You see CxOs on the Move every month, but with Q1 almost behind us, we thought it was time to give CISOs their spotlight.
This edition highlights 30 new CISO appointments defining 2026. Across global infrastructure, financial services, emerging tech, and the public sector, these leaders are stepping into new roles and tasked with protecting critical systems while keeping their organizations moving forward.
Join us in congratulating these 30 CISOs on the Move!
James “Aaron” Bishop – Deputy Chief Information Officer for Cybersecurity and Chief Information Security Officer at the Department of Defense
The Department of Defense has tapped James “Aaron” Bishop to serve as Chief Information Security Officer and Deputy Chief Information Officer for Cybersecurity, where he will oversee department-wide cybersecurity policy, technical strategy, and program oversight. Bishop previously served as Chief Information Security Officer for the U.S. Air Force and earlier held roles as CISO and Vice President at Science Applications International Corporation, following leadership positions at Microsoft and other national security technology organizations.
Ken Ricketts – Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Teradata
Teradata has brought on Ken Ricketts as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer, adding a cybersecurity leader with more than two decades of experience spanning cloud security, compliance, and incident response. Ricketts comes to Teradata from Insight Partners, where he advised high-growth technology companies on security strategy, and has previously led enterprise security programs at large SaaS and services organizations. In his new role, he will shape Teradata’s enterprise security approach across cloud, AI, and product platforms, with an emphasis on governance, risk management, and secure innovation.
Donna Tatro – Chief Information Security Officer at Princeton University
Princeton University has named Donna Tatro Chief Information Security Officer, formalizing her leadership of the institution’s information security program after serving in the role on an interim basis since March 2025. She oversees efforts to protect the University’s data, systems, and digital identities while advancing cybersecurity awareness and resilience across campus. Tatro has been with Princeton since 1995, most recently guiding initiatives that strengthened risk management practices, incident response capabilities, and community-wide security education.
Ian N. Dawson – Chief Information Security Officer at Silicon Labs
Silicon Labs has named Ian N. Dawson as Chief Information Security Officer, bringing a senior cybersecurity leader with more than 20 years of experience across enterprise security, resiliency, and governance. Dawson previously held senior security leadership roles at Lumen Technologies and Charles Schwab, where he led global security operations and board- and regulator-facing programs. In his new role, he will oversee Silicon Labs’ global cybersecurity strategy, focusing on protecting intellectual property, strengthening enterprise resilience, and embedding security across silicon, software, and cloud-connected products.
Douglas Merrill – Chief Information Security Officer at Equinix, Inc.
Equinix has appointed Douglas Merrill as Chief Information Security Officer, following six months in the role on an interim basis. A former Google CIO and McKinsey partner, Merrill brings more than 30 years of experience leading global technology and security initiatives across tech, finance, and government. He will lead Equinix’s global security organization, overseeing cybersecurity risk management and engineering resilient platforms.
Stephen McMaster – Chief Information Security Officer at Western Alliance Bank
Western Alliance Bank has brought on Stephen McMaster as Chief Information Security Officer. McMaster comes from Wells Fargo, where he spent more than 20 years in senior security leadership roles focused on enterprise cybersecurity, cloud security, and technology risk within highly regulated banking environments. In his new role, he will lead the bank’s information security and cyber risk management efforts, with responsibility for protecting systems and customer data while supporting resilience and regulatory compliance.
Andy Ritter – Chief Information Security Officer at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has named Andy Ritter as its permanent Chief Information Security Officer, lifting the interim designation he has held since October. Ritter previously served as the state’s deputy CISO and has spent nearly nine years in Pennsylvania government, building deep institutional experience in cybersecurity operations. His appointment comes as the state increases investment in cyber defenses and continues efforts to strengthen security across agencies.
Leilani Farol – Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at First Horizon
First Horizon has appointed Leilani Farol as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer. She will lead enterprise cybersecurity and oversee efforts to protect client data and privacy across the organization. Farol is responsible for advancing threat detection and response capabilities while strengthening governance and oversight across security programs. She brings more than 25 years of experience in information security and technology leadership across financial services in the United States and internationally. Her background includes directing large technology initiatives and guiding cybersecurity programs within highly regulated institutions.
Daniel Parsons – Chief Information Security Officer at The E.W. Scripps Company
The E.W. Scripps Company has named Daniel Parsons as Chief Information Security Officer. Parsons will lead the company’s enterprise cybersecurity strategy, safeguarding digital content, newsroom systems, intellectual property, and consumer data. He previously served as VP of Cyber Defense at NBCUniversal and held key cybersecurity roles at U.S. Bank, GE, and Walmart. Parsons is also an industry collaborator and board member at NPower, supporting tech career access for veterans and young adults.
