Additional Info

Company or organizationNiSource
Company size5,000 - 9,999 employees
CountryUnited States
World regionNorth America
Websitehttps://www.nisource.com/

Nomination Highlights

Carla Donev, as the Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at NiSource, leads security operations for one of the country’s largest utilities, delivering gas and electricity to millions across six states. She is deeply committed to safeguarding critical infrastructure, ensuring NiSource’s customers receive the safe, reliable energy they deserve. Carla adopts a proactive stance on cybersecurity, emphasizing the construction of resilient operations to sustain trust amidst the evolving threat landscape.

A pivotal force in founding NiSource’s Security Operations Center, Carla’s efforts have significantly bolstered the company’s cyber defenses. Acclaimed as one of the premier CISOs in the energy sector, her innovative strategies and exceptional leadership have garnered numerous accolades, solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in cybersecurity. Renowned for her talent and innovative approaches, Carla consistently sets the standard for excellence in the industry.

Accomplishments

Innovative Security Solutions:
Carla spearheaded the integration of IT and OT cybersecurity operations at NiSource, establishing a gold standard for pipeline security. Her introduction of advanced cybersecurity technologies and development of proactive threat detection capabilities have transitioned NiSource’s cybersecurity operation from reactive to proactive, leading to the formation of a dedicated team.


Leadership in Cybersecurity Operations:
As a calm and focused leader, Carla has consistently elevated the company’s cybersecurity posture by enabling the development of advanced cybersecurity capabilities and eliminating potential cybersecurity threats to maintain organizational trust.


Awards and Achievements:
Recognized as one of the top Global CISOs in 2023 and named to the Top 100 Women in Cybersecurity by Cyber Defense Magazine, Carla Donev has solidified her status as a leading figure in cybersecurity through her innovative strategies, exceptional leadership, and significant contributions to the cybersecurity community.


About this category: Chief Information Security Officer of the Year (CISO)

The Cybersecurity Excellence Awards recognize chief information security officers who led their organization’s security program to measurable results. The award covers CISOs and equivalent top security executives at any kind of organization, from enterprises and public bodies to security vendors and service providers.

An independent jury of security practitioners, analysts and CISOs scores each nomination on leadership, innovation and impact. Each nomination competes in its category against peers in a similar setting and region. Entry packages, sponsorship and public votes do not affect the jury's scores.

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Carla Donev, 2024 Gold Award winner, Chief Information Security Officer of the Year (CISO) — Cybersecurity Excellence Awards
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Community Choice voting for the 2024 season closed on July 10, 2024.

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2027 award season

  1. Nominations closeFebruary 27, 2027
  2. Jury winners announcedWeek of March 22
  3. Community Choice voting closesJuly 10, 2027

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Community Choice is a separate award track from the jury-selected Cybersecurity Excellence Awards. Jury winners are chosen by expert judges, while Community Choice winners are determined by public voting. A nominee may be honored by the jury, the community, or both.