Board of Directors

By organizational charter, CISO Ascent is governed by a ten-member Board of Directors, comprising only the most accomplished and forward-thinking security executives. New members must receive a two-thirds majority vote for appointment.

Board nominees undergo a multi-layer review of strategic impact, executive leadership, and industry contributions. Candidates must be sponsored by two current board members before entering the vetting process.

Board responsibilities:

  1. Adopt and steer CISO Ascent’s long-term vision, strategy, and governance.
  2. Oversee and ensure financial stewardship.
  3. Shape investment and community-impact strategy.
Meet the Board
Bryce Carter

Bryce Carter

Board Chair
CISO, Government

LinkedIn
Sandra McLeod

Sandra McLeod

Board Member
CISO, Zoom

LinkedIn
Heather Ceylan

Heather Ceylan

Board Member
CISO, Box

LinkedIn
Mignona Cote

Mignona Cote

Board Member
CISO, Infor

LinkedIn
Dotan Akiva

Dotan Akiva

Board Member
CIO & CISO, Certilman Balin

LinkedIn
Chris DeNoia

Chris DeNoia

Board Member
CISO, Author

LinkedIn
Nick Leghorn

Nick Leghorn

Board Member
CISO, Bluecore

LinkedIn
Mathew Konopinski

Mathew Konopinski

Board Member
CISO, Vestwell

LinkedIn
Manny Thinakaran

Manny Thinakaran

Board Member
Global Head of Security, Ingenio

LinkedIn