Texas has quietly become one of the most complex and high-stakes cybersecurity battlegrounds in the United States. With sprawling health systems, world-renowned research institutions, and a fast-growing health tech ecosystem, the state sits at the intersection of patient care, data privacy, and operational resilience. That convergence has elevated the role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) from a back-office guardian to a strategic leader directly tied to patient outcomes and organizational trust.
This curated list of CISOs to watch highlights the leaders shaping cybersecurity across Texas healthcare and health tech. While not every executive holds the CISO title today, each has played a defining role in advancing security, compliance, and innovation across the industry. Together, they represent the evolving face of cybersecurity leadership in one of the most demanding sectors in the country.
Ron Mehring — Chief Information Security Officer, Texas Health Resources
With more than two decades of experience, Ron Mehring stands out as one of the most established CISOs in Texas healthcare. Since 2011, he has led cybersecurity strategy at Texas Health Resources, transforming security from a compliance requirement into a business enabler. His leadership reflects a broader shift in healthcare, where cybersecurity is directly tied to operational continuity and patient trust. Mehring’s long tenure also signals something rare in the industry: sustained, enterprise-wide impact at scale.
Teresa Tonthat — Former VP & Associate CIO, Texas Children’s Hospital | Now SVP & Chief Digital Information Officer, Cook Children’s Health Care System
Teresa Tonthat has long been recognized as a key technology and security leader in pediatric healthcare, though she no longer holds her previous role at Texas Children’s Hospital. Now serving as SVP and Chief Digital Information Officer at Cook Children’s, she brings a multidisciplinary approach that blends cybersecurity, IT operations, and digital transformation. Her career reflects the growing convergence between security and broader digital leadership. Tonthat’s ability to operate across these domains makes her one of the most influential executives to watch in Texas health systems.
Gordon Groschl — Former CISO, Texas Children’s Hospital | Now CISO & SVP, City of Hope
Gordon Groschl spent nearly two decades at Texas Children’s Hospital, where he built and matured a comprehensive cybersecurity program. During his tenure, he implemented Zero Trust architecture and advanced threat detection capabilities to safeguard critical healthcare systems. Now at City of Hope, he continues to shape cybersecurity strategies in complex clinical environments. His career trajectory underscores how top Texas healthcare CISOs are increasingly influencing security practices at a national level.
George Finney — Chief Information Security Officer, University of Texas System
George Finney brings a unique blend of legal, technical, and leadership expertise to one of the largest public systems in the country. As CISO of the University of Texas System, he oversees cybersecurity across both academic institutions and major health organizations. His role spans millions of patients and students, making it one of the most complex security environments in Texas. Known for his emphasis on culture and collaboration, Finney represents a new generation of CISOs focused as much on people as on technology.
Ian Schneller — Former CISO, Health Care Service Corporation
Ian Schneller’s career spans nearly three decades across government and enterprise cybersecurity, including roles at U.S. Cyber Command and the NSA. As former CISO of Health Care Service Corporation, he led security strategy for one of the largest health insurers in the U.S. Though he has since transitioned into advisory work, his influence continues through thought leadership and industry engagement. Schneller exemplifies the strategic CISO—one who operates at the intersection of policy, technology, and national-scale risk.
Fernando Blanco — Vice President & CISO, CHRISTUS Health
Fernando Blanco plays a dual role within CHRISTUS Health, combining regional CIO responsibilities with enterprise cybersecurity leadership. His work spans international operations, particularly across Latin America, adding a global dimension to his security strategy. Managing cybersecurity across diverse regulatory environments requires both technical depth and operational agility. Blanco’s hybrid leadership role reflects the increasing globalization of healthcare cybersecurity challenges.
Randy Yates — VP & Chief Information Security Officer, Memorial Hermann Health System
With over two decades in his role, Randy Yates is one of the longest-serving healthcare CISOs in Texas. At Memorial Hermann, he has overseen the evolution of cybersecurity from a niche IT function to a mission-critical enterprise priority. His tenure has likely included navigating ransomware threats, regulatory shifts, and digital transformation initiatives. Yates represents stability and institutional knowledge in a sector where both are increasingly valuable.
Ashish Shah — Director of Cybersecurity, MD Anderson Cancer Center
While not holding a CISO title, Ashish Shah plays a critical leadership role within one of the world’s leading cancer centers. His work focuses on cybersecurity and data privacy strategy in a highly sensitive research and clinical environment. With over 20 years of experience, Shah has helped organizations make informed risk decisions across industries. His inclusion highlights how cybersecurity leadership extends beyond titles, especially in research-driven healthcare institutions.
The Future of Healthcare Cybersecurity in Texas
The healthcare cybersecurity landscape in Texas is evolving rapidly, and so is the role of the CISO. No longer confined to technical oversight, today’s security leaders are shaping digital strategy, influencing patient safety, and guiding organizations through complex regulatory environments. From long-tenured CISOs in major health systems to emerging leaders in health tech, this group reflects a broader shift toward integrated, business-aligned security.
As ransomware threats intensify and AI reshapes healthcare delivery, the leaders on this list are not just defending systems; they are redefining what resilience looks like in modern healthcare. Whether they hold the CISO title today or are influencing the field from adjacent roles, they remain essential voices in the ongoing transformation of cybersecurity across Texas healthcare and health tech.