Professional Bio

Amy is an active and successful board member with a proven record of governance, stakeholder engagement, and succession planning. She has led cross‑functional boards to improve program quality, strengthen financial responsibility, and expand member value. 

Amy delivers results in security as a global banking executive leader achieving instrumental improvements in Cybersecurity, Cloud, AI, Identity and Access Management, and Vendor Risk. Amy is a popular keynote pan panelist who also participates as a Board Member on several National Conference and Event Companies including SecureWorld, CyberRisk Alliance Summits, Mindfluence, and others. Amy believes in the power of community and is consistently connecting and networking in the North Texas Market and creating alignments beyond.

Amy spent years coaching and volunteering in youth sports, anti-cyber bullying, anti-human trafficking, anti-slavery, and anti-terrorism efforts and contributes to several non-profit, and intelligence committees and associations. Amy also periodically serves on the board of advisors for several market leading security solution providers and security collaboration venues. Amy has provided keynotes and presentations in most major conferences over the past several years and has a broad network of industry speakers and leaders to invite to our upcoming conferences and events in North Texas. Amy also proudly has served in venues to work with Venture Capital firms as well as start-up's and she enjoys the entire ecosystem of security. 

Amy's Career highlights include:

• 25+ Year Banking and Financial Services Technology Executive

• Global Transformations in Cyber, Third Party, IAM, Cloud, AI, Risk

• Next-generation agentic strategy Post Quantum scalable solutions

• An accomplished security advisory and non-profit Board member 

• Visionary Strategic leadership in a Complex and Evolving Threat and Intelligence Landscape

Amy's board experience includes developing strategic plans, guiding budgets and major expenditures with fiscal discipline, and developing key partnerships that for member and chapter depth and to also create growth opportunities for our members. In my role as the President of North Texas ISSA over the past several quarters I've developed partnerships and presence with several large-scale conferences and boutique events. 

Overview of Qualifications

My board experience includes developing strategic plans, guiding budgets and major expenditures with fiscal discipline, and developing key partnerships that for member and chapter depth and to also create growth opportunities for our members. 

I am a proven board leader, board member, and contribute to support both the board and the members. I create vision, solutions, opportunities to interact and consider possibilities all to facilitate success. I enable, empower and support and do not micromanage. I will step up, step in and serve in any capacity needed and also recruit appropriate members from my network and also support board appointments.

I am very passionate about security, cybersecurity, innovation, technology, and people- I am an active member of many CISO, and similar communities. I am also friends with many of the founders and am well connected to create synergy between memberships and foster growth and value with our affiliations. I have been doing this in 2025 and we have seen early successes and requests for fusion events I plan to carry forward.

In my role as the President of North Texas ISSA over the past several quarters I've developed partnerships and presence with several large-scale conferences and boutique events. I have recommended several additions to the board including Royce, Justin and many individuals that have engaged and would like to also rejoin the board or have joined as members. 

Getting integrated into ISSA, the team and programs has been a wonderful experience. I look forward to continuing to serve and lead our chapter to growth and high member value as well as recruit members to enhance our programs and offerings.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

NTX ISSA is ready to grow, gain members, increase university and corporate relationships and expand offerings. Why? We are market leaders, I will set our vision and we will meet the high demand of our vibrant and sprawling security North Texas community - the greatest ever. I will retire here :) Our programs will continue to level up. We will attract more interest through enhancing our outbound campaigns and tools. I'm prepared to lead us to a next level experience for members and our board! 

In my role as the President of North Texas ISSA over the past several quarters I've developed partnerships and presence with several large-scale conferences and boutique events. I have recommended several additions to the board including Royce, Justin and many individuals that have engaged and would like to also rejoin the board or have joined as members. 

In the first few months and mid-year- the board got together a few times at my request and reviewed programs, opportunities and had some big room planning. I have met and spent time with one or more board member frequently for additional planning, transitions, socially, and greatly enjoy our board. We have several programs that are solid and performing and look to expand to more in the next year. 

NTX ISSA is in a prime location to broader offerings, modernize, bring in new programs and memberships as well as continue to build on our outstanding programs and people.

Security is at an all-time high as an important focus - now due to artificial intelligence. I also want to bring my network and experience, as well as expertise to the North Texas Market. I look forward to collaborating on our conference, new event series, existing programs and move my focus to more in-depth engagement and collaboration with all of our Directors and Volunteers.

I will continue to have a market presence and connect leaders in the marketplace to our leadership team and board of directors to create the best offerings and networking opportunities for all levels of information security community. 

North Texas feels like my community, I am a 5th generation Texan and have a strong tie to many of our amazing North Texas communities. NTX ISSA is ready to go next level in the dynamic and vibrant thriving marketplace we have in North Texas. I'm ready to lead us there!

I know so many of us do love this community- even if we are new here! I will harness and foster that to enhance our membership, I do also have high familiarity with non-profit organizations and look forward to being a valuable leader that delivers strong and secure growth pathways, fund raising opportunities and bring top speakers from and into our market to our members and develop more resources for our community to promote security knowledge. 

