CISOs Connect Announces 2026 DC100 Winners
News related to:CISOs Connect · 2 min read
CISOs Connect, a global community advancing cybersecurity leadership, has announced the winners of the 2026 DC100, honoring 100 Deputy CISOs and second-in-command security executives. These professionals are recognized for their leadership that drives growth and transformation beyond the security organization, influencing critical business decisions.
The DC100 honors executives who bridge the gap between technology and business, ensuring that cybersecurity is not just about defending against threats but also about enabling the company to launch products, close deals, and adopt artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly. This year’s honorees are celebrated for their ability to connect their work with the priorities of the business, making cybersecurity a strategic asset.
Frank Aiello, Senior Vice President and CISO at Maximus and a judge for the DC100, emphasized that Deputy CISOs are no longer just supporting roles. They are now force multipliers, shaping strategy, driving transformation, and leading the adoption of AI.
David Cass, President of CISOs Connect, highlighted that the strongest Deputy CISOs today combine deep security expertise with business judgment.
The selection process for the DC100 is entirely merit-based. Nominees were evaluated on cross-functional and business leadership, strategic impact, scope of responsibility, innovation, mentoring, industry contributions, and readiness for broader executive leadership. The judges, including Frank Aiello, Johann Balaguer, Michael Calderin, Brett Conlon, Monique Hart, Kevin McKenzie, Sam Masiello, Margarita Rivera, Hussein Syed, and Erika Voss, chose honorees who are already operating beyond the traditional boundaries of security.
CISOs Connect’s CEO, Aimee Rhodes, congratulated the honorees, stating, "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."
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 years, together spanning the full progression of security leadership. The winners were selected by an independent board of cybersecurity executives, ensuring a fair and rigorous evaluation process.
The 2026 DC100 winners can be viewed on the CISOs Connect website, providing a comprehensive list of the honorees and their achievements.