Founded nearly four decades ago, the ISACA Atlanta Chapter has evolved significantly over the years while steadfastly adhering to its mission of serving its members, partners, and communities. With nearly 3,000 members across the state, this mission has only gained importance, prompting the current board to innovate and reinforce the chapter’s legacy of service.
Embracing Change and Innovation
ISACA Atlanta has consistently sought new approaches to enhance its offerings and meet the evolving needs of its members. A prime example is Geek Week, a flagship conference that has been running for 17 years and attracts attendees from across the Southeast. By continuously updating and improving the event, the chapter ensures it remains relevant and valuable to its participants.
“Embracing innovations as a cultural mindset empowers our chapter to envision and execute novel strategies that enrich the experience of our members and cultivate an enduring impact on the community we serve,” says Brian Albertson, ISACA Atlanta President.
Innovation can manifest in many ways. For ISACA Atlanta, it has meant building processes, events, and opportunities that will last for generations. This year, the chapter’s Treasurer, Mukesh Aurora, has helped the chapter adopt safer, longer-term investment strategies to ensure long-term sustainability. This forward-thinking approach allows ISACA Atlanta to invest in the future while staying true to its core values. The chapter “continues to support chapter activities by investing in long-term ‘no risk to principal’ good returns investments.”
Thematic Commitment: 2024 and Beyond
The 2024 theme, “The Human Element,” exemplifies ISACA Atlanta’s commitment to its members, focusing on the development and maintenance of sustainable skills that are highly valued by employers. This theme aims to position individuals where human capital is required for the long term, connect people on their professional journeys, and continuously develop soft skills around communication, connection, and creativity. Moreover, it seeks to cultivate emerging skills that meet the current demand in the industry.
Looking ahead to 2025, the theme “BE” (Building Engagement) emphasizes deeper connections and meaningful engagement based on individual interests and passions. This theme is focused on moving from mere attendance and networking to connection and service, ensuring that member engagement is built through consistent and predictable communication and events. By enhancing educational offerings and expanding support services, ISACA Atlanta aims to provide more ways for current and future members to engage, ultimately increasing opportunities to serve individuals in all walks of life.
Commitment to Education and Community
Throughout the year, ISACA Atlanta hosts a variety of events that embody its mission and annual themes. In 2024 alone, the chapter will have hosted 20 webinars, two multi-day specialized conferences with over 500 attendees, and quarterly networking events. These activities are designed to bring members together to share their passion for governance, risk management, compliance, and privacy (GRC-P). The goal is to provide opportunities for professional development, foster community connections, and give back through partnerships with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta.
The chapter is also dedicated to investing in the next generation, which is evident through the efforts of the membership committee, which distributed $7,750 in student scholarships in 2023 and allocated $10,000 toward scholarships in 2024. Another significant upcoming event is the ISACA Chapter Leadership Summit hosted by the Atlanta Chapter. This summit will bring together ISACA chapter leaders from multiple countries and across the U.S. to learn from one another and build chapters for longevity.
“Volunteering with ISACA Atlanta isn’t just about giving back; it’s about growing together, building meaningful connections, and making a tangible impact on our industry,” says Ricia Washington, ISACA Atlanta Corporate Secretary.
The collaborative spirit of ISACA Atlanta extends beyond its own chapter. “Awesome collaboration with other chapters!” exclaims Mehmet Cuneyt, President of ISACA South Florida, reflecting on the productive partnerships fostered by ISACA Atlanta.
Looking Forward
As ISACA Atlanta looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of service and innovation. By embracing change and continuously seeking new ways to support its members and community, the chapter stands as a beacon of leadership and excellence in the field of information security and governance.
In summary, ISACA Atlanta’s dedication to innovation, education, and community engagement sets it apart as a leading chapter within the ISACA network. Through initiatives like “The Human Element” and “BE,” the chapter not only responds to the current needs of its members but also prepares them for future challenges, ensuring sustained growth and success in the ever-evolving field of information security.
