Get to know us

Empowering Cybersecurity and IT Governance

Collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning

Our mission

Dedicated to empowering the Orange County cybersecurity and IT governance community, the ISACA Orange County Chapter is a beacon for professional growth, leadership, and international acclaim. We're committed to fostering a dynamic network for collaboration, mentorship, and career advancement, all while upholding ISACA's global excellence standards.

Our vision

We strive to cultivate a community where collaboration, mentorship, and career growth are not just goals, but realities, ensuring our members lead and innovate on the global stage in line with ISACA's standards of excellence. Together, we aspire to shape a world where our collective expertise and events make a lasting, positive impact on the international IT governance and cybersecurity landscape.

• Professional Development: Through our comprehensive range of workshops, seminars, and educational events, members gain access to cutting-edge knowledge and skills.

• Networking Opportunities: Our events and forums provide a platform for members to connect, share insights, and build lasting professional relationships.

• Mentorship and Collaboration: We believe in the power of mentorship and collaborative learning. Our chapter facilitates mentor-mentee relationships and encourages knowledge sharing among members.

• Global Recognition and Local Impact: While aligned with ISACA’s global standards, we focus on making a tangible impact in the Orange County region, ensuring our members' contributions are recognized both locally and internationally.

”The in-person networking opportunities at ISACA Orange County are unparalleled. Thanks to the connections I made at one of their events, I landed an amazing job at EY. It's more than just a meeting place; it's a launchpad for your career.”

- Tracy Burke

”The hands-on workshops offered by ISACA Orange County have been instrumental in my professional development. The practical skills I've gained are invaluable and have directly contributed to my growth in the IT governance field. Truly a top-notch learning experience!”

- Brian Moten

”I'm continually impressed by the quality and variety of FREE events hosted by ISACA Orange County. These gatherings have significantly expanded my professional network, connecting me with like-minded professionals and industry leaders. An incredible resource for anyone looking to grow in the cybersecurity field!”

- Joyce Gould

”Joining ISACA Orange County has been one of the best decisions of my professional life. The team is not only welcoming but also highly professional, creating an environment that is both supportive and conducive to learning. Their commitment to member growth and community building is evident in everything they do.”

- Sharon Roddy

Board Members

Our board members, dedicated volunteers at the heart of our chapter, play a pivotal role in driving our services and initiatives, bringing their expertise and passion to enhance the value we offer to our members.

Nemi George

Past President

Jason James

Governor

Sivateja Vangimalla

Vice President

Jason James is a seasoned IT professional with over 30 years of expertise in IT governance, risk management, and compliance. As a Managing Partner at Regents and Park, he brings extensive experience in controls-based security, working with frameworks like PCI, HIPAA, SOX, and ISO. Serving in his chapter since 2004, Jason has held nearly every role, contributing significantly to its mission. His career spans support for start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, with a focus on aligning IT strategies, enhancing processes, and conducting comprehensive system audits.

Nemi is currently Vice President, IT & Information Security Officer (CISO) at PDS Health, an Integrated Health Organization specializing in Medical, Dental and Specialty Services. Prior to PDS, Nemi worked with Vodafone Global Enterprise (UK) for over 9 years as Head of Compliance, Security & Risk and Global Enterprise Operations (Managed Mobility), and held a number of roles across Enterprise & Product Architecture, IT Governance & Information Security Crisis Management. Nemi is the current President of ISACA Orange County Chapter. Nemi also serves as an Executive Consultant, Professional Coach, Mentor & Public Speaker.

Sivateja Vangimalla is a Senior Solutions Consultant at Trellix, specializing in designing and implementing cutting-edge security solutions. With about a decade of professional experience in cybersecurity, he possesses deep expertise in Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Digital Forensics, Centralized Logging (SIEM), Data Protection, and Cloud Security. Sivateja has a proven track record of leveraging research-driven insights to address real-world challenges, enabling organizations to safeguard critical assets and navigate the complexities of today’s evolving threat landscape. His approach emphasizes tailored cybersecurity strategies that align with organizational goals and enhance resilience against cyber threats.

Francisco T. Avalos is a seasoned Business Process Improvement Consultant with over 25 years of experience in business and IT. He specializes in designing PMO frameworks to enhance governance, execution, budgeting, and risk management, aligning with organizational goals. He has led initiatives across healthcare, finance, SaaS, government, and non-profits, earning a Bachelor’s in Information Systems from Cal Poly Pomona and an MBA from Chapman University. Mr. Avalos also serves in non-profit leadership roles and is an active Triathlon Ironman participant.

Shri is a professional Information Technology Manager with more than 18 years of experience in IT and ten plus years within the Information Security realm. He has facilitated a Global Security Operations Center and Crisis Management teams to effectively resolve incidents to acceptable resolutions. Oversaw and carried out technical implementations of security solutions. Shri Bhatia is a board member of the ISACA Orange County chapter and oversees client partners as the Director of Partnerships. He is also the founder of Akashwani Cybersecurity Services, LLC.

Fancisco Avalos

Secretary

Shri Bhatia

Director, Sponsorship

Pradeep Simha

President

Pradeep M Simha, a seasoned cybersecurity professional and a Professional Services Solution Architect – Information Security at TrelliX. With a wealth of experience in healthcare, banking, and telecommunications, He specializes in developing and implementing advanced security strategies to address modern cyber threats. He specializes in developing and implementing advanced security strategies to address modern cyber threats. His expertise encompasses Incident Response, Digital Forensics, Security Operations, Network Security, Malware Analysis, SIEM, Data Protection-DLP, Endpoint Security and Cloud Security enabling organizations to build and sustain robust security ecosystems. Pradeep Simha also serves as an CyberSecurity Trusted Advisor, Mentor and Public Speaker. Driven by a passion for continuous learning, he holds a Master’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Bridgeport and currently pursuing a PhD in Cybersecurity at The University of the Cumberlands.

OUR STORY

At the Heart of Service, Strengthening Our Community

Founded in 2009, the ISACA Orange County Chapter has quickly become a pivotal force in the local IT and cybersecurity community. Established with a vision to provide a dedicated platform for professionals in the region, our chapter has been at the forefront of fostering local networking, career development, and education in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.

From its inception, the chapter recognized the growing need for a community where like-minded professionals could connect, share insights, and grow together. It set out to fill this gap by organizing a variety of events aimed at bringing together experts, enthusiasts, and learners in the fields of IT governance, risk management, and cybersecurity.

Over the years, the ISACA Orange County Chapter has become synonymous with high-quality, engaging events that not only provide networking opportunities but also offer valuable learning experiences. These events range from workshops and seminars to conferences and informal meetups, all designed to keep members abreast of the latest trends and best practices in cybersecurity.

The chapter's commitment to building careers is evident in its efforts to provide resources and support for professional development. Whether it's through certification preparation sessions, mentorship programs, or speaking engagements, the focus has always been on empowering members to advance their careers in IT audit, risk management, and information security.

As we look back on our journey since 2009, the ISACA Orange County Chapter stands proud of its achievements in creating a vibrant and dynamic community. It's a community that not only stays ahead of the curve in terms of technology and skills but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and support among its members.

Looking to the future, the chapter remains dedicated to its mission of serving the local IT and cybersecurity community, continually adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of our industry and our members.