Charting a Course for Digital Trust

David Samuelson
Author: David Samuelson, ISACA CEO
Date Published: 24 January 2022

As we begin this new year, we’re also in the early stages of executing on a new strategic plan that will shape ISACA’s focus in 2022 and the coming years. While the plan will continue to evolve, I would like to share a high-level view of this exciting direction.

A central pillar of our strategy is for ISACA to be the authority in digital trust and the member association for digital trust professionals everywhere. When I hear the term “digital trust,” I think “ISACA” – it’s been in our DNA throughout our 50-plus year history. As noted in a Wired magazine article, “If the lifeblood of the digital economy is data, its heart is digital trust.” The work performed by the ISACA community in areas such as information security, data privacy, IT audit, risk management, governance and securely implementing emerging technology gives organizations the confidence and permission needed to thrive in the digital economy. The most effective professionals in each of these career fields have a holistic understanding of multiple digital trust professions on top of their vertical expertise. Look for more insights – and ISACA resources – advancing digital trust throughout the year.

Another important aspect of our strategy is to continue growing our global presence to better serve our members locally and make sure ISACA is offering the same value to our members regardless of where they reside. We are determined to actively listen and understand the needs of each chapter and region, and how global technology trends are impacting our community at the local level. ISACA’s global diversity has long been one of our greatest strengths, and we’re excited to amplify that strength with renewed focus on supporting our chapters all around the world.

Another aim is to better serve our members’ needs by growing the next generation of digital trust professionals through partnerships with universities and our chapters. That includes making sure we continue to offer the right credentials and learning resources for professionals at various stages of their careers, including for students and early-career practitioners. Many digital trust fields are challenged by severe skills and people shortages, and ISACA can play a leading role in addressing these gaps.

As we conceptualized this strategy, you – the ISACA community – were at the forefront of our thoughts each step of the way, and will remain so as we deliver on it in the coming years. It is your spirit of volunteerism, your passion for being lifelong learners and your commitment to excellence that makes ISACA’s future so promising.

To learn more about ISACA’s new direction, watch this video featuring ISACA Board Chair Greg Touhill and I discussing the strategy in more detail. I look forward to keeping the conversation going, and here’s wishing you much personal and professional happiness and success in the new year!