Information Security Executive (ISE) of the Year Award

With a legacy spanning over two decades, the ISE® Awards have set the standard for recognizing and advancing excellence in cybersecurity leadership.

The Information Security Executive® (ISE®) of the Year Summit & Awards are highly-anticipated information security and cybersecurity award programs for security executives and their project teams. Winners have included executives and project teams from leading organizations such as Aflac, AmerisourceBergen, Baxter International, Comcast, Cox Communications, Darden Restaurants, Emory University, Georgia Department of Revenue, Mastercard, Morningstar Inc, PACCAR, Purdue University, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Relativity, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Skechers USA, T-Mobile and Woodforest National Bank.

The distinguished ISE® Judges are past winners and finalists representing a cross section of industries including academic, commercial, financial, government and health care. For this reason, the ISE® Awards represent the best achievements of the year as evaluated by some of the industry’s most influential and successful thought leaders. The ISE® Awards Program Series has reached more than 50,000 executives across a broad range of industries and has been a major influence in executives’ careers, knowledge sharing, and the development of peer-to-peer relationships.

Award Categories

Executive Category

Honors exemplary achievement and excellence in the management of enterprise-wide internet and network security over the last twelve months. This most sought-after accolade is presented to a chief security officer or executive in an equivalent position who has made the greatest positive impact on their organization. The nominees’ submissions are evaluated on breadth of responsibilities, leadership, innovation, technology partnerships and vision.

Project Category

Focuses on information security projects completed in the past 18-24 months. These projects and their teams are recognized for having a significant impact to an organization’s risk management or information security posture. This award brings to light the team behind the work. The project submissions are evaluated on their scope, goals, execution, and results.

People’s Choice Award

Selected by the security industry at-large, this award recognizes the executive nominee, who best exemplifies the attributes of a leader in the security industry. Security practitioners who can provide a valid business email and security-related title are invited to submit their votes online. One vote per person. Ballots are tabulated by ISE Connects and the winner is announced during the ISE Awards Gala.

Nominees submitted for the ISE Executive of the Year Award are automatically eligible for the ISE® People’s Choice Award, which is voted on by the information security community at large. Vendors that provide information security products or services are not eligible to participate as a nominee.

What to expect at the ISE Summit & Awards

Private Welcome Dinner

An exclusive dinner is held for attending executives the evening before the ISE Summit and Awards.

ISE VIP Continental Breakfast and Signature Luncheon

Kick off the day by connecting sponsors, nominees, and executive attendees in a relaxed morning atmosphere over coffee and light breakfast items. The invitation only signature luncheon is a seated lunch with discussions led by a VIP host.

Keynote Address

Presented by a notable, top-tier security executive, the Keynote Address launches the Summit with an insightful presentation regarding a variety of topics: top security challenges, team planning, technology implementation, forward-thinking career strategies, and much more.

Tabletop Conversations

Interactive roundtable conversations give you time to engage face-to-face with industry leaders and peers to explore the hot topics, share insights on solutions, and hear success stories from those who are solving similar challenges.

ISE Chats and Tech Talks

Leading security executives discuss their biggest challenges and explore the hottest trends and topics.

Nominee Showcases

Learn about the products and strategies used by nominees. Hand-picked by the judges, many of these showcase presentations are “tell-all” customer-focused case studies with added visibility into their solutions.

VIP Reception

Connect with VIP nominees and executive attendees in a relaxed atmosphere with premiere networking opportunities.

Sponsor Pavilion & Dinner Buffet

Sponsors take the spotlight with time to showcase their latest solutions as executives enjoy a gourmet dinner buffet. Participate in the popular Passport for Prizes for a chance to win one of many great prizes!

Awards Gala

Excitement builds as the spectacular ISE Awards Gala unfolds to recognize the nominees, finalists and winners of the Executive, Project and People’s Choice Award. Don’t miss the Passport for Prizes drawing for a chance to win outstanding gifts from our sponsors!

Champagne & Dessert Reception

Enjoy champagne and dessert while celebrating the winners, nominees and project teams.

ISE Programs