My experience, together with our strong and talented leaders, will ensure we maintain a presence in community in many ways, places and times to connect out members, solution partners and board to secure our information systems, digital world and communities. Mission is member value in tools, solutions, information, networking, creating high quality friendships and industry connections. NTXISSA is the best community to be a part of.

Professional Bio

With over 15 years of success leading IT transformations and solutions, Brendon is a recognized expert at improving Enterprise Security and IT Operations through creation of value-added controls, streamlining of infrastructure and processes, and improving operational and security insight using Visible Ops approaches. He has excelled at designing and implementing enterprise-wide technology solutions, infrastructure strategies, and cost-saving measures throughout his career. Throughout his tenures at VPay, Inc., Heartland Payment Systems, Inc., Optum Financial, and now ConnexPay, he has demonstrated a talent for launching programs from the ground up and leading teams, budgets, and financial controls to deliver enterprise value across IT.

In his current role as CISO at ConnexPay, Brendon is helping to lead a data-centric, Defense in Depth approach to Security in an AI and cloud-first environment, allowing the company to safely scale and win in the market.

Brendon also currently serves as the Vice President of NTXISSA, assisting the President and the Board with developing and executing the annual program as well as chairing the current 2025 board election.

Overview of Qualifications

I have lead many teams throughout my professional career, as well as have served as a leader in the Scouting America (BSA) program for many years.  I have a demonstrated ability to build and grow successful teams and work across diverse constituent groups to deliver results.

Though I have only been involved with the NXTISSA Board for a year, I feel I have developed an excellent reputation for working with the rest of the Board to support them in any facility that is needed.  I believe in leading with a steady hand, being present as a resource for the Board, building consensus, and collaborating across the leadership group.  You truly cannot execute on a strategic vision without buy-in and everyone rowing in the same direction.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

I have full confidence in the ability of the NTXISSA Board and our volunteers to continuously improve our offerings for our membership community, our sponsors, and our partners.  We are one of the largest, most successful ISSA chapters for a reason!  As President, I would work with the Board and anyone who steps up to contribute to the success of our chapter to make incremental improvements to our offerings.  I joined NTXISSA to give back to the Cybersecurity profession and this community which has given me so much.  I hope my time serving in NTXISSA has helped repay this kindness is some small way, and if I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will continue to serve this community with humility and with the spirit for helping indiviuals level up in Cybersecurity when I joined.  I am a big believer in building a great team, letting them lead (i.e. get out of their way) and being present as a Sr. leader to help them succeed.  I am here to help, not to tell people what to do and how to do it.  We are a volunteer organization, and should have respect for the people who volunteer their time to serve this community (while providing mentorship and guidance as appropriate).

My platform has three main components: setting clear annual goals for fundraising and scholarship grants, augmenting our regular North Dallas to Plano activities with quarterly events throughout the DFW metroplex to serve some of the lesser represented areas of our population, and strengthening our Byaws with respect to financial reporting, Board member duty fulfillment, and vacancies / interim role coverage.

I am truly looking forward to the continued opportunity to serve our North Texas cybersecurity community if I am elected.

Professional Bio

Prior to joining the Information Security team at State Farm, Alena was a university professor and a researcher in the field of agribusiness. During her 10-year career at State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, she has worked as a governance, risk and compliance analyst, helped build internal training programs for cybersecurity professionals, and is currently working on maturing cyber threat intelligence capability within State Farm's Cybersecurity Defense Center. Alena is passionate about developing people, she is a life-long learner and a dedicated mentor to the new generation of cybersecurity leaders. In addition to her full-time job as a threat intelligence analyst, she is an adjunct professor of cybersecurity at Collin College and for over 7 years she has been serving as a Student Subchapters Director on NTX ISSA Board.

Overview of Qualifications

It is with deep commitment to the cybersecurity community and the mission of ISSA that I submit my candidacy for Vice President of the North Texas ISSA Chapter. With more than a decade of experience in cyber threat intelligence, governance, and operational risk management across large financial institutions, I bring both strategic leadership and hands-on execution experience to support our chapter’s continued growth and excellence.

I am passionate about developing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. As an Adjunct Professor of Cybersecurity at Collin College, I teach OSINT, Security Analysis, and Information Security Fundamentals—bridging academic concepts with real-world practices. In my current capacity as NTX ISSA Board Member and College Sub-Chapter Director, I’ve spent the last several years building strong connections between academia and industry, expanding our chapter’s student outreach, and organizing professional development events to promote workforce readiness and continuous learning.

My professional credentials—CRISC, GCTI, GSEC, GSLC, and MCTIA—reflect my commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. I also serve on multiple FS-ISAC committees and working groups, including the Threat Intelligence Committee, and as the Founder and Lead of the FS-ISAC Malware Analysis Working Group, which underscores my dedication to collaborative intelligence sharing and advancing our profession.

