Corporate Finalists

Kayode is a technology, cybersecurity, and enterprise risk executive with experience leading security, governance, and risk management for complex, regulated organizations. He works closely with boards and executive leadership to strengthen governance, improve risk management, and support strategic business priorities. He is known for developing high-performing teams and helping organizations make informed, risk-based decisions that strengthen resilience and support sustainable growth.

I joined Patelco shortly after a significant cyber incident, when restoring confidence and strengthening the organization’s security and risk management capabilities were top priorities. Under my leadership, the Information Security team strengthened governance, modernized core cybersecurity capabilities, improved enterprise risk management, and closed critical regulatory findings. Those efforts helped move the organization beyond recovery, allowing leadership to refocus on strategic priorities, including digital transformation and future growth. The significance of our work extends beyond cybersecurity. We strengthened the organization’s ability to manage risk, make informed decisions, and pursue its long-term strategy with greater confidence.

Devin Ertel is Chief Information Security Officer at Moloco, leading global information security strategy and operations to safeguard the company’s digital assets, customer data, and technology infrastructure. With 25+ years in information security, he previously served as CISO at Menlo Security and BlackHawk Network, and held senior roles at Guidebook, Mandiant, the Federal Reserve System, RedTeam Security, and Target. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Our team has shifted how security operates at Moloco, building a structured, business aligned organization with a clear roadmap and the operational muscle to execute it. Along the way, we’ve changed how people partner with us. Teams now see security as someone to work with, not just a step in the process, and they reach out to us early, before launch, because they want us involved.

I am an executive cybersecurity leader, author, speaker, and advisor to AI startups, focused on AI governance, security, and responsible adoption. I serve as CISO at AC Transit and chair the AI Subcommittee of the American Public Transportation Association. I also advise emerging AI companies on governance and security strategy. I am the author of Applied AI Governance, forthcoming on Amazon in 2026, and hold a graduate degree from Harvard University as well.

As CISO at AC Transit, the nation’s third-largest bus-only transit agency, I help protect the systems that support safe, reliable service for more than 200,000 daily riders, many from underserved communities. Our use of Hayden AI’s forward-facing camera technology demonstrates how responsible AI can deliver measurable value: supporting bus-lane enforcement, improving operational efficiency, increasing ROI, and enhancing roadway safety. Combined with advanced PKI certificates that secure bus communications, these innovations reduce disruption risk and strengthen public trust. I also prioritize hiring diverse, skilled professionals and fostering continuous learning to build a resilient cybersecurity culture across the organization.

Azeem Nizam is Chief Information Security Officer at ABC Fitness Solutions, where he leads information security, governance, risk, and compliance across a global, remote first organization. With 30 years in IT and information security, he holds the CISSP, ISSAP, and CISM certifications and a degree in Information Technology. He serves as Vice Chairman of BayAreaCISO and advises several information security organizations. Outside work, he is a father of three who enjoys snowboarding and cycling.

Since joining ABC Fitness Solutions, I transformed a fragmented security function, much of it inherited through acquisitions, into one unified, measurable program. In a few short years, my team reduced audit findings by 50 percent and doubled our cybersecurity maturity index. We earned ISO 27001 certification for our Glofox, Ignite, and EVO product lines and PCI DSS certification for our EVO and Ignite business units, extending independently verified controls across our highest risk areas. We also turned security from a cost center into a trusted growth enabler, one that helps close enterprise deals and protect millions of members worldwide.

Atit Shah is Chief Security Officer at Dialpad, where he leads global security and corporate IT functions. He brings 20+ years of cybersecurity and technology risk leadership across startups and Fortune 100 companies. Before his tenure at Dialpad, Atit served as Head of Security & IT at WePay, a company acquired by JP Morgan. Additionally, he held various leadership positions at other prominent organizations, including Microsoft, Deloitte, and Ernst & Young.

Atit Shah transformed security into a business enabler at Dialpad within 18 months as its first Chief Security Officer. He built a unified security strategy across a complex hybrid environment, aligned cross-functional leadership around a multi-year roadmap, and elevated program maturity. Under his leadership, Dialpad achieved PCI DSS, TX-RAMP, and HIPAA milestones, strengthening trust and expanding market opportunity. His team also significantly expanded security coverage , drove critical and high risk findings to zero, and embedded security into Dialpad’s Agentic AI offering by constantly adapting & innovating, making security more rigorous, credible, and connected to business outcomes.