Defending and protecting sensitive data is a 24/7, nonstop, global fight. Success depends upon many factors, including the best resources, a great team and, of course, leadership that has vision and can craft a winning battle plan.

That’s part of what makes Cisco’s cybersecurity community, the League of Cybersecurity Heroes, so special. It’s a place where our customers can come together, make impactful connections, expand their professional and personal networks, and learn from top experts in their field.

This year we are proud to recognize Dr. Christopher P. Mitchell as this year’s Cybersecurity Defender Award recipient.

As this year’s recipient, Dr. Mitchell will be featured as a speaker at Cisco Live, on June 7th in Las Vegas, Nevada. He and all of this year’s nominees will be celebrated during Cisco Live in Las Vegas. Additionally, Dr. Mitchell has received a personalized social kit to help promote his personal brand, and he will be promoted externally for the entire year as a Cisco Cybersecurity thought leader.

In his day job, Dr. Mitchell serves as the Chief Information and Security Officer for the City of Houston, Texas, the fourth largest city in America. Dr. Mitchell describes himself as a “student of his craft” – continually learning, evolving and adapting in the world of cybersecurity.

His experience and strategies have been influenced by an impressive work history. He served in the United States Navy as an Operations Specialist (Surface Warfare/Aviation Warfare). Later, he worked for a cleared major aerospace and defense organization for over 14 years as Director of IT and Information Systems Security Officer where he was responsible for detecting, protecting and responding to cyberattacks from nation-states, hacktivist groups, organized criminals and insiders.

His current role is as challenging as they come. Not only have attackers become more sophisticated, but the vulnerability footprint and risks are greater than ever, especially in Houston — where the city will be one of several center stage in hosting the World Cup in 2026.

Additionally, Houston is home to the NASA Johnson Space Center, the largest medical center in the world, and one of the largest ports in the country. Understandably, Houston is constantly targeted by adversaries around the globe.