Hi, I’m Isaac.
I collaborate with organizations to protect what matters most while driving innovation forward.
I specialize in creating human-centered security solutions that empower your teams and build trust.
My Approach
Collaborative
I build partnerships across organizational boundaries to create security solutions that work for everyone, not just IT. My collaborative approach delivers real value by transforming security from obstacle to enabler.
Balanced
I integrate strong technical protection with practical business needs, creating security frameworks that safeguard critical assets while optimizing operational costs and efficiency.
Real Talk
I provide cybersecurity guidance without jargon, making complex concepts clear for all, from staff to board. I focus on practical solutions to real risks, not theoretical threats or checkbox compliance.
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3-time CISO
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Internationally recognized thought leader in digital resilience
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20+ years of experience
Professional Background
Over two decades of leadership in cybersecurity and privacy.
Chief Information Security Officer
University of Washington • 2024 - 2025
Provided strategic leadership and operational oversight for enterprise digital resilience across a $5B+ organization and 70,000+ users. As a member of the senior IT leadership team, aligned information security and privacy initiatives with institutional priorities, accelerating AI pilots and digital innovation while maintaining compliance and risk discipline.
Chief Information Security Officer & Deputy CIO
University of Toronto • 2018 - 2023
Managed strategic planning and execution of a comprehensive cybersecurity roadmap for a $3.2B organization with 120,000+ users, positioning security as an enabler of research and innovation. § Collaboratively developed and launched Canada’s first higher education shared Security Operations Centre (CanSSOC), uniting universities, colleges, polytechnics, and CÉGEPES in a collaborative service model and reducing costs through shared expertise.
Chief Information Security Officer (Risk and Compliance)
University of California, Irvine • 2005 - 2018
Progressive responsibility building security operations from the ground up and co-led an award-winning security breach investigation.
What People are Saying
“He has a unique talent for bringing people together, driving teamwork, and creating a united vision. Isaac's ability to bridge gaps and encourage cooperation across various levels was instrumental in many of our successes.”
Bo Wandschneider, (Retired) CIO of the University of Toronto
“Isaac has a strong eye for identifying opportunities and regularly pulled from deep experience to propose, receive buy-in for, and lead critical cybersecurity initiatives. His thoughtful leadership approach regularly built trust and ensured shared, successful outcomes.”
Joseph DeLeon, Deputy Chief Information Security Officer of the University of Washington, Medicine
“Isaac is a standout among cyber security experts. He’s not just a skilled professional; he’s also an exceptional communicator and engaging speaker who brings complex technical concepts down to earth for everyone.”
Hallie Siegel, CEO of the Canadian Robotics Council
“Isaac has a strong grasp of the technical landscape, and he knows how to translate complex security and privacy issues into language that makes sense for everyone in the room. He is always clear, thoughtful, and realistic—focused on solutions that balanced risk, compliance, and the people.”
Jason Valdry, Assistant Dean at the University of California, Irvine
What Isaac is Saying on LinkedIn
Get in Touch!
Schedule a free 1:1 introductory session with me to discuss your cybersecurity needs.
Acheivements & Press
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Drove implementation and expansion of CANSSOC, a program to enable coordination between institutional cybersecurity specialists, together with regional and national cybersecurity experts, to detect and respond to evolving cybersecurity incidents.
Read About CANSSOC
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Straley is named CISO of the year at the 2021 CISO Forum Canada 2021
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Appointed and served on the government of Ontario’s Expert Panel on Cyber Security
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Published May 2022 in the Hill-Times
Link to full article -
