Editor’s note: ISACA’s Career Catalyst Stories showcase how members have been supported by ISACA throughout all stages of their careers. Today, we profile Tatum Crisp, president of the ISACA Auckland Chapter. Find out more about ISACA membership here.
Tatum Crisp has long aspired to become a better public speaker and grow her leadership skills, so when a colleague invited her to join the ISACA Auckland Chapter board a couple years ago, she enthusiastically accepted.
Little did Crisp know the opportunities would continue snowballing in an exciting direction. She is now the first female president in the New Zealand chapter’s history.
“Earlier this year, I took a bold step and put my name forward to become the ISACA Auckland President,” Crisp said. “I didn’t expect to win the vote, but I was thrilled when I did. The experience has been incredible, and I’ve already learned so much about governance while significantly improving my leadership skills.
“I was also delighted to be featured in a media release as the first female president of the ISACA Auckland chapter. The opportunities continue to roll in, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
Tatum and ISACA: early career
Crisp has been an ISACA member for nearly 12 years and saw the impact of that relationship early in her career.
“When I was just starting out in my career, ISACA’s CRISC certification was a game-changer for me,” Crisp said. “It didn’t just boost my confidence; it made me a stronger candidate for senior roles.”
Soon after completing the certification, Crisp obtained her first people lead role at a major New Zealand bank and five years after that she became the head of technology risk at another bank.
As Crisp’s career progressed, she increasingly saw ISACA’s global network as a powerful platform for sharing expertise and growing her connections across the industry. Attending in-person events proved especially valuable for her, including time spent trading insights with fellow chapter leaders.
“As I moved up the ladder, ISACA’s conferences and chapter events became my go-to resources,” Crisp said. “These gatherings were more than just events—they were opportunities to connect with industry leaders, share experiences and learn from peers. In particular I attended the North American conference in Phoenix in May 2024 and I loved that some of the sessions were focused on leadership, such as emotional intelligence.”
What’s happening now?
Crisp said ISACA continues to spark her career growth through providing leadership opportunities, career advancement avenues and community engagement.
Serving as president of the ISACA Auckland Chapter, Crisp is focusing on providing members with targeted learning opportunities, especially in the fields of leadership, communication and management. She said she wants to help members to become the best versions of themselves.
“Now, as a senior leader, ISACA continues to be a cornerstone of my professional life,” Crisp said. “As the President of the Auckland Chapter, I get to organize events and mentor up-and-coming professionals. This role has not only enriched my career but also allowed me to give back to the community.”
Crisp finds that being part of ISACA provides an added dimension to her natural, continuous learning mindset.
“The sense of community within ISACA is incredibly strong,” Crisp said. “Engaging with peers, sharing experiences and collaborating on projects have all contributed to a supportive professional environment that fosters growth and innovation.”
What’s next for Tatum?
Having seen first-hand how meaningful the ISACA community can be in her own professional arc, Crisp is eager for others to have similar experiences throughout their journeys.
Playing her part in growing ISACA’s professional community is among Crisp’s upcoming priorities. She recently joined the ISACA Mentorship Program and also intends to be active on ISACA’s Professional Development forum on Engage.
As for the public speaking skills that Crisp said motivated her to join her chapter board originally, having successfully moderated several panels in 2024, she reports feeling increasingly confident and comfortable onstage with a microphone.
“ISACA has truly been a partner in my journey, offering the tools, resources and connections I needed to succeed at every stage,” Crisp said.
