Cybersecurity is no longer a back-office function. It’s a strategic imperative that touches every sector, from healthcare and finance to government and technology. In Nebraska, a new generation of leaders is stepping up to meet this challenge, protecting sensitive data, guiding organizations through complex regulations, and building resilient security programs.
These professionals are not just defending networks; they are shaping how institutions innovate safely in an increasingly digital world. Here are 10 CISOs in Nebraska who are making a significant impact and are worth watching in the years ahead.
Jeff Weeks — First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO)
Jeff Weeks has served as the Senior Vice President and CISO at First National Bank of Omaha for well over two decades. Over that time, he has built and overseen FNBO’s information security program, managing defense against tens of thousands of cyber‑attacks and fraud attempts daily, a challenge typical for regional banks.
Weeks holds the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification and participates in key industry organizations, demonstrating his commitment to staying on the leading edge of financial‑sector cybersecurity. In recent years, he has also authored guidance for customers about modern cyber threats. For example, on how to resist “deepfakes” and strong password practices.
Lisa Bazis — Nebraska Medicine / University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
Lisa Bazis was named CISO for Nebraska Medicine / UNMC in 2018, after over 15 years of working in UNMC’s IT and network teams. As CISO, she leads the team responsible for protecting sensitive patient data, research data, and hospital operations, an especially high‑stakes domain given how healthcare is increasingly targeted by ransomware and cyberattacks. Her long tenure at UNMC and deep institutional knowledge give her a unique vantage point to balance security with the complex needs of teaching, research, and patient care.
Patrick Wright — State of Nebraska
Patrick Wright currently serves as the State of Nebraska’s Chief Information Security and Privacy Officer, overseeing cybersecurity and privacy across state government. In addition to daily oversight, he chairs key statewide efforts: from a Security Architecture Workgroup under the state’s IT commission to a cybersecurity grant committee, and leads a workgroup that supports cybersecurity for K–12 and higher‑education institutions via Network Nebraska. He also sits on the executive committee of the Multi-State Information Sharing & Analysis Center (MS‑ISAC). Wright’s leadership signals Nebraska’s shift toward proactive, risk‑based cybersecurity governance rather than reactive defense.
Jeffry Morrissette — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska
Jeffry Morrissette has been directing Information Security & Privacy at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska since December 2021, following six years as Manager of Enterprise Information Security. With a background in engineering and extensive experience managing enterprise security programs, he ensures healthcare data protection while navigating regulatory compliance and organizational risk. Morrissette’s leadership strengthens BCBS Nebraska’s resilience against emerging cyber threats.
Melissa R. — Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, Omaha
Melissa R. has been the CISO at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha since April 2020. Prior to this, she served as Director of Information Security & Infrastructure at NRC Health from 2017 to 2020. She holds a CISSP certification and an ITIL Foundations certification, underscoring her technical expertise and governance knowledge. Her leadership ensures that pediatric healthcare operations and sensitive patient data are securely managed, demonstrating her ability to integrate security into both operational and clinical environments
Michael Kearns — Nebraska Methodist Health System
Michael Kearns holds a dual role at Nebraska Methodist Health System as CISO & Director of Infrastructure & Networking/Communications, focusing on infrastructure & networking while also overseeing information security. Given the heavy regulatory and compliance requirements in healthcare, having a leader like Kearns indicates a recognition within the organization that security must be deeply embedded into infrastructure and operations.
Norman Kromberg — SommIS
Norman Kromberg is the founder, CEO, and CISO of SommIS, providing fractional CISO services, security assessments, and IT risk advisory for organizations navigating regulatory and compliance challenges. He also serves as a strategic advisor at Wolfpack Security and is on the Board of Advisors for TrustCloud. Kromberg blends technical expertise with business acumen, helping clients align security initiatives with strategic objectives and ensuring effective risk management across multiple sectors.
Jeffrey Dickinson — Points West Community Bank (Sidney, NE)
Jeffrey Dickinson is identified as the CISO of Points West Community Bank, a regional bank based in Sidney, Nebraska. The fact that even smaller community banks in Nebraska now appoint dedicated security leadership reflects the increasing importance of cybersecurity across the banking sector. Dickinson’s role signals that Points West is investing in security governance, which may become more important as cyber‑threats permeate smaller institutions.
Abby Eccher‑Young — State of Nebraska
Abby Eccher-Young assumed her current role in February 2025, bringing a background in technology, organizational change, and public service. She focuses on creating a security-first culture that balances innovation with trust, enabling Nebraska communities to safely embrace digital services. Abby also serves on the Advisory Board for the Center for Law, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. With a JD from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, she combines legal insight with cybersecurity leadership to drive government modernization initiatives.
Dr. Matt Miller — Famgenix
Dr. Matt Miller has served as CISO at Famgenix since April 2023, after previously working as a Senior Security Software Engineer. He focuses on developing robust security programs for the biotechnology and healthcare sectors, integrating software security best practices with enterprise-level governance. Miller’s expertise bridges both technical execution and leadership, positioning Famgenix for secure digital innovation
Leading Nebraska’s Cybersecurity Future
As cyber threats become more sophisticated and pervasive, Nebraska’s cybersecurity posture will depend heavily on leadership at every level. The CISOs listed above exemplify emerging or long-standing commitment to security governance, risk management, and institutional resilience. For anyone tracking cybersecurity trends in the Midwest, these are some of the people worth paying attention to.