Dr. John D. Johnson is an experienced cybersecurity executive with a career spanning 30+ years. He is Founder/CEO of Aligned Security, and Founder/President of Docent Institute, which promotes the integration of technology, security, privacy, ethics, and public policy. Through Docent, he has introduced cybersecurity to 1500 K-12 students via STEM and career programs.
Dr. Johnson earned his Ph.D. in Physics from UT-Austin in 1993. His cybersecurity career began as Network and Security Manager for the Theoretical Division at LANL. He has since held executive security roles at notable organizations like John Deere, Deloitte, and Campbell Soup Company. From 2003-2019, he also served as an adjunct professor, teaching astronomy and developing graduate cybersecurity courses.
Dr. Johnson serves as ISSA Education Foundation Director of Fundraising and is an active leader within ISC2, InfraGard, and IEEE; currently serving as Vice Chair of Iowa-Illinois Section and Chair of Iowa-Illinois Computer Society Chapter. His leadership roles within IEEE include MGA Awards and Recognition Chair, IEEE-USA VP of Communications, and Computer Society Board of Governors. He founded the QC Cybersecurity Alliance and CornCon Cybersecurity Conference and has been a founding board member for cyber education nonprofits, corporate advisory boards, SC Magazine Editorial Board, and he is a frequent speaker and has served on organizing committees for Black Hat, RSA Conference, and CornCon, which he founded in 2015. He was a key force behind the kids’ program at DEF CON, which he managed from 2010-2019.
Dr. Johnson is a Senior Member of both IEEE and ISSA, a Distinguished Fellow of Ponemon Institute, a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, and received the 2008 Senior Scientist of the Year Award and the 2010 IEEE Region 4 Jack Sherman Outstanding Member Award.
Position Statement:
As an ISSA International Board Director, my focus will be on enhancing communications and engagement with ISSA Chapters, adding member value, and elevating the member experience. I am committed to fostering Chapter vitality, attracting new members, and retaining our valued members. My platform includes:
- Advocating for member-centric initiatives, introducing innovative services, and
improving existing ones to meet the diverse needs of our members. - Enhancing member engagement, particularly for students and early-career
professionals, and encouraging active participation in ISSA activities and events. - Promoting inclusivity and diversity within our membership and volunteers. We must embrace diverse perspectives to enrich our society and address complex challenges effectively.
