ISSA-NOVA Named 2026 ISSA Medium Chapter of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ISSA-NOVA Named 2026 ISSA Medium Chapter of the Year

Northern Virginia chapter recognized for membership service, cybersecurity education, community engagement, and support for the profession

RESTON VIRGINIA – August 1^st, 2026 – The Information Systems Security Association Northern Virginia Chapter, known as ISSA-NOVA, has been named the 2026 ISSA Medium Chapter of the Year by ISSA International.

The award recognizes ISSA-NOVA’s exceptional commitment to serving its members, advancing cybersecurity education, fostering community engagement, and supporting the continued growth of the cybersecurity profession. The chapter will be formally recognized at the 2026 ISSA International Awards Gala on September 10, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“This award reflects the dedication of our members, volunteers, speakers, sponsors, and community partners,” said Jim Wiggins, President of ISSA-NOVA. “ISSA-NOVA’s success is built on people who generously share their time, knowledge, and experience to strengthen the cybersecurity community. We are honored to receive this recognition and proud of the impact our chapter continues to make throughout Northern Virginia and the greater Washington, D.C. region.”

During the award year, ISSA-NOVA had a12.3% growth in membership. The chapter delivered 12 hybrid monthly meetings, a 12-part Cyber Workshop Series, Python and machine learning programs, and CISSP review opportunities. Highly engaged members had access to more than 160 potential continuing professional education credits through chapter-sponsored programming.

“This recognition validates our commitment to delivering practical, accessible, and timely professional development,” said Wiggins. “Our goal has been to provide members with more than traditional monthly meetings. We have expanded into hands-on workshops, certification preparation, emerging technology education, and opportunities that help cybersecurity professionals strengthen their skills and advance their careers.”

ISSA-NOVA also expanded its community impact through regional partnerships, student outreach, and scholarship support. Several chapter members participated in biweekly planning calls for Future Tech DC 2026, a regional conference that attracted more than 300 attendees. Through Future Tech DC and related activities, the chapter made numerous contacts with cybersecurity professionals, students, educators, government representatives, and partner organizations.

Chapter members also completed four school visits reaching approximately 50 students, helping introduce young people to cybersecurity careers and connect them with working professionals. ISSA-NOVA supports the Ed Hetsko & Laurie McQuillan/ISSA-NOVA Scholarship Endowment at George Mason University for graduate students pursuing information assurance-related studies.

“ISSA-NOVA has demonstrated what a strong professional chapter can accomplish when leadership, volunteers, and members work toward a shared mission,” said Ariel Huckabay, Senior Vice President of ISSA-NOVA. “This award recognizes not only the programs we delivered, but also the relationships we built – with students, educators, government agencies, regional associations, and cybersecurity professionals at every stage of their careers.”

The chapter also supported ISSA International webinars, participated in the ISSA Privacy Special Interest Group, promoted Senior Member recognition, and submitted nominations for ISSA Fellow and Distinguished Fellow honors, as well as the ISSA Hall of Fame. 

“This achievement belongs to the entire ISSA-NOVA community,” Wiggins added. “We are grateful for the trust and participation of our members, and we look forward to building on this momentum through expanded education, networking, outreach, and service.”

About ISSA-NOVA

The Information Systems Security Association Northern Virginia Chapter is a community of cybersecurity professionals dedicated to advancing individual growth, managing technology risk, and protecting critical information and infrastructure. ISSA-NOVA provides professional education, continuing education credits, technical workshops, networking opportunities, student outreach, and regional collaboration for cybersecurity professionals throughout Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Media Contact

Jim Wiggins
President
ISSA-NOVA
president@issa-nova.org