidence to act on it," said Senior VP and CISO at RWJBarnabas Health and DC100 judge." "Just as important, they're developing the people around them. That combination of business judgment, security leadership and talent development is what distinguished this year's DC100."

"What stood out in this year's nominations was how many of these leaders are already operating beyond the traditional boundaries of security," said Hussein Syed, VP & CISO at RWJBarnabas

Honorees were selected by an independent board of cybersecurity executives:

• Frank Aiello, Senior VP and CISO, Maximus
• Johann Balaguer, Global CISO, Hard Rock
• Michael Calderin, CISO, Barnes Aerospace
• Brett Conlon, CISO, American Century Investments
• Monique Hart, VP and CISO, Enlace Health
• Kevin McKenzie, VP and CISO, Ferguson
• Sam Masiello, CISO and Privacy Officer, The Anschutz Corporation
• Margarita Rivera, Global CISO, Carnival Corporation
• Hussein Syed, Senior VP and CISO, RWJBarnabas Health
• Erika Voss, Senior VP and Chief Security Officer, Blue Yonder

Recognizing Leadership at Every Stage

The DC100 joins the CISOs Connect Top 100 Awards portfolio alongside the C100 for CISOs with five or more years in the role and the A100 for those with fewer than five — together spanning the full progression of security leadership.

"Congratulations to every one of this year's honorees," said Aimee Rhodes, CEO at CISOs Connect. "The opportunity with AI isn't simply to secure it. It's to help the business use it responsibly, confidently, and competitively. That's the kind of leadership the DC100 recognizes."

View the 2026 DC100 Winners here: https://securitycurrent.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DC100-2026-Virtual-Awards-Ceremony-720p.mp4 

About CISOs Connect

CISOs Connect is a global, invitation-only community advancing cybersecurity leadership and its impact on business. Through CISO-led research, executive programs, peer engagement and industry recognition, it strengthens cybersecurity's role in enterprise decision-making — with a growing presence across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific.

Contact:
Amanda Ortiz
CISOs Connect
438-270-1731
[email protected]

SOURCE CISOs Connect