What are your responsibilities and contributions as president of ISACA?
I currently serve on the board of the Denver Chapter of ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association). For the past two years, I have held the role of president and I am now up for re-election for a third and final term. Prior to this, I have served as VP of education, treasurer and secretary. ISACA is a global professional organization dedicated to advancing IT security, audit, risk management and governance. It also administers industry certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Security Manger (CISM). The Denver Chapter is an active and engaged community with over 1400 members. Our chapter regularly hosts educational and networking events. We also co-host the annual Rocky Information Security Conference. Additionally, we are committed to community outreach, organizing visits to local universities and libraries to inspire future professionals and offer IT security awareness and education.
What motivates you in serving in this role and how do you find it fulfilling and important for your professional development?
I have had a profoundly rewarding experience with ISACA Denver which is why I’ve stayed active on the board for so many years. After transitioning out of industry and into academia, it is critical for me to stay current on what IT audit and security professionals need to know. ISACA Denver has provided an excellent means for me to build a network here in Denver and bring the most current industry trends into the classroom. I teach an elective course on IT Auditing for accounting students. I have been able to tap into my ISACA connections to improve my classroom cases and utilize guest speakers in their areas of expertise. The capstone project of the course requires students to execute a simulated audit of IT controls and cybersecurity readiness. ISACA professionals and alumni play a vital role in this project, serving as guest “client” members for final presentations. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to engage with the business community through this organization.