CISOs Connect Announces Inaugural CISOs Top 100 Deputy CISOs (C100) Awards

Recognizing the deputy and second-in-command security leaders driving today’s enterprise cyber strategy and outcomes

NEW YORK, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CISOs Connect, the exclusive, membership-based community dedicated to advancing cybersecurity leadership, today unveiled the inaugural DC100 Awards, recognizing the Top 100 Deputy CISOs. This new peer-driven honor celebrates senior cybersecurity leaders who serve as second-in-command, including Deputy CISOs, BISOs, and equivalents, and who are already playing a critical role in shaping enterprise security strategy and leadership.

The DC100, short for The Top 100 Deputy CISOs, joins CISOs Connect’s widely respected Top 100 Awards family, which includes the C100 (The CISOs Top 100 CISOs) and the A100 (The CISOs Top 100 Accelerated CISOs), and, like its predecessors, is 100% merit-based, completely transparent, and never pay-for-play.

“Today’s Deputy CISOs and equivalent leaders are already shaping the future of the profession,” said Aimee Rhodes, CEO of CISOs Connect. “The DC100 recognizes those security leaders who shoulder tremendous responsibility today, and who will be steering our organizations tomorrow. They’re building, leading, and mentoring. They aren’t just preparing for the future; they’re already making it happen.”

Winners are selected by an esteemed board of 10 veteran CISOs, representing diverse sectors and backgrounds. All judging is based on defined, published criteria and focuses on leadership, scope of responsibility, innovation, and readiness to step into a top role.

“This award fills a critical gap in our profession,” said David Cass, President of CISOs Connect. “There are exceptional leaders just below the CISO level whose work is often under-recognized,  yet their strategic and operational contributions are foundational. With the DC100, we’re giving them the credit they’ve earned and connecting them to a wider peer network to help elevate their path.”

DC100 judge and Maximus CISO Frank Aiello added: “I’ve had the privilege of working with outstanding Deputy CISOs, people who are driving results at the highest level while preparing for even greater leadership. The DC100 is more than an award, it’s a signal to the industry that these professionals are already making an executive impact.”

The judging board includes distinguished cybersecurity executives, selected for their industry leadership and commitment to mentorship and talent development. The judges include:

• 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 – Senior Director of Information Security (CISO), Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
• Nashira Spencer –  CISO and Head of Enterprise IT, Stitch Fix
• Priya Mouli – CISO, Sheridan College
• Rushton James – VP & Chief Information Security Officer, Liberty Dental Plan
• Stephen Ford – CISO, Rockwell Automation
• Sue Lapierre – VP, IT Governance & Information Security Officer, Prologis
• Temi Adebambo – GM & CISO, Microsoft Gaming

Nominate here: https://cisosconnect.awardsplatform.com/

“Recognizing our Deputy CISOs is critical to building a resilient security culture,” CISO Judge Rushton James said. “These leaders work tirelessly behind the scenes to operationalize strategy, manage risk, and ensure continuity. This Deputy CISO Award honors the unsung heroes who turn vision into execution and elevate cybersecurity across the enterprise.”

CISO Judge Adam Ennamli added: “The DC100 Awards honor the often silent sentinels who turn vision into reality through real, raw execution from the foundation up.”

About CISOs Connect: CISOs Connect is an exclusive, membership-only interactive community of trusted cyber peers and subject matter experts. It enables security leaders to share knowledge and expertise through proprietary content, research, and analysis, while providing a forum for collaboration with trusted colleagues to make informed business and technology decisions. CISOs Connect and Security Current, which is known for its Security Shark Tank, are lauded for their CISO-driven content, knowledge sharing, and community. It is purpose-built and led by the top CISOs in North America.

Media Contact:
Aimee Rhodes
201-835-9205

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SOURCE CISOs Connect