Leslie Kershaw – Chief Information Security Officer at IonQ
IonQ elevated Leslie Kershaw to a newly expanded role as Chief Information Security Officer, reporting to CIO Katie Arrington. Kershaw, who previously served with IonQ Capella, brings more than two decades of experience across military and industry cybersecurity roles and will be responsible for operationalizing security at scale as IonQ expands its quantum computing platforms for government and commercial customers.
Rich Friedberg – Chief Information Security Officer at Envestnet
Envestnet has appointed Rich Friedberg as Chief Information Security Officer, where he will lead the company’s enterprise information security strategy, cyber risk management, and operational resilience across its wealth technology platform. Friedberg joins from Live Oak Bank, where he served as Chief Information Security Officer and led efforts to integrate cybersecurity into governance, digital product development, and enterprise risk strategy.
Roland Palmer – Chief Information Security Officer and Vice President of Security at JumpCloud
JumpCloud has appointed Roland Palmer as Chief Information Security Officer and Vice President of Security, tasking him with leading the company’s global security strategy and safeguarding its growing base of employees and customers. Palmer brings more than two decades of cybersecurity experience and most recently spent eight years at Sumo Logic as Vice President of Security and Compliance, where he led global security operations and integrated compliance into engineering workflows.
Ed Moyle – Chief Information Security Officer at Future in Tech
Future in Tech (FiT) has added veteran security strategist Ed Moyle as Chief Information Security Officer, bringing more than 25 years of enterprise security, cybersecurity architecture, and AI-security expertise. He will strengthen FiT’s security program, deepen product-level protection in partnership with engineering, and support the company’s presence in customer and industry forums. Moyle’s background spans CISO, strategist, and research roles across major organizations, along with extensive contributions to security publications, training, and open-source innovation.
Peter Liebert – Chief Information Security Officer at Clari + Salesloft
Clari + Salesloft has appointed Peter Liebert as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), where he will lead global security strategy and oversee the integration of security programs across the newly merged organization. Liebert brings 26 years of experience in technology and cybersecurity, most recently serving as Vice President of Cybersecurity at Vista Equity Partners. He previously served as CISO for the State of California, overseeing cybersecurity across one of the largest public-sector IT environments in the United States.
Chris Bitner – Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at The Winn-Dixie Company
The Winn-Dixie Company has named Chris Bitner as Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer. Bitner brings deep continuity to the role, having served as VP and CISO at Southeastern Grocers for the past four years, along with extensive prior experience leading cybersecurity programs at major retail brands including Bloomin’ Brands and Office Depot | OfficeMax. In his new position, he will oversee enterprise information security, risk management, and cyber resilience for Winn-Dixie.
William Bengtson – Chief Information Security Officer at ConductorOne
ConductorOne has added William Bengtson as Chief Information Security Officer, bringing more than two decades of experience securing cloud platforms, identity systems, and developer infrastructure at scale. Bengtson most recently led platform and security engineering at HashiCorp and previously held senior security roles at Netflix, Capital One, and Nuna, where he focused on protecting cloud identities and large-scale infrastructure. In his new role, he will lead ConductorOne’s security strategy as identity becomes a central control layer for enterprises operating with human and AI agents.
Shannon Lawson – Chief Information Security Officer at The City of San Antonio
The City of San Antonio has appointed Shannon Lawson as its new Chief Information Security Officer and Director of the Alamo Regional Security Operations Center, bringing more than 20 years of cybersecurity leadership across federal, state, municipal, and private-sector roles. Lawson previously served as CISO at Redapt Inc., Assistant CIO and CISO for the City of Phoenix, and CISO/CTO for the State of Alaska. In his new role, he will collaborate with regional partners to strengthen shared cyber resilience.
Rajendra Umadas – Chief Information Security Officer at RAD Security
RAD Security has named Rajendra “Raj” Umadas as its first Chief Information Security Officer to lead internal security, risk, and trust functions and shape AI-native product strategy. Umadas brings over a decade of experience scaling security programs at Spotify, Squarespace, Etsy, and ActBlue. Previously an advisor to RAD since 2022, he joins as the company accelerates growth following its Series A. His appointment strengthens RAD’s position in cloud and AI protection amid growing demand for scalable, intelligent security solutions.
Holly Drake – Chief Information Security Officer at University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida has appointed Holly Drake as its next Chief Information Security Officer, bringing a seasoned cybersecurity leader with extensive experience in public-sector and higher education environments. Drake joins UCF from the State of Ohio, where she served as Chief Information Security Officer, following several years at The Ohio State University leading privacy and cybersecurity governance. A recipient of NASCIO’s Thomas M. Jarrett Cybersecurity Leadership Award, she will oversee the protection of UCF’s data, research, and digital infrastructure as the university continues to strengthen its security and risk management practices.
