Illinois has become one of the Midwest’s most active cybersecurity hubs. The state is home to major corporate headquarters, fast-growing tech firms, large financial institutions, and a complex public sector. This makes strong security leadership essential. The CISOs featured here play key roles in protecting critical systems, modernizing security programs, and guiding teams through constant change.
Adam Ford, Former State CISO of Illinois
Adam Ford served as the State CISO at the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology. He helped strengthen statewide cybersecurity programs and led several modernization efforts. He earned national recognition when NASCIO honored him with the Thomas M. Jarrett State Cybersecurity Leadership Award. Ford recently moved to the private sector, where he now focuses on cloud security. His experience in government and enterprise makes him one of the most influential Illinois security leaders to watch.
Brandon Ragle, State CIO of Illinois
Brandon Ragle now serves as the State CIO and oversees technology strategy for Illinois. The CIO role has a major influence on statewide security planning. Ragle’s work centers on improving resilience, upgrading legacy systems, and shaping long-term cyber strategy. Illinois is investing in stronger digital services, and his leadership helps define how the state handles growing threats.
Mark Taghap, CISO, City of Aurora
Municipal governments across the country face an increase in cyber incidents. Mark Taghap leads security for the City of Aurora and manages risks that affect local services, community systems, and critical infrastructure. City CISOs often work with limited resources, which makes strong planning and fast response important. Taghap’s work shows how local governments in Illinois are adapting to a tougher threat landscape.
Mike Boucher, Executive Director of Global Information Security, JLL
Mike Boucher leads global security work at JLL, one of the largest real estate and investment management firms. He oversees cybersecurity customer trust and assurance, which plays a key role in protecting client data. His focus on global operations and enterprise security strategy places him among Illinois’ standout leaders.
Jack Burback, Chief Security Officer, Wintrust Financial
Jack Burback oversees security for Wintrust, a major financial institution in the region. He guides programs that protect sensitive financial data and ensure compliance with banking regulations. As the financial sector faces constant attacks, Burback’s leadership helps maintain trust and stability.
JP Calabio, CISO, Grainger
As CISO of Grainger, JP Calabio secures the operations of one of the largest industrial supply companies in North America. Supply chains depend on strong security controls, and Calabio’s work supports a sector that cannot afford disruption. His role also reflects a broader trend as industrial and logistics companies invest more in cybersecurity leadership.
Art Chaisiriwatanasai, CISO, Paylocity
Art Chaisiriwatanasai leads security at Paylocity, a major HR and payroll technology provider. The company handles sensitive workforce data, which places heavy responsibility on its security program. Art guides efforts in risk management, data protection, and regulatory compliance. As more HR systems move to the cloud, his work becomes even more important.
Robyn Clark, CISO, Illinois Tool Works
Robyn Clark oversees cybersecurity for Illinois Tool Works, a global manufacturing company with a broad footprint. Manufacturing faces rising threats that target industrial equipment and operational technology. Clark’s leadership helps protect a complex environment that blends legacy machines with modern systems.
Christopher Clai, Senior Director of Information Security, Green Thumb Industries
Christopher Clai leads information security at Green Thumb Industries, one of the most prominent companies in the regulated cannabis sector. He manages a mix of compliance, data protection, and operational risk. As the industry grows and regulations shift, Clai’s role highlights how nontraditional sectors are maturing their cybersecurity programs.
Michael Myint, Veteran CISO and Security Advisor
Michael Myint is a seasoned security leader who has held several CISO roles across industries. He is active in the Illinois security community and continues to advise organizations on complex risk and compliance challenges. His long track record and influence across multiple companies make him a respected voice in the region.
Illinois continues to build a strong cybersecurity ecosystem supported by public sector executives, enterprise CISOs, and security advisors. The leaders featured here help shape how the state responds to new risks, invests in better systems, and builds long-term resilience. Their work reflects the broader progress happening across the Midwest and the growing importance of cybersecurity leadership at every level.