Introducing the Cyber Advisory Excellence Awards, proudly supported by Cynomi

For years, the cybersecurity industry focused heavily on technical defenses, and while these remain critical, organizations today face a more complex challenge: aligning security with business strategy.

This shift has given rise to cyber advisory leaders who provide the strategic leadership necessary for organizations of all sizes to build resilience, ensure compliance, and drive business growth.

To recognize the pioneers leading this evolution, Cynomi recently announced the launch of the Cyber Advisory Excellence Awards.

This program honors the individuals and organizations that are redefining what it means to be a strategic security leader. It celebrates those who have moved beyond the “break-fix” model to deliver scalable, outcomes-driven, and business-aligned cybersecurity services.

The Founding Cohort of Transformational Cyber Leaders

The program kicks off with the Founding Cohort of Transformational Cyber Leaders. These winners were selected for their exceptional ability to turn cybersecurity into a strategic business capability. They represent a new standard of leadership, characterized by three core pillars:

1. Outcomes: Delivering measurable improvements in risk posture and compliance.
2. Leadership: Guiding executive teams with clarity and confidence.
3. Trust: Building deep, long-term partnerships based on transparency and results.

We are thrilled to spotlight the stories of these six outstanding leaders who are shaping the future of the vCISO and cyber advisory industry.

Dennis Boone: Democratizing Confidence

President, slashBlue

Dennis Boone has challenged the myth that security is the enemy of speed. At slashBlue, he recognized that small and mid-sized businesses often lacked access to high-level strategic guidance. To bridge this gap, he developed a standardized framework that makes vCISO services scalable and accessible.

His approach focuses on “democratizing confidence,” giving smaller organizations the same sophisticated risk posture as large enterprises. By turning advisory into a repeatable process, Dennis has proven that businesses can move faster and safer when they have a clear roadmap.

Phil Bindley: The Architect of Business-Aligned Security

Field CISO, Intercity Technology Ltd

Phil Bindley believes that cybersecurity is most powerful when it is understood as a driver of competitive advantage. At Intercity, he has been instrumental in building a CISO-as-a-Service model that brings a boardroom voice to risk management.

Phil’s work stands out for his ability to translate complex technical risks into business terms. This empowers executives to make informed decisions, transforming security from a cost center into a strategic enabler. His leadership ensures that clients achieve compliance and build resilience that supports their broader business goals.

Jim Ambrosini: Scaling Strategic Trust

Director of Cyber Advisory Services, CompassMSP

One of the biggest challenges for MSPs is scaling high-touch advisory services without sacrificing quality. Jim Ambrosini has solved this at CompassMSP by building a structured advisory practice that leverages automation and standardized delivery.

Jim’s philosophy centers on trust. By providing consistent, risk-based guidance, he helps organizations see security as an enabler of growth rather than a blocker. His innovative use of technology to streamline reporting and decision-making has set a new benchmark for efficiency in the industry.

Donald Monistere: Making Security the Standard

President & CEO, General Informatics

In an industry where advanced security is often sold as a premium add-on, Donald Monistere has taken a different path. He believes robust protection should be a standard expectation, not a luxury.

Under his leadership, General Informatics has integrated strategic advisory as a baseline outcome for its entire client portfolio. This visionary approach ensures that every customer, regardless of size, benefits from executive-level guidance. Donald is redefining the client-provider relationship by establishing that comprehensive security is fundamental to business success.

John Matis: The Modern Fractional CISO

vCISO Practice Leader, DeepSeas Security

As the demand for security leadership outpaces supply, the fractional CISO model has become essential. John Matis has perfected this model at DeepSeas Security, bridging the gap between technical complexity and business strategy.

John has architected a program that turns cybersecurity into a coordinated capability. His work focuses on creating clear, actionable roadmaps that boards can understand and act upon. By aligning security initiatives with business objectives, he helps clients navigate everything from regulatory compliance to incident response with confidence.

Chad Fullerton: Redefining Impact

Vice President of Information Security, ECI

Chad Fullerton is recognized for his commitment to elevating the role of the security advisor through governance, risk and compliance. His work demonstrates that the most valuable partners are those who provide strategic foresight, not just technical support.

Chad has a proven track record of delivering measurable results that strengthen security posture. By consistently aligning security initiatives with business priorities, he builds the deep trust necessary for long-term partnerships. His leadership is a powerful example of how to transform security from a necessary burden into a strategic asset.

A Blueprint for the Future

The induction of these six leaders into the Founding Cohort sends a clear signal to the industry: the future belongs to the strategic advisor.

As threats evolve and regulatory pressures mount, the role of the vCISO will only become more critical. These winners have provided a blueprint for how to deliver this service effectively and at scale. They have shown that by focusing on process, leveraging the right tools, and speaking the language of business, service providers can deliver immense value to their clients.

We congratulate the Founding Cohort on this well-deserved honor. Their work protects businesses and enables them to grow, innovate, and thrive in a digital world.

To learn more about the program and see how these leaders are shaping the industry, visit the Cyber Advisory Excellence Awards page. Do you know a cyber leader or team that meets the criteria? Nominations are open now until July 31, 2026. The 2026 winners will be announced this September.