ISSA-NOVA Celebrates Four Honors at the 2026 ISSA International Awards Gala

The Information Systems Security Association Northern Virginia Chapter (ISSA-NOVA) celebrated chapter achievement and individual leadership at the 2026 ISSA International Awards Gala, held September 10 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The chapter received the 2026 ISSA Medium Chapter of the Year award, while Brian Schultz, Dr. Brian K. Ngac, and Michael D. Smith received individual recognition for their contributions to ISSA and the cybersecurity profession.

Together, these four honors reflect a community built on professional education, volunteer service, mentorship, and a shared commitment to helping cybersecurity professionals succeed.

ISSA-NOVA’s Medium Chapter of the Year recognition celebrates its service to members, educational programming, and community engagement. During the award year, the chapter achieved 12.3% membership growth and delivered 12 hybrid monthly meetings, a 12-part Cyber Workshop Series, Python and machine learning programs, and CISSP review opportunities. Members had opportunities to earn more than 160 continuing professional education credits through chapter programming.

The chapter also supported student outreach, regional collaboration, and the Ed Hetsko & Laurie McQuillan/ISSA-NOVA Scholarship Endowment at George Mason University. These efforts connect professional development with opportunities to introduce students to cybersecurity careers and support the next generation of practitioners.

Brian Schultz was inducted into the 2026 ISSA Hall of Fame, the association’s highest lifetime achievement recognition. A past ISSA-NOVA president and former member of the ISSA International Board of Directors, Schultz has contributed more than three decades of leadership across government, industry, and nonprofit organizations. His work spans cybersecurity governance, risk management, research, workforce development, and mentorship. During his chapter presidency, ISSA-NOVA grew substantially, became ISSA’s largest chapter, and earned Chapter of the Year recognition.

Dr. Brian K. Ngac received the 2026 ISSA Honor Roll Award, recognizing sustained contributions to the information security community and the advancement of ISSA. Through his service as Deputy Vice President for Membership and Vice President for Membership, Ngac supported chapter operations, member engagement, and continuing education. His broader contributions include teaching at Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University, advancing applied cybersecurity education, and supporting workforce development through initiatives involving the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative and NIST.

Michael D. Smith was recognized as a 2026 ISSA International Fellow, a selective membership distinction honoring professional excellence, leadership, volunteer service, and mentorship. Smith served as ISSA-NOVA president from 2022 through 2024 and continues to serve as president emeritus. His chapter contributions include expanding professional development, supporting hybrid meetings, strengthening mentorship, and promoting cooperation among regional ISSA chapters. His service also encompasses more than 38 years of information technology and cybersecurity experience and a 31-year U.S. Army career, retiring as a colonel.

ISSA-NOVA congratulates all three honorees and thanks the members, board, volunteers, speakers, sponsors, and community partners whose contributions made the chapter’s recognition possible. The gala provided an opportunity to celebrate both individual accomplishments and the collective work that sustains our professional community.

We look forward to continuing that work through accessible education, meaningful professional connections, and opportunities for members to learn, contribute, and advance their careers.