I believe in leading with purpose, transparency, and service. Together, we can continue making the North Texas ISSA Chapter a model of cybersecurity excellence, education, and engagement nationwide.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

If elected Vice President, my focus will be on:

• Strengthening collaboration between ISSA members, students, and community partners;

• Enhancing chapter programms to address emerging threats and leadership development;

• Supporting the Board in driving strategic initiatives that align with ISSA’s mission and our community’s needs.

Professional Bio

Jacen Kohler is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at Southern Methodist University while helping run technology risk exceptions at a highly regulated international financial firm. Previously he built out an Attack Surface Management program at a large critical infrastructure manufacturer. Prior to his current role, he consulted various F100 companies on matters of strategy, communication, and consumer privacy as a member of a big four consulting firm. Jacen started his cyber and information security career at a large investment bank where he ran their global social engineering program, SAST, application allow listing, and supervising approvals of all new applications with data leaving the banks network immediately following his graduation from UNT with his BS in Computer Engineering and Certificate in Cybersecurity from the NSA and led a capstone senior design team doing research for NASA to develop an IP addressing scheme for high ping networks of spacecraft. When not at work, Jacen enjoys spending time with his dog, 3D printing, and running the Red Team for the Southwest region of the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.

Overview of Qualifications

• Volunteering with NTXISSA since 2016

• Board member for NTXISS for 2yrs

• Executive MBA from SMU (expected May 2026)

• Over a decade experience in Information/Cyber Security

Candidate's Focus if Elected

• Publish accounting report for FY2025 within first 30days of 2026

• Establish annual financial reporting and publication to chapter membership

• Establish formal quarterly financial reports to the Board of Directors

• Establish monthly updates to the board for financial standing

• Re-Evaluate current banking strategy

• Find opportunities for automation

Professional Bio

Joe Garza is a finance and cybersecurity professional with a diverse background spanning banking, consumer packaged goods, waste management, information technology, and entrepreneurial leadership in the food industry. He blends business insight with technical fluency across enterprise data, financial planning, and secure operations. A recent graduate of the University of Dallas with a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Intelligence, Joe is committed to driving innovation and staying ahead of industry trends in both strategic and technical domains.

As an enthusiastic entrepreneur and dedicated business leader, Joe is known for empowering teams, fostering positive work cultures, and delivering results through strategic vision and effective decision-making. His leadership philosophy centers on team well-being, continuous improvement, and community impact, which is reflected in his sustainability initiatives and social responsibility efforts. With hands-on expertise in Python, SQL, cloud platforms, and cybersecurity frameworks, he brings a unique blend of financial stewardship and technical depth to every role.

Whether optimizing operations, guiding secure infrastructure, or mentoring future leaders, Joe is focused on creating lasting value and building a legacy that inspires others.

Overview of Qualifications

Joe Garza is a seasoned finance and cybersecurity professional with a strong record of success in strategic planning, risk management, and operational leadership. His background spans banking, consumer packaged goods, waste management, information technology, and entrepreneurial ventures in the food industry. He has led multimillion-dollar budgets, built scalable financial models, and implemented secure data workflows across diverse organizations.

Joe recently earned his Master of Science in Cybersecurity Intelligence from the University of Dallas and remains deeply engaged in the North Texas security community. His leadership style emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement, qualities well-suited to the Treasurer role. With a unique blend of financial stewardship and technical expertise, Joe is committed to supporting NTXISSA’s mission and ensuring sound financial governance for the chapter.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

Joe Garza’s focus as NTXISSA Treasurer will center on financial transparency, operational efficiency, and strategic stewardship. Drawing on his background in finance, cybersecurity, and cross-functional leadership, he aims to ensure that chapter resources are managed with integrity and aligned to long-term goals. Joe will prioritize clear reporting, streamlined budgeting, and proactive planning to support chapter growth and member engagement.

With experience building financial systems across industries and leading secure operations, Joe is well-equipped to maintain compliance, optimize processes, and collaborate with board members to advance NTXISSA’s mission. His commitment to continuous improvement and community impact will guide his approach to fiscal responsibility and chapter sustainability.

Professional Bio

Long time member of NTX chapter of ISSA. I have been involved on the board for several years in several different capacities. Looking forward to continuing my support of the organization and helping the group give back to our wonderful local community!

Overview of Qualifications

Previously held Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer positions with NTXISSA

Candidate's Focus if Elected

Improving financial performance reporting and monitoring to drive improved community contributions and support (i.e. donations)

Professional Bio

With over 20 years of experience in IT Operations, Security and GRC, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance protocols across various industries.

My professional experience includes:

• Implementing and managing compliance programs that successfully navigated complex regulatory environments

• Leading cross-functional teams to ensure organizational adherence to industry standards and regulations

• Developing and conducting training programs to foster a culture of compliance

• Performing risk assessments and creating mitigation strategies to protect organizational interests

• Maintaining relationships with regulatory bodies and representing companies during audits and examinations

Overview of Qualifications

I have been a member of the North Texas ISSA since 2020 and I have served as a NTX ISSA Board member for the last 3 years. I believe in the mission of the organization and I look forward to serving another term.

Candidate's Focus if Elected

Accuracy and timely recording of board agenda and meeting minutes.