Ten health system executives made the list of the top chief information security officers of 2026 from CISO Connect, a professional organization for IT security leaders.
A group of CISOs from across industries, including healthcare, picked the 2026 CISOs Top 100 CISOs awardees based on the following criteria: minimum of five years in the CISO role, proven organizational impact and measurable achievements, contributions to the CISO community via mentorship and knowledge-sharing, and advancement of professional development, resilience and security culture.
Here are the 2026 C100 finalists, unveiled in December, from health systems (along with two who received special recognitions):
— Jeffrey Aguilar, Hoag (Newport Beach, Calif.)
— Brad Carvellas, Guthrie (Sayre, Pa.)
— Erik Decker, Intermountain Health (Salt Lake City)
— Sahan Fernando, Rady Children’s Health (San Diego and Orange, Calif.)
— Randall Frietzsche, Denver Health
— Jack Kufahl, Michigan Medicine (Ann Arbor)
— Monique Hart, Piedmont Healthcare (Atlanta): Impact Award
— Steven Ramirez, Renown Health (Reno, Nev.)
— Kim Sassaman, Universal Health Services (King of Prussia, Pa.)
— Hussein Syed, RWJBarnabas Health (West Orange, N.J.): CISO Champion Award
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.