May 23, 2018, Albany, NY - The New York State Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) announced today that Deborah Snyder, New York State Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), was recognized as one of the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society’s (the Center’s) 40 Change Makers of 2018. To commemorate the Center’s 40^th anniversary, thirty-two women and eight organizations whose work aligns with the Center's, and who have led by example, and made our world a more positive and affirming place are being recognized as 2018 Change Makers.

Ms. Snyder was honored for her spirit of innovation, leadership, professional achievements and influence in the government technology industry. In her capacity as CISO for the State of New York, she oversees the NYS Enterprise Information Security Office (EISO) within ITS, and provides strategic leadership and vision, aimed at ensuring New York State makes business-aligned, risk-based investments that maximize business opportunity and minimize information and cyber security risk.

In addition to her role as CISO, Ms. Snyder serves on the NYS Forum Board of Directors and the NY CISO Executive Summit Governing Board.  She is a State Academy for Public Administration Fellow, and member of the Project Management Institute, InfraGard, Information Systems Security Association, Information Systems Audit and Control Association, and the Institute of Internal Auditors.  She teaches graduate-level courses, has published numerous articles, and co-authored “SECURE – Insights From The People Who Keep Information Safe,” which offers industry leadership insights and perspective.  She is a highly regarded speaker on topics critical to executive-level business leaders and IT professionals.

“I am thrilled to learn that Deborah has been recognized as one of the 2018 Change Makers by the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society,” said Robert H. Samson, New York State Chief Information Officer. “This distinction is a testament to the invaluable contributions Deborah has made to New York State. She is passionate about expanding our employees’ knowledge of cyber security and providing them the appropriate tools and vision to prepare for and respond to incidents today and in the future. She is dedicated to keeping New York State’s critical information and assets protected, while at the same time safeguarding the privacy of New Yorkers.  Congratulations, Deborah on this well-deserved recognition!”

“I am truly honored to have been selected as one of the 40 Change Makers of 2018 by the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society,” said Deborah Snyder, New York State Chief Information Security Officer.  “Serving the State of New York and its citizens has been a privilege.  It has given me the opportunity to work with talented and dedicated people, and taught me that real success in life comes from finding your passion, giving your whole self to it, and making a tangible difference.”

“We are delighted to name New York State Chief Information Security Officer, Deborah Snyder, a Change Maker. Her leadership embodies the values and principles the Center has worked hard to advance for the last 40 years. The leadership of people like Deborah fuels our commitment to positive social change and reminds us that a better world is possible. Deborah and her Fellow Change Makers transform the lives of people around them and work tirelessly to bring out the best in everyone,” said Dina Refki, Executive Director for the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society.

This year, the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society is celebrating 40 years of advancing women's rights and advancing a vision of a world where people of all backgrounds participate equally in shaping the future.  To view a complete list of the 40 Change Makers of 2018, visit the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society’s website.