Expanding Our Impact: Welcoming Three New Deputy Directors
In March, Central Ohio ISSA introduced the Deputy Director model as a strategic step to strengthen our foundation and ensure a thriving future for our chapter. We are excited to announce the next phase of this evolution with the addition of three new Deputy Directors who will play a pivotal role in expanding our reach and enhancing the experiences we offer to our members, partners, and the broader security community.
Please join us in welcoming:
Leah Meyer, Deputy Director of Communications
Marianne Brown, Deputy Director of Operations
Ben Scott, Deputy Director of Speakers
Each of these leaders brings a wealth of experience, a strong commitment to our mission, and a passion for community growth. Their addition reflects our continued investment in creating sustainable leadership infrastructure that will enhance our strategic execution and day-to-day operations.
“Every decision we make is centered on creating value for our members. These Deputy Directors will help us operate more efficiently, communicate more clearly, and curate content that truly resonates with our diverse community.”
— Robert Kinzer, President, Central Ohio ISSA
Meet Our New Deputy Directors
Ben Scott – Deputy Director of Speakers
Ben Scott is a cybersecurity professional focused on public sector and critical infrastructure security. He currently serves as a Systems Engineer at Fortinet, teaches as an adjunct professor at Columbus State Community College, and serves as a Cyber Reservist with the Ohio Cyber Reserve. Ben holds a Master’s in Cybersecurity and numerous industry certifications. Deeply committed to community engagement and advancing cybersecurity dialogue, Ben will focus on elevating diverse voices and curating dynamic content that delivers real-world insights and inspiration. As Deputy Director of Speakers, Ben will play a key role in shaping the content and speaker lineup for our events.
Leah Meyer – Deputy Director of Communications
Leah Meyer is an experienced Enterprise Security Manager with the State of Ohio’s Department of Administrative Services. She leads a dedicated team overseeing the coordination of cybersecurity policies and champions training and awareness initiatives. With a strong background in Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), Leah is committed to strengthening security frameworks and fostering a culture of cyber resilience. She holds a GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT) certification and the SANS Security Awareness Professional (SSAP) designation. As Deputy Director of Communications, Leah will support all chapter messaging, promotions, and branding initiatives.
Marianne Brown – Deputy Director of Operations
Marianne Brown is a dedicated IT professional specializing in Information Technology Governance, Risk, and Compliance. With extensive experience in Retail, Investments, Banking, and Insurance sectors, Marianne has held key cybersecurity roles at organizations such as Victoria’s Secret and Chipotle. There, she led enterprise-wide education programs and PCI assessments. Marianne holds a BBA from Franklin University and an MBA from the University of Southern Indiana, as well as certifications in CISSP, CISM, CRISC, PCIP, Agile Leader, and Scrum Master. In addition, she serves as the Director of Scholarships for EmpoWE-R Women of InfoSec and volunteers with Pink Umbrella Women in Cyber. As Deputy Director of Operations, Marianne will ensure smooth event execution and chapter coordination.
Looking Ahead
Leah, Marianne, and Ben’s leadership will help strengthen our foundation, foster collaboration, and enhance the value we bring to our community. Their addition ensures that we continue to grow in meaningful ways while delivering a best-in-class experience to our members.
Please join us in congratulating them on their new roles, and stay tuned for exciting updates as we continue to evolve and build something even greater together.