Marina Kelly, Raleigh's Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), has once again made the industry sit up and take notice by securing her place in the CISOs Connect 2025 CISOs Top Accelerated 100 CISOs (A100), marking her second consecutive year of such recognition. This accolade acknowledges those in the cybersecurity arena who have shown leadership, innovation, and a sense of community in the face of ramping cyber threats. According to an announcement by the City of Raleigh, Kelly is one of only two municipal CISOs honored in this year's list.
"Tackling the cybersecurity challenges of a large, fast-growing city like Raleigh can often feel herculean," Kelly said, recognizing the efforts of other city CISOs, in a statement shared by the City of Raleigh. She attributes her success to her team, describing them as "relentless defenders of the City’s data, services, employees and residents." Candidates for the A100 award are recognized for their ability not merely to navigate cybersecurity complexities, but also align initiatives with business strategies and enrich the professional community through mentorship and volunteerism.
The award highlights rising stars in the industry who have held their roles for less than five years but display commendable potential for future leadership. The A100 seeks to shine a spotlight on diverse leaders following the footsteps of the C100 awards, championing integrity and excellence. In choosing the recipients, a board of veteran CISOs led a transparent and merit-based selection process.
“Across departments, employees take cybersecurity seriously and consistently step up as champions of our mission," said Kelly, praising her colleagues. The City of Raleigh's announcement attributes the organization's success to its inclusive approach to cybersecurity and credits the executive leadership's "unwavering support." Kelly adds, “This A100 award is not just a recognition of one team, it’s a testament to the entire organization’s commitment to protecting what matters most. I share this honor with every one of them.”
CISOs Connect stands as an exclusive network catered to senior cybersecurity professionals and industry experts, fostering a collaborative and research-oriented environment. It's designed by CISOs for CISOs, offering a space for them to exchange insights and foster professional growth within a trusted, non-commercial setting.
