ISACA Awards Highlight Cybersecurity, Governance Leaders
Event summary
- ISACA is recognizing six technology professionals and chapters with its 2026 Global Achievement Awards and Hall of Fame induction.
- Mercy Omollo (ISUZU East Africa) received the ISACA Technology for Humanity Award for bridging cybersecurity access and promoting tech education.
- Pongpisit Wuttidittachotti (Thailand) won the ISACA Educational Excellence Award for contributions to GRC and cybersecurity education.
- Sushila Nair (Cybernetic, LLC) received the ISACA Inspirational Leadership Award for contributions to cybersecurity advancement and chapter development.
- Voting for the ISACA Eugene Frank Founders Award, the highest recognition for an ISACA member, is open until February 15, 2026.
The big picture
ISACA's awards program serves as a bellwether for the evolving priorities within the IT audit, risk, governance, privacy, and cybersecurity fields. The recognition of individuals and chapters underscores the growing importance of these disciplines in a rapidly changing digital landscape, particularly as organizations grapple with increased cyber threats and regulatory pressures. The emphasis on education and leadership suggests a strategic shift towards building a more resilient and knowledgeable workforce.
What we're watching
- Regional Focus
- The awards highlight a growing emphasis on cybersecurity and governance in emerging markets like Kenya and Thailand, suggesting increased investment and regulatory scrutiny in those regions.
- Volunteer Engagement
- The recognition of chapter leadership and volunteer efforts indicates the importance of community building and peer-to-peer learning within the cybersecurity and governance professional landscape.
- Skills Gap
- The focus on educational excellence and leadership underscores the ongoing need to address the cybersecurity skills gap and cultivate the next generation of professionals.
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