COISSA Board Charts Vision for 2026: Strengthening Community, Connection, and Growth
A Weekend of Strategy and Connection
The Central Ohio ISSA (COISSA) Board gathered earlier this month for a two-day strategic retreat focused on reflection, collaboration, and planning for the year ahead. The retreat offered a chance to pause from daily responsibilities, celebrate accomplishments, and set a clear direction for 2026.
The first day centered on governance, engagement, and strategy, while the next day focused on growth, member value, and Summit planning. The outcome was a shared vision built around strengthening connections and creating even more value for members.
Message from the COISSA President
“This board continues to show what it means to lead with purpose. We’re not just planning events; we’re building a stronger, more connected security community for Central Ohio. Our focus is on creating a chapter that reflects the energy and excellence of its members; one that connects people, inspires growth, and gives back to the community.”
-Robert Kinzer, COISSA President
Laying the Groundwork for 2026
Throughout the retreat, the board reflected on the success of the 2025 Central Ohio InfoSec Summit, the continued growth of membership, and the progress made in sponsorship, education, and community outreach. From that foundation, several priorities emerged for the year ahead:
-Enhancing member value through networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities
-Expanding educational programming with practitioner-led discussions, workshops, and collaborative training
-Improving operations through refined processes, cross-training, and stronger collaboration
-Growing community engagement by reaching new audiences, students, and early-career professionals
Enhanced Member Programming
In 2026, COISSA will launch new meeting formats to create more dynamic and engaging experiences. Members can expect:
Lightning Talks: 10–15-minute presentations featuring real-world insights and innovative ideas
Fireside Chats: Informal conversations with leaders and practitioners sharing their personal journeys
Fishbowl Discussions: Interactive sessions that invite attendees to join the conversation and exchange ideas
Each gathering will focus on community and connection, creating opportunities for members to engage, collaborate, and build relationships that continue beyond the meeting itself.
Training, Education, and Engagement
The board reaffirmed its commitment to continuous learning. Plans are underway to expand training opportunities in 2026 through partnerships with local organizations and security groups.
Member feedback will play a key role, with regular surveys shaping future programming and volunteer recognition highlighting those who contribute to the chapter’s mission.
Summit and Scholarship Growth
Building on the success of the 2025 InfoSec Summit, planning for 2026 is already underway. The goal is to deliver a refined, high-impact experience with even greater educational depth, breakout sessions, and community engagement.
The COISSA Scholarship Foundation will also continue to expand its outreach by connecting students with mentors, scholarships, and real-world opportunities in cybersecurity. This investment supports the next generation of professionals and helps prepare them for success in the field.
Operational Excellence Behind the Scenes
Behind every great event and member experience is a dedicated team. In 2026, COISSA will continue to strengthen its operations by refining internal processes, improving collaboration, and ensuring consistency across all initiatives. These efforts will help maintain the chapter’s reputation for professionalism and reliability, creating a seamless experience for members from engagement to execution.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 strategic plan reflects COISSA’s continued commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and impact. By modernizing programs, deepening engagement, and investing in future talent, the chapter is well positioned to continue leading and supporting the cybersecurity community across Central Ohio.
Members can expect a deeper look into the 2026 vision and key initiatives during COISSA’s Annual Meeting in January.
Get Involved
Members can look forward to more opportunities to participate throughout 2026, including volunteer roles, local events, and training sessions.
Stay connected by visiting http://www.centralohioissa.org and following COISSA on social media for updates and upcoming events.