CISOs Connect Launches Nominations for C100 Awards
Celebrating Excellence in Cybersecurity Leadership
CISOs Connect™, the global alliance of chief information security officers (CISOs) and leading security executives, has embarked on an exciting journey by opening nominations for the 2026 CISOs Top 100 CISOs (C100) Awards. This prestigious program is designed to honor those security chiefs who have set exemplary standards in protecting organizations while also playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the cybersecurity profession.
A Milestone Year for Cybersecurity Acknowledgment
The 2026 C100 Awards not only continues to recognize outstanding CISOs across North America but also marks an important milestone with the inclusion of international judges. This expansion reflects the growing realization that the challenges faced by security leaders transcend geographical boundaries and require a variety of perspectives.
Transparent Judging Process Ensures Fairness
What truly distinguishes the C100 Awards is its commitment to transparency. Anyone interested in recognizing a deserving CISO can nominate or self-nominate based on transparent, defensible criteria. The judging panel is composed exclusively of active CISOs, ensuring that nominees are evaluated by peers who thoroughly understand the nuances of the role. The winners will be revealed at the CISOs Connect Conference, scheduled for a significant gathering that is anticipated to attract security leaders from various sectors.
Voices from Industry Leaders
Notably, Howard Whyte, Chief Information Security Officer at CRC Group, expressed, "The power of the C100 lies in its foundation built by CISOs for CISOs. This recognition is a mirror to the daily realities we encounter, honoring leaders who not only protect their organizations but also contribute to the growth of the security profession."
Esteemed Judges Represent Diverse Industries
Esteemed judges for the 2026 C100 Awards include a remarkable blend of industry leaders:
- Angela Williams, SVP, Global Chief Information Security Officer, UL
- Ashley Devoto, Chief Information Security Officer, Discount Tire
- Brett Conlon, Chief Information Security Officer, American Century Investments
- Howard Whyte, Chief Information Security Officer, CRC Group
- Hussein Syed, SVP & Chief Information Security Officer, RWJBarnabas Health
- James Blair, Chief Information Security Officer, Todd
- Mandy Andress, Chief Information Security Officer, Elastic
- Mark Eggleston, Chief Information Security Officer, CSC
- Nashira Spencer, Chief Information Security Officer, Stitch Fix
- Ryan Field, Chief Information Security Officer, Bank of Hawaii
- Sherron Burgess, Global Chief Information Security Officer, BCD Travel
- Stephen Bennett, Group Chief Information Security Officer, Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd
- Tomás Maldonado, Chief Information Security Officer, NFL
- Vannessa Van Beek, Global Chief Information Security Officer, Fortescue
Stephen Bennett stated, "It’s an honor to be part of the C100 judging board, reflecting the importance of collaboration in our profession. Recognizing individual achievements contributes to building a stronger community of CISOs dedicated to fostering connections and shared knowledge."
Highlighting Leadership and Innovation
Mandy Andress affirmed, "The C100 stands out as it encapsulates what it means to be a CISO in today’s dynamic landscape. Technical mastery is essential, but the ability to motivate and mentor upcoming talent is equally valuable. This award encompasses the complex responsibilities we shoulder and underscores the critical role of knowledge sharing in our community."
Aimee Rhodes, CEO of CISOs Connect, remarked, "From the inception of the C100 four years ago, our goal has been to honor CISOs who exemplify integrity, innovation, and a spirit of generosity in their leadership. Today, these attributes are more vital than ever in our evolving cybersecurity landscape."
The Support Behind the Awards
Paul Paget, CEO of Black Kite, a key supporter of the awards, expressed, "The C100 symbolizes the resilience of CISOs on a global scale. By broadening the judging panel, we reinforce the idea that cybersecurity challenges are universal and that leadership in this field knows no borders."
The collaboration with CISOs Connect and Black Kite guarantees that the awards are cost-free, open to any CISO who meets the set criteria, and completely free from any pay-to-play schemes, ensuring fairness in the recognition process.
Empowering the Future of Cybersecurity
David Cass, President of CISOs Connect, passionately explained, "The strength of the C100 lies in its peer-driven nature. Every judge is an active CISO, grounding the criteria for recognition in shared experiences inherent in the role. This ensures that we recognize leaders who are genuinely impacting their organizations and the broader context of the security community."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the CISOs Top 100 Awards?
The CISOs Top 100 Awards recognize chief information security officers who excel in protecting their organizations while contributing to the cybersecurity profession.
Who can nominate individuals for the C100 Awards?
Anyone can nominate a deserving CISO or self-nominate based on the established criteria.
When will the winners of the C100 Awards be announced?
The winners will be announced during the CISOs Connect Conference.
Who are some of the judges for the 2026 C100 Awards?
The judges include notable industry professionals like Angela Williams, Ashley Devoto, and Stephen Bennett, among others.
How does the process ensure fairness and transparency?
The judging process is transparent, with nominations based on clear criteria and a panel composed entirely of active CISOs.
