Voting Process

Voting for the Chapter Officers for the next two-year term (January 1, 2027 and ending December 1, 2028) is now open!  All current GWDC members are eligible to vote. Members are allowed to vote only once.

Election results will be announced at the GWDC Annual Meeting on December 4, 2026. If you have any difficulty voting or did not receive an email to vote, please contact us using the Officer Voting Questions form.

Voting will remain open through November 9, 2026.

Members will be sent an email with link to the voting website.

 

Candidates for President

Katherine Scott

Candidate Bio: Katherine Scott is a longstanding and engaged member of ISACA GWDC contributing to the chapter for over a decade. She held two elected positions – Vice President and Secretary – and served as the Director of Membership and Scribe. Her commitment was instrumental when GWDC earned six global awards reflecting the chapter’s excellence and strength.

Katherine supports the officers and directors in their roles and plays a key role in semiannual chapter strategy sessions helping to drive the mission and direction of the chapter. She helps strengthen the chapter’s governance framework and has co-hosted conferences, represented GWDC at external conferences, supported academic outreach, and contributed numerous newsletter articles. She has served as the GWDC delegate at ISACA’s Global Leadership Conferences and a regional leadership summit, served on a global task force to define the role that ISACA plays in academics, and participated in ISACA’s annual Advocacy Day on the Hill.

Interest and Experience in Serving the GWDC or similar non-profit organization: Katherine Scott is a longstanding and engaged member of ISACA GWDC contributing to the chapter for over a decade. She held two elected positions – Vice President and Secretary – and served as the Director of Membership and Scribe. Her commitment was instrumental when GWDC earned six global awards reflecting the chapter’s excellence and strength.

Katherine supports the officers and directors in their roles and plays a key role in semiannual chapter strategy sessions helping to drive the mission and direction of the chapter. She helps strengthen the chapter’s governance framework and has co-hosted conferences, represented GWDC at external conferences, supported academic outreach, and contributed numerous newsletter articles. She has served as the GWDC delegate at ISACA’s Global Leadership Conferences and a regional leadership summit, served on a global task force to define the role that ISACA plays in academics, and participated in ISACA’s annual Advocacy Day on the Hill.

 

Jim Wiggins

Candidate Bio: Jim Wiggins is a cybersecurity executive, educator, and 20-plus-year member of ISACA-GWDC. From 2024 through 2026, he served as GWDC Director of Media and Public Relations, strengthening chapter communications, promoting member programs, and creating the Cyber Insights podcast, which has produced more than 20 episodes. During more than two decades with GWDC, Jim has trained thousands of members through certification review courses and professional-development workshops. He is an ISACA Accredited Trainer for CISA, CISM, CRISC, CDPSE, AAIA, AAISM, and AAIR. During his 2026 tenure as President, ISSA-NOVA was named the ISSA Medium Chapter of the Year after achieving 12.3% membership growth during the award year. Jim is Founder and CEO of Securible, LLC, and the Federal IT Security Institute. He has trained over 20,000 professionals and received the Federal 100 and FISSEA Educator of the Year awards.

Interest and Experience in Serving the GWDC or similar non-profit organization: My interest in serving GWDC is grounded in our campaign commitment: Members First. Moving Careers Forward. As a 20-plus-year GWDC member, former Director of Media and Public Relations, and instructor who has trained thousands of chapter members, I want GWDC to deliver more direct and measurable member value.

Our Members First campaign has two immediate priorities. First, as an ISACA Accredited Trainer for CISA, CISM, CRISC, CDPSE, AAIA, AAISM, and AAIR, I will volunteer my instructional services so members can attend certification review courses without paying instructional fees. Second, I will work with the Board to reduce annual chapter dues while maintaining responsible financial stewardship.

During my 2026 tenure as President, ISSA-NOVA was named the ISSA Medium Chapter of the Year after achieving 12.3% membership growth during the award year. I want to bring that same member-centered discipline to GWDC.

