Topic: CISO Leadership Essentials: Driving Cybersecurity as a Business Enabler
Abstract: In the current threat landscape, the role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has evolved far beyond technical oversight. Modern CISOs are required to be strategic leaders capable of aligning cybersecurity initiatives with broader business goals. This webinar explores the roles of CISOs in effectively integrating governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), audit management, and financial planning into their leadership approach. It will cover CISOs’ core competencies, skills, and career approaches to impactful leadership. Attendees will also gain insights into what empowers CISOs to bridge the gap between security and strategy, and drive business value while safeguarding digital assets.
Key Takeaways:
- Importance of CISOs
- Types of CISOs today: vCISO, Fractional, Field, and more
- Operational vs. advisory roles
- Work scope and core competencies
- Cybersecurity strategic execution
Speaker:
Bennie Cleveland, AVP, Cyber Incident Management
Bio: Bennie Cleveland is a seasoned cybersecurity executive, auditor, and enterprise risk strategist with more than 20 years of experience leading security, compliance, and incident response programs across industries including financial services, healthcare, life sciences, SaaS, higher education, and government.
In his current role as AVP of Cyber Incident Management – Response & Resolution, he directs enterprise-wide incident response and remediation, ensuring swift containment, resilient recovery, and clear communication to executive leadership. Previously, Bennie served as a vCISO, auditor, and senior advisor, helping organizations achieve readiness for HIPAA, NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2, HITRUST, and GDPR compliance frameworks.
He holds a portfolio of credentials—CCISO, CISM, CISA, CRISC, PMP, EDRP, AAIA, and AIGP—that reflect his breadth across governance, risk, incident response, and emerging AI audit practices. Known for translating technical risks into business impact, Bennie has advanced security maturity and organizational resilience at scale.
His driving mission is to help organizations see cybersecurity not merely as a regulatory necessity but as a strategic advantage that supports innovation and business growth.
