Start a
Chapter
“Where leaders create legacies, launch your own
Chapter and shape the future of cybersecurity.”
It begins with one leader, you. Bring the Global CISO Council to your city.
Become a Chapter Founder
Starting a Global CISO Council Chapter means becoming a Founder, a leader who brings together cybersecurity professionals in your city to learn, collaborate, and grow.
As a Chapter Founder, you will build a local community that reflects the CISO Council’s global mission of advancing ethical leadership and digital trust.
Members and cybersecurity professionals interested in forming