 

Candidate for Vice President – Operations

Mike Howard

Candidate Bio: Mike has served the GWDC for over 23 years overseeing the Chapter’s website, event management, and other technologies. He served as the Internet Director, Communications Director, Analytics Director and IT Director. Mike designed and implemented most of the technology services used by the chapter, most notably the chapter website and Cvent event registration survey platform. Mike continues to innovate chapter services, with the recent creation of a portal for distributing Cvent reports to Officers and Directors.

Mike has over 30 years of IT audit experience and has audited most major types of IT platforms and systems over his career. Mike is also a PowerShell scripter, having written over 400 scripts for his audits and GWDC processes, including CPE preparation, contact list management, and CPE uploads to ISACA Global.

Mike has a B.S. in Accounting from Old Dominion University and a Master’s in Business Administration (IS) from George Mason University.

Interest and Experience in Serving the GWDC or similar non-profit organization: Having served on the GWDC Board of Directors (BOD) for over 23 years, my involvement has been driven by helping GWDC members. This is best demonstrated over the years by designing IT services to be as easy to use as possible for the members, helping members register for an event or obtain their CPE certificate, and increasing services over time (such as Registration/CPE contact forms, CPE uploads to ISACA Global). My oversight and operation of the chapter’s technology services also involve me in a numerous chapter business processes, including event management, communications, and member services.

I’m interested in the VP Operations position because I can further help the Chapter deliver quality member service as an Officer by overseeing not just IT, but other operational areas as well. With my 23+ years of chapter experience, I am uniquely positioned to help the Chapter improve (we always can), innovate Chapter services, handle challenges the Chapter and its Members face.

 

Candidates for Vice President – Programs & Events

Clifton Persaud

Candidate Bio: Clifton Persaud, CISA, CISM, is an IT audit and cybersecurity professional with more than 25 years of experience evaluating technology risk, security controls, and organizational resilience. Since 2002, he has served ISACA-GWDC in leadership roles including Assistant Treasurer, CISA/CISM Coordinator, and Director of Training, where he oversees certification review courses and professional development.

Clifton has led IT and information systems audits across government, transit, nonprofit, and biotech sectors. He currently serves as a senior staff member with the U.S. House of Representatives and previously held audit leadership roles at WMATA, National Geographic Society, MedImmune, and FINRA. His expertise includes application and network security, access controls, databases, disaster recovery, and business continuity. He holds an M.S. in Computer Systems Management and a B.S. in Computer Science.

Interest and Experience in Serving the GWDC or similar non-profit organization: My interest in serving as Vice President of Programs and Events is grounded in our commitment: Members First, Moving Careers Forward. I currently serve as GWDC Director of Certifications/Training, coordinating review courses and workshops that help members prepare for ISACA exams and advance professionally. If elected, I will work with the Board and our volunteers to deliver relevant, accessible, and well-organized certification preparation, workshops, emerging-technology programs, networking, and member events. I will support our commitment to offering certification review courses free of instructional fees through donated instructor services, and I will work with our leadership team to reduce annual chapter dues while maintaining strong programs and responsible financial stewardship. My goal is to ensure that every program and event delivers practical value, strengthens engagement, and creates meaningful opportunities for GWDC members.

 

Gregory Carpenter

Candidate Bio: Dr. Gregory P. Carpenter, DrPH, FRSA, CISM, has worked in cybersecurity, intelligence, information warfare, research, and technology for more than 30 years across military, federal, academic, private-sector, and international organizations. He is a retired U.S. Army officer, former NSA Operations Officer of the Year, Principal Partner at CW PENSEC, and former Chief Security Officer of KnowledgeBridge International. His work has included cyber operations, counterintelligence, national-security systems, emerging technology, and international cybercrime programs. He has taught graduate statistics, served on university and international advisory boards, and regularly speaks, moderates, and reviews technical content for cybersecurity conferences. He believes professional programs should be technically sound, useful to practitioners, and worth the time members invest in attending them.

