Cybersecurity leadership in Canada’s non-profit sector is quietly evolving. As organizations increasingly rely on digital systems to deliver essential services, the need for strategic security leadership has never been greater. Yet, unlike corporate environments, many non-profits are still building their security maturity, often relying on senior IT leaders who balance operational demands with safeguarding sensitive data.
This list highlights notable Canadian non-profit security leaders, some holding formal CISO titles and others leading cybersecurity strategy under different job names. Each of these professionals demonstrates how mission-driven organizations are strengthening their defenses and building a culture of cyber resilience.
Emerson Rajaram — Chief Information Security Officer & Corporate Director of IT, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
Emerson leads the IT and security strategy for a major public health organization, blending cybersecurity, privacy, and digital transformation. His work includes building resilience against evolving threats while supporting the organization’s critical healthcare mission.
Abdulkarim — Director ICT & CISO, Halton Healthcare
A veteran leader with over 15 years of experience across healthcare, finance, hospitality, and non-profit environments, Abdulkarim drives IT security, privacy, governance, and risk programs at Halton Healthcare, bringing a multi-sector perspective to public-facing services.
Teodor Pana — Cyber Security Director, SE Health
Teodor is a seasoned information security leader with 20+ years of experience. At SE Health, one of Canada’s largest healthcare and social-enterprise organizations, he oversees cybersecurity strategy across home care, community care, long-term care, and acute care services.
Lionel Akagah — Director of Cybersecurity, National Arts Centre
Lionel is a bilingual cybersecurity leader with deep expertise in standards like NIST, ISO, and CSF. He led the inaugural cybersecurity program at the National Arts Centre, building the organization’s security foundation and governance across all departments.
Bob Gordon — Strategic Advisor, Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange (CCTX)
Although not holding a CISO title, Bob is a highly influential security leader in Canada’s non-profit cyber ecosystem. Through CCTX, he supports threat-sharing and community defense initiatives that benefit non-profit organizations nationwide.
Tracy Dallaire — Deputy CTO & Director, Information Security Services, McMaster University
Tracy leads McMaster University’s information security strategy and roadmap, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability across student and faculty systems. Her leadership is critical for a large public-sector institution where security protects both research and academic integrity.
Amer M. Khan — Chief Information Security Officer, The Salvation Army in Canada
Amer brings deep governance and risk management expertise to one of Canada’s largest charitable organizations. His leadership spans audit, compliance, cybersecurity operations, and strategic security planning across the Salvation Army’s national operations.
The Next Generation of Non-Profit Security Leadership
The non-profit sector is building its security muscle, and these leaders are shaping that future. Whether through formal CISO roles or strategic security leadership positions, each of the professionals above demonstrates the growing maturity and importance of cybersecurity within mission-driven organizations.
As cyber threats continue to target every sector, the role of security leadership in non-profits will only become more essential. These individuals are not only protecting data; they are protecting trust, mission delivery, and the people who rely on these organizations every day.