Chris Castaldo – Chief Information Security Officer at Flock Safety
Flock Safety has named cybersecurity veteran Chris Castaldo as its Chief Information Security Officer, where he will lead the company’s security strategy as its safety technology platform continues to scale. Castaldo brings decades of experience building modern security programs in high-growth environments, along with a background in military and intelligence service, and will strengthen Flock’s approach to privacy, data integrity, and risk management as the company expands nationwide.
Gordon Groschl – Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at City of Hope
City of Hope has selected Gordon Groschl as Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer, where he will oversee corporate security, IT compliance, and data privacy for the Duarte, Calif.-based health system. Groschl joins City of Hope from Texas Children’s Hospital, where he served as Chief Information Security Officer and Director of Healthcare Technology Management.
Kara Schlageter – Chief Information Security Officer at Discovery Education
Discovery Education has tapped Kara Schlageter as its first Chief Information Security Officer, tasking her with leading the company’s information security, governance, and risk management strategy as it advances digital learning and AI-driven innovation. In the role, she will guide the development of secure-by-design products and strengthen data protection practices for educators and students. Schlageter brings more than 25 years of cybersecurity and enterprise risk leadership across highly regulated environments.
Robert Carvajal – Chief Information Security Officer at BayCare
Robert Carvajal has been named Chief Information Security Officer at BayCare, where he will oversee the health system’s cybersecurity strategy and support technology initiatives focused on patient safety and operational performance. Carvajal brings more than 20 years of information technology experience, including nearly two decades in cybersecurity leadership. He most recently served as Director of Information Services Security and Threat Management at BayCare, leading enterprise security operations, incident response, and threat intelligence while helping strengthen cybersecurity across the organization.
Jim Nagata – Chief Information Security Officer at Cherry Bekaert
Jim Nagata has joined Cherry Bekaert as Chief Information Security Officer, where he will lead the firm’s enterprise cybersecurity strategy, risk management, compliance, and incident response across its national and global operations. In the role, he partners with executive leadership to embed security into the firm’s digital transformation initiatives and strengthen client trust. Nagata most recently served as Senior Director of Cybersecurity and IT Operations at Armanino, where he led global security and infrastructure strategy supporting more than 3,000 employees.
David Overton – Vice President of IT and Chief Information Security Officer at Pathify
Pathify has appointed David Overton as Vice President of IT and Chief Information Security Officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity. Overton most recently served as CIO at Charleston Southern University, where he led enterprise IT operations, security strategy, and digital initiatives in a higher education environment. In his new role, he will oversee Pathify’s internal IT and security programs, with a focus on data protection, governance, and supporting the company’s expanding campus experience platform.
Eric Zielinski – Chief Information Security Officer at Jumpmind
Jumpmind has added Eric Zielinski as Chief Information Security Officer. Zielinski brings extensive experience in cybersecurity and cloud operations, having held senior security and technology leadership roles at organizations including Nationwide, Veeva Systems, and The Options Clearing Corporation. In his role, he will oversee Jumpmind’s security strategy and information systems as the company continues to scale its retail technology platform.
Brian Blakley – Chief Information Security Officer at Bellini Capital and ConnectSecure
Bellini Capital has named Brian Blakley as its Chief Information Security Officer, where he will help advance the firm’s mission to strengthen U.S. cyber readiness and develop a more robust cybersecurity workforce. He will also serve as CISO for ConnectSecure, shaping its security strategy and helping MSPs deliver stronger protection for small businesses. With more than 20 years of cybersecurity leadership, Blakley will focus on elevating resilience, advancing innovation, and closing critical talent and capability gaps across the cybersecurity landscape.
Chad Spears – Chief Information Security Officer at InfusionPoints
InfusionPoints has promoted Chad Spears to Chief Information Security Officer, placing him in charge of the company’s enterprise security strategy, innovation, and risk management as it expands its cybersecurity services. Spears previously served as Director of Security Operations at InfusionPoints, where he helped grow and mature the company’s security operations capabilities and strengthen threat detection and response for its clients.
Curtis Rebelein – Chief Information Security Officer at DCM Services
DCM Services has named Curtis Rebelein as Chief Information Security Officer, bringing nearly 30 years of IT and cybersecurity experience to the estate and specialty account recovery firm. Rebelein previously served as CISO for the Metropolitan Airports Commission and held senior security roles at Provation Medical, UnitedHealth Group, Target, and Medtronic. At DCM Services, Rebelein will lead security strategy, compliance, and risk management initiatives.
Suzie Brown – Chief Information Security Officer at Hospitality Solutions
Hospitality Solutions has appointed Suzie Brown as Chief Information Security Officer. Brown brings a strong background in cybersecurity and software engineering, having most recently led cybersecurity efforts for the company and previously held senior security roles at Sabre Corporation. In her new role, she will oversee the organization’s security strategy, risk management, and compliance as Hospitality Solutions continues to strengthen secure innovation across its platforms.
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