Interest and Experience in Serving the GWDC or similar non-profit organization: I am running for Vice President – Programs & Events because I think members should leave a GWDC program knowing something they did not know when they arrived. GWDC has members at different points in their careers, and our programs should provide real value to practitioners, managers, and those still building expertise. I have spent much of my career developing programs, training professionals, teaching, speaking at conferences, moderating panels, and bringing people from different technical disciplines together to solve problems. That includes multinational cybercrime training for UNODC, graduate teaching, cybersecurity conferences, advisory boards, WOCSA, eCYBERMISSION, National History Day, and other volunteer work. Those relationships also give me access to practitioners and subject-matter experts who can bring current, useful material to GWDC. I am not interested in holding a title. I am interested in doing the work and producing programs members find useful.

 

Candidates for Vice President – Growth & Outreach

Nirali Chawla

Candidate Bio: Strategic executive advisor, disruptor, and problem solver. Nirali Chawla has over 25 years of experience leading large-scale IT modernization and digital transformation projects for commercial and Federal sectors, including the Department of War (DoW). Her extensive expertise covers Cybersecurity, Identity Management (ICAM), Data & Analytics, Governance, Risk & Compliance, and Technology Enablement. Recognized as a 2025 Top 50 Women Leader of Virginia and a 2024 Women Leader in Consulting by Consulting Magazine, Nirali also received the 2025 AFCEA International Meritorious Service and ISACA GWDC V. Lee Conyers awards. A frequent industry speaker, she co-authored NIST Special Publication 800-137. Furthermore, she serves on leadership boards for ISACA GWDC, Pratham Mid-Atlantic, and the George Mason University College of Engineering and Computing Advisory Board, driving impact across the industry.

Interest and Experience in Serving the GWDC or similar non-profit organization: Strategic executive advisor, disruptor, and problem solver. Nirali Chawla has over 25 years of experience leading large-scale IT modernization and digital transformation projects for commercial and Federal sectors, including the Department of War (DoW). Her extensive expertise covers Cybersecurity, Identity Management (ICAM), Data & Analytics, Governance, Risk & Compliance, and Technology Enablement. Recognized as a 2025 Top 50 Women Leader of Virginia and a 2024 Women Leader in Consulting by Consulting Magazine, Nirali also received the 2025 AFCEA International Meritorious Service and ISACA GWDC V. Lee Conyers awards. A frequent industry speaker, she co-authored NIST Special Publication 800-137. Furthermore, she serves on leadership boards for ISACA GWDC, Pratham Mid-Atlantic, and the George Mason University College of Engineering and Computing Advisory Board, driving impact across the industry.

 

Ruchi Shewaramani

Candidate Bio: Ruchi Shewaramani is a mission-oriented cybersecurity executive with over 20 years of experience, a strong forte in healthcare security, and a dedication to public service. She serves as CISO for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange and on the Cyber Advisory Board at Seattle University’s Albers School of Business & Economics. A recognized speaker featured on Cybersecurity Today TV and AI panels; she presents at events like the ISACA North America Conference (Las Vegas) and FutureTech (DC).

Serving five years as Academic Director on the ISACA GWDC Board, Ruchi builds talent pipelines connecting higher education with industry. Partnering with ISACA’s OneInTech Foundation, she spearheaded multi-year scholarship programs across UMGC, GMU, GW, Howard, Georgetown, and Marymount, funding 11 students over three years.

She represented ISACA for two years at Capitol Hill Advocacy Day, mentored student Associate Directors, judged regional hackathons, and expanded GWDC’s outreach.

Interest and Experience in Serving the GWDC or similar non-profit organization: Having served as Academic Director on the ISACA GWDC Board for five years, Ruchi Shewaramani has driven impactful initiatives bridging executives, academia, and emerging IT governance leaders. She collaborates across board directorates, co-hosts events, fosters synergies with ISACA New York, and represented ISACA twice at Capitol Hill Advocacy Day.

Her focus on chapter growth is proven: Ruchi established multi-year partnerships and OneInTech scholarship programs across UMGC, GMU, GW, Howard, Georgetown and Marymount, awarding scholarships to 11 students over 3 years. She curated bi-annual “Careers & Certifications” webinar series, judged landmark hackathons (George Hacks, Patriot Hacks, Challenge X), and expanded student access to ensure emerging talent has a seat at the table alongside our seasoned community.

Drawing on her background as a CISO, AI thought leader, and board advisor, Ruchi will leverage this momentum as VP to elevate member engagement and expand GWDC’s footprint.

 

Candidate for Secretary

Sandra Fonseca-Lind

Candidate Bio: Dr. Sandra Fonseca is an Information Technology Professional with over 30 years of experience in the IT industry, including 15 years as a Systems Security Manager, Project Manager, and Data Architect at a federal agency in Washington, D.C. Currently works as a contractor serving as Data Administrator for a public-school county in MD, USA. Her academic career spans 30 years, having taught in all modalities, undergraduate and graduate, in traditional physical classrooms, hybrid, teleconference, and online. She has served as Program Director for IT and Cybersecurity Programs for an Online University in the US. Dr. Fonseca serves as a curriculum and instructional designer subject matter expert in course development, oversees SME’s course content, and collaborates in program assessment mapping. She is an advocate of professional development and engagement, having served on the board of directors for professional associations (ISACA/ISSA/PMI). She is the current GWDC chapter secretary.

Interest and Experience in Serving the GWDC or similar non-profit organization: I have served for the ISACA Puerto Rico Chapter as secretary and certifications director for 4 years, and have been a volunteer for the Washington DC chapter since 2019. I have served for ISSA and PMI boards as education director both in Puerto Rico and WDC/NOVA chapters, since 2006. I currently serve as chapter secretary at the ISACA-GWDC chapter, collaborating in reengineering the chapter governance structure. Collaborating with the directors and officers, especially academics and virtual conferences as speaker management has been rewarding. We had the golden opportunity to launch the Back to Basics lunch and learn series that has been instrumental for students, young professionals and professionals who are diversifying their professional portfolio, a satisfying and rewarding project that am looking to continue to work with. Serving for the chapter has been a joyful and fulfilling opportunity and am looking forward to continue serving for the association and the chapter.

 

Candidate for Treasurer

S. Tyler Harding

Candidate Bio: Tyler Harding, CPA, CISA, CISM, CISSP, CGEIT, CGRC, and FITSP-A, is a financial-management, audit, compliance, and information security leader with more than 20 years of experience. A 20-plus-year ISACA-GWDC member, Tyler has taught the chapter’s CISA certification review course for two decades, helping members prepare for certification and advance their careers. He currently serves as a Senior Technical Advisor and ICAM Program Manager within the Office of the DoD Chief Information Officer, where he designed a five-year funding model driving $50 million in annual savings and established the office’s first internal-control program. His previous leadership roles include positions with Amazon, AWS, Kearney & Company, KPMG, IBM, and PwC. Tyler holds a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from the University of Richmond. His CPA credential and extensive experience in financial auditing, internal controls, budgeting, and risk management provide the qualifications required to serve as Treasurer.

Interest and Experience in Serving the GWDC or similar non-profit organization: My interest in serving as Treasurer is grounded in our commitment: Members First. Moving Careers Forward. As a 20-plus-year GWDC member, I have taught the chapter’s CISA review course for 20 years, helping members prepare for certification and advance professionally. As a Certified Public Accountant and experienced audit, cybersecurity, and compliance leader, I understand accurate reporting, effective internal controls, responsible budgeting, and transparent financial stewardship. I have developed multiyear funding models, established internal-control programs, supported complex audits, and generated significant savings. If elected, I will safeguard chapter resources, provide clear financial information, and align spending with member value. I will support reducing annual chapter dues and making selected certification review courses available without instructional fees. My goal is to maintain GWDC’s financial strength while making membership more affordable and valuable.