ISSA International President Jimmy Sanders

ISSA International Celebrates 40 Years of Leadership in Cybersecurity

On behalf of ISSA International, I want to share our deepest gratitude and warmest wishes for Deborah Peinert and Stefano Zanero. Deborah has served as a Chapter Leader, ISSA International Board Member, and most recently as Vice President of ISSA International. She has been instrumental in bringing people together, leading countless initiatives, and most recently contributing her time and energy to the ISSA 40th Anniversary planning committee. Stefano has been a true pillar of the security community and a devoted member of our board for more than 15 years. Although they will no longer serve in official roles, their commitment to ISSA International remains, and we know they will continue to be part of our community. Their insight, passion, and enthusiasm will be missed, but their impact remains.

On the weekend of September 5, 2025, ISSA International marked a milestone, celebrating its 40th Anniversary with members, leaders, and guests in North Texas. The event was a true reflection of the organization’s history, community, and impact on the security profession.

A special thanks goes to the North Texas ISSA Chapter, Chapter President Amy Chaney, and the dedicated 40th Anniversary planning committee, including Scott Friedman and Brendon McCaulley, whose hard work made the celebration possible. Their efforts created a memorable day filled with laughter, fun, and recognition of the past four decades of ISSA’s influence.

The program featured a series of exceptional speakers who set the tone for the day. The events began on Thursday with the Executive Forum, where the keynote address was delivered by Josh Peltz. Following the Executive Forum and the Resilience Seminar, guests, speakers, and ISSA members mingled at the Welcome Reception.

Conference day began with inspiring words from Sandy Lambert, the founder of ISSA International. This was followed by a rousing morning keynote panel with Jerich Beason, Mary Ajayi, Dutch Schwarz, and AJ Yawn. In the afternoon, Jim Reavis, President of the Cloud Security Alliance, closed the program with a keynote that highlighted the future of cloud security and innovation in the industry.

What made the event particularly meaningful was the energy and diversity of the attendees. The room included seasoned ISSA members, industry leaders, newcomers to technology, and students eager to learn. This mix of perspectives fostered engaging conversations and reinforced ISSA’s mission to bring the security community together.

The Gala was the culmination of the weekend’s celebration, recognizing outstanding chapters, groups, and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the security community. Awards were presented to leaders who have dedicated their time and expertise to mentoring, education, innovation, and building stronger connections across the profession. These honors highlighted the collaborative spirit that has defined ISSA since its founding and showcased the impact of members working together to advance cybersecurity worldwide.

The 40th Anniversary was more than a milestone; it was a living tribute to ISSA’s legacy and a reminder of the work yet to be done. The event celebrated not only the achievements of the past four decades but also the ongoing growth of a vibrant and diverse community. As the security landscape continues to evolve, ISSA remains committed to its mission of advancing cybersecurity knowledge, strengthening leadership, and fostering a space where professionals of all backgrounds can learn, contribute, and thrive.

Thank you to all the 40th Anniversary Planning Committee members, including Anne Rogers and her terrific team who worked behind the scenes to deliver a great event for our members and peers.

Jimmy Sanders, President
ISSA International Board of Directors