Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Hey Fellow

I was recently honored and humbled to be notified of my acceptance and appointment as an ISSA Fellow.  

The ISSA rewards a small number of members each year with the Fellow designation - the ISSA Fellow is someone who has at least 8 years of ISSA Membership with 3 of those years spent as leaders - Board members, officers or President.  An ISSA Fellow has also demonstrated at least 5 years of noteworthy performance as an Information Security professional.

Of the 137 international chapters and over 10,000 members worldwide, ISSA Fellows number about 35 - less than 1% of the member population.  

As an ISSA Fellow, I would like to continue to participate, not only at the local level, but nationally and internationally, with the ISSA.  As a Fellow I plan on further facilitating educational and networking opportunities for Information Security professionals through the ISSA, ISACA, Infragard, OWASP and other related organizations and activities.

The ISSA is a fantastic organization for Information Security professionals and the companies they serve.  This organization provides direct support for local chapters - the chapters are the key.  When you join an ISSA chapter, you will likely be able to attend planned meetings, where interesting and informative speakers provide an educational presentation.  You may also be able to attend conferences, like the ISSA Kentuckiana Chapter's annual "Louisville Metro InfoSec Conference".  The chapters facilitate educational and networking opportunities for their members.  

I can tell you, from over 8 years as a member of the ISSA, that my career would not be what it is today, without my membership AND participation in my chapter.  I have met so many amazing people, learned a great deal, and have been exposed to many opportunities - both job opportunities and leadership opportunities.  If you are able and willing, you will have the opportunity to shine by volunteering with your local ISSA Chapter.  I wholeheartedly recommend it.

So as a newly minted ISSA Fellow, let me stand up and cheer for the ISSA - it's one of the best investments and activities you can make in yourself and your career.

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