Phoenix has become a strong hub for cybersecurity talent. The city’s mix of enterprise headquarters, fast-growing startups, and public sector institutions has created a community of security leaders who drive real change. This list highlights ten CISOs in Phoenix who shape strategy, build resilience, and guide their organizations through a complex threat landscape.
Darren Challey, CISO
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/infogov/
Darren is recognized in the Phoenix CISO community for his leadership across large scale enterprise environments. He focuses on practical security, risk reduction, and building programs that support business growth.
Robert Wahl, CISO
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-wahl-12a8396/
Robert is an active member of Phoenix’s cybersecurity leadership circle. He has experience in identity, governance, and enterprise risk. His work supports organizations that operate in regulated sectors.
Scott Campbell, Chief Information Security and Privacy Officer, City of Phoenix
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-campbell-1056491a/
Scott oversees security and privacy for one of the largest cities in the United States. He protects critical municipal services and guides security strategy across departments and digital infrastructure.
Mitch Kohlbecker, Chief Information Security Officer, City of Phoenix
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-kohlbecker-569ab71b/
Mitch leads cybersecurity for the City of Phoenix. He oversees security strategy, incident readiness, and protection of citywide digital services. His role covers critical public systems across one of the fastest growing cities in the country.
Jeff Farinich, Chief Information and Digital Officer, New American Funding (Phoenix Presence)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefffarinich/
Jeff holds senior leadership in IT and security. New American Funding has strong operational roots in the Phoenix metro area. Jeff leads programs in cloud security, compliance, and technology operations.
Mike Lettman, Chief Information Security Officer, Arizona State University
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-lettman-295aab30/
Mike leads security for one of the largest public universities in the country. He manages cybersecurity for campuses across the Phoenix metro area and oversees programs that protect research, data, and digital services.
Albert Sandoval, Chief Information Security Officer, Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-sandoval/
Albert leads cybersecurity for the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services. He oversees statewide tax system protection, identity safeguards, and risk management for one of the most critical financial agencies in the state. His work supports secure digital services used across the Phoenix metro area.
Steve West, CISO, Arizona Supreme Court
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-west-05bb1a2a/
Steve leads cybersecurity for the Arizona judicial system. He handles complex requirements across courts, legal technology, and statewide justice systems.
Steve Xenos, Chief Information Security Officer, Western Alliance Bank
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/steve-xenos-b364929/
Steve leads cybersecurity for Western Alliance Bank, a major financial institution headquartered in Phoenix. He focuses on risk management, secure banking operations, and building strong defenses across a fast-growing regional and national footprint.
Dan Haag, Chief Information Security Officer, Arizona Public Service (APS)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-haag-0259849/
Dan leads cybersecurity for APS, the largest electric utility in Arizona with its main operations centered in Phoenix. He oversees critical infrastructure security, incident response, and risk management for systems that serve millions of residents across the state.
Phoenix continues to grow as a cybersecurity hotspot. These CISOs show strong leadership and practical innovation as they protect some of the most important systems in the region.