Volunteering with ISC2 as an elected member of the Board of Directors allows you to play a hands-on role in the organization’s evolution, supporting members and the cybersecurity profession globally.
The ISC2 Board of Directors is an integral part of the association, providing organizational governance and oversight, setting our strategic direction, providing guidance on major business decisions, managing risks and making decisions that impact the entire organization. Volunteering as a Director is a major undertaking that offers significant personal and professional rewards. Could it be the right role for you?
What’s it Like to Serve on the Board of Directors?
The Board comprises ISC2 members from around the world. Each quarter, the Board meets with the ISC2 Executive Leadership Team in locations across the globe. During these meetings, the Board is brought up to date on the big-picture status of ISC2 as an organization, such as progress against strategic goals, technology planning, finances, member satisfaction, and results from our advocacy activities. Directors are expected to review the materials to be presented before each quarterly meeting and come prepared to discuss them.
In addition to attending these quarterly meetings, Directors can serve on important committees, such as the Nominations and Professional Conduct (Ethics) Committees. And four Directors are needed to serve as Board Officers: Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Secretary.
The Board is elected to a three-year term, and the position is an unpaid volunteer opportunity. The expected time commitment of an ISC2 Board Director is between 300 and 500 hours each year. This includes travel, time spent preparing for and attending quarterly meetings, meeting ISC2 members, conference calls and virtual meetings, attending ISC2 events, and serving on committees. Many Board of Directors use PTO (paid time off) to support the time commitment.
“The ISC2 Board of Directors is a collegial, cordial and respectful group. I’m always amazed by how much knowledge is sitting around the table!” said Lisa Young, CISSP, Vice Chair of the ISC2 Board of Directors. “When serving as a Director, preparation is key, as is being curious about what’s going on in various parts of the world.”
What Does it Take to be an ISC2 Director?
To be considered for the Board, you must be an ISC2 member in good standing as of January 24 and remain in good standing through the start date of the election (July 9). Candidates, associates and fellows of ISC2 are not eligible.
The Board seeks candidates with the following attributes:
- Prior professional experience (not limited to the cybersecurity field) as laid out in the Board of Directors job description (downloadable under the Board Election FAQ)
- Governance and strategic planning experience
- Geographical expertise
- Education, training and accomplishments
- Awards, peer recognitions, social influence, or other thought leadership
- Contributions made to ISC2
- Explanation of how their involvement as a Director could benefit members
In addition to these characteristics, candidates should be committed to serving and possess a continuous learning mindset.
The Nomination Process
The call for nominations opens on January 24, 2025, and closes at 11:59 ET on February 23, 2025. Access to the Nominations Portal will be available via the ISC2 Member Dashboard from January 24. Once signed in to the ISC2 Member Dashboard, interested members must click on the banner link at the top of the page to access the nominations system. Applicants must create a separate account with Cadmium if they have not applied in the past. Members may only nominate themselves for consideration to the Board; they may not nominate others.
To be considered for the ISC2 Board of Directors election, applications will need to include:
- Personal background information
- Résumé / CV
- Two letters of recommendation
- A completed questionnaire including how the applicant will provide direction and support for the organization’s strategy
When the call for nominations closes on February 23, all completed applications will be sent to the Nominations Committee for review and scoring. Interviews with selected candidates will take place in March. In April, the Board of Directors slate will be announced ahead of the voting period in July. Applicants who are not selected will be notified before the candidates are announced.
How Can I Learn More?
Serving on the ISC2 Board of Directors gives you an opportunity to develop your skills in governance, strategy and leadership; network with industry professionals; and offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on ISC2 and its mission.
If becoming a Director sounds like the next step in your cybersecurity journey, be sure to attend the 2025 Board Election and Open Call Process webinar at 10:00 a.m. ET on January 14. You’ll learn more about the process and have the opportunity to ask questions.
For more information, read the Board Election FAQs on the ISC2 Board Elections page and watch the 2025 Board Election and Open Call Process webinar.