Connect. Learn. Lead.
Join the Greater Cincinnati ISSA Chapter Today
Shape the Future of Cybersecurity.
Explore upcoming events, expand your expertise, and be part of a thriving community of cybersecurity professionals across Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky.
(choose USA: OH Greater Cincinnati)
About our mission
Since 1998, our mission has been to educate, connect, and empower cybersecurity professionals throughout Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky. The Greater Cincinnati Chapter of ISSA exists to strengthen the cybersecurity community by sharing knowledge, encouraging open collaboration, and keeping members informed about the latest industry trends, threats, and opportunities. Whether you're just starting out or leading the way, we offer a space to grow, connect, and lead.
Why it matters
Cybersecurity is constantly evolving and so should you.
Build lasting professional relationships.
By joining our chapter, you’ll:
Learn real-world security strategies.
Educate the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Give back to a community that supports you.
What You’ll Experience
Our bi-monthly chapter meetings feature expert speakers covering everything from leadership and compliance to deep technical topics. We build community through social events like holiday gatherings and our annual golf outing. In the past, we’ve hosted Capture the Flag competitions with the University of Cincinnati, engaging over 150 students and professionals in hands-on challenges. We've also offered CISSP training led by local experts to help members earn their certification. And we’re always exploring new and exciting ways to bring value to our members—so there’s always something fresh on the horizon.
130 Members
12 Events this year
20 Company Sponsors
130 Members 12 Events this year 20 Company Sponsors
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Chris Parker
Chapter Co-President & Board Member
Chris has been involved with the Cincinnati ISSA chapter for the past 13 years, serving as President for the past 5. He enjoys working with the local security community to help find ways to drive value in the profession for years to come. Chris is a 16 year resident of Cincinnati, originally hailing from Buffalo, NY (go Bills!). Along with being ISSA President, Chris is an Account Executive for Abnormal Security. He graduated St. Bonaventure University.
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Cole Ciambro
Chapter Co-President & Board Member
A proud Cincinnati native, Cole now calls Pleasant Ridge home. He thrives on quality time with family and friends, staying active, exploring new places, and passionately cheering on his beloved Bengals and Buckeyes. Cole is a Miami University alumnus, where he not only played collegiate lacrosse but also co-founded the first of three entrepreneurial ventures—igniting a lifelong passion for innovation and leadership. Today, Cole brings that same drive to his role as an Account Executive at Push Security, while also helping lead the local ISSA Chapter. Whether on the field, in the boardroom, or building community, Cole brings energy, dedication, and a team-first mindset to everything he does.
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Mariana Padilla
Director of Social Media & Board Member
Mariana Padilla is the Community Evangelist and Director of Field Marketing at Harmonic Security, where she leverages authentic community building to drive growth and revenue. Previously, she was Co-Founder and CEO of HACKERverse, an AI-driven sales enablement tool focused on cybersecurity sales, and founder of Red Lab Marketing. Mariana is deeply committed to making the cybersecurity space more diverse, equitable, and inclusive, leveraging her platform and position to open doors for more women and people of color to enter cybersecurity. She was named a "Woman to Watch in Cybersecurity" by Authority Magazine and was the recipient of scholarships from both Women in Cybersecurity & Protection and Women in Cybersecurity organizations for her work diversifying the space.
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Joey Hacker
Board Member
Joey Hacker joined the ISSA Board in Q4 of 2022. Mr. Hacker attended Morehead State University where he played baseball for the Eagles. Following his graduation, Joey co-founded with his brother a company they were able to sell for profit after 15 exciting years. He resides in Loveland Ohio with his wife and four kids. Joey is a Client Executive for Guidepoint Security where he advises Fortune 500 companies throughout the US on their cyber security initiatives and technical needs.
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Chris Tyo
Board Member
Chris Tyo has lived in the Greater Cincinnati area for most of his life and currently resides in Milford, OH, with his wife and two kids. A graduate of Batavia High School, he went on to complete his BS in Electrical Engineering at Ohio University in Athens, OH. With deep connections to Ohio and the Cincinnati area, Chris attributes much of his success to the tight-knit security community in the region and is dedicated to fostering that culture. Professionally, Chris has over 15 years of cybersecurity experience, with a career that spans the retail, chemical, manufacturing, and financial sectors. Chris is the Deputy CISO for Black & Veatch. He joined the Greater Cincinnati ISSA board in January 2024 and serves on the academic advisory board for Xavier University’s Cyber Security Program. Outside of his professional life, Chris enjoys photography, disc golf, helping behind the scenes with local children's theater, and immersing himself in tabletop games.
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Radhika Chaklasiya
Board Member
Radhika was born and raised in India and moved to the United States a few years ago. She holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from India and earned her Master's in Information & Cybersecurity in 2022. Currently, Radhika serves as a Senior Information Security Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Analyst at the University of Cincinnati. In this role, she brings a multidisciplinary approach to data security—managing enterprise risks and developing secure solutions in complex environments. In September 2024, Radhika joined the Greater Cincinnati ISSA board, where she has been actively contributing to the growth and engagement of the local cybersecurity community. Outside of work, Radhika is passionate about continuous learning and believes in maintaining a balanced lifestyle. She enjoys running, reading, and spending quality time with her family.
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Dionte Grinstead
Director of Student Engagement & Board Member
Dionte Grinstead is a Cincinnati native with a strong passion for community involvement and lifelong learning. Dionte earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Cybersecurity from Wright State University, where they also served as the lead trumpet player in the university’s jazz ensemble.
Currently serving as an Information Security Analyst at Cintas, Dionte brings a commitment to excellence and a collaborative spirit to the field of cybersecurity. Outside of work, Dionte enjoys golfing, playing guitar, traveling, and spending time with friends. As an advocate for knowledge-sharing and community engagement, Dionte actively participates in initiatives that promote personal and professional growth
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Jaclyn Spangler
Board Member
Jaclyn Spangler is a Senior Cyber Threat Analyst at Fifth Third Bank.
Jaclyn initially joined Fifth Third in the CIAM (Customer Identity and Access Management) space, where she focused on enhancing secure and seamless access to the bank’s digital platforms. Her current role builds on that foundation, applying her problem-solving mindset and commitment to continuous learning to protect the organization from internal threats.
As a board member of the Greater Cincinnati ISSA Chapter, Jaclyn is passionate about supporting initiatives that promote cybersecurity education, networking, and professional development throughout the region.