UIC’s Shefali Mookencherry Recipient of the 2025 Enterprise Chicago CISO of the Year Award
Introduction
The University of Illinois Chicago proudly celebrates Shefali Mookencherry, who has been named the 2025 Enterprise Chicago CISO of the Year by the Chicago CISO of the Year Program. This prestigious recognition honors outstanding Chief Information Security Officers for their exceptional leadership, innovation, and contributions to the information security profession and the broader community. Managed by local security leaders and affiliated with AITP Chicago, the program is a peer-driven initiative that highlights the vital role CISOs play in safeguarding Chicago’s enterprise landscape and shaping the future of cybersecurity. Mookencherry’s selection follows a rigorous, months-long evaluation process involving written applications, peer interviews, and final reviews by local CEOs—culminating in her recognition as a standout leader in cybersecurity and privacy.
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I am deeply honored and humbled to stand before you today as the recipient of the Chicago CISO of the Year Award. This recognition is not just a personal milestone—it’s a reflection of the incredible family, team, leaders, mentors, and peers who have supported me throughout my journey in cybersecurity and privacy.
| Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Privacy Officer
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Nomination is an open process that can be initiated by anyone with direct experience working with the nominee. Submitted nominations are reviewed to ensure that the nominee meets the requirements laid out in the Nomination Form. Nominees demonstrate their competency and achievements through a multi-staged application process that includes a detailed written questionnaire, and a series of formal and informal interviews with a panel of industry peer-level CISO judges. The program spans over several months and culminates with a final interview and selection process completed by a panel of local area CEOs. The CISO of the Year winner is announced at an Awards Ceremony held in October of the same year.
“This award is a reminder that leadership in cybersecurity is not just about defending—it’s about empowering. It’s about building cultures of trust, mentoring the next generation, and driving innovation that keeps pace with risk. Thank you again for this incredible honor. I’m proud to be part of this CISO community,” Mookencherry says.
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To the selection committee, judges, and peers, thank you for this incredible honor. When I began my career, cybersecurity was often seen as a technical silo. Today, it’s a strategic imperative—woven into the fabric of education, research, patient care, business resilience, and public trust. As Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Privacy Officer, I’ve had the privilege of helping shape that evolution, especially in higher education and healthcare.
| Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Privacy Officer
UIC Technology Solutions Leadership team at the 2024 IT Community Conference
The Technology Solutions Leadership team in a group photo in front of a UIC Banner at the 2024 IT Community Conference. From left to right:
- Esteban Perez, Director of Information Security;
- Mark Goedert, Director of IT Strategy and Planning;
- Trina Brown, Executive Assistant to the CIO;
- Himanshu Sharma, Associate CIO for Research Technologies and Innovation;
- Alexander Davis, Business Administrative Associate;
- Dean Dang, Director of Enterprise Applications and Services;
- Shefali Moonkencherry, Chief Information Security and Privacy Officer;
- Mike Kirda, Assistant Director of Information Security:
- Matt Riley, Chief Information Officer;
- Jason Maslanka, Chief Technology Officer;
- Anthony Marino, Director of Client Experience;
- Jelene Crehan, Director of Network Engineering and Infrastructure;
- Jemma Ku, Director of IT Accessibility;
- Bryan Libbin, Associate CIO for Academic Technology;
- Radhika Shah Reddy, Director of Software Development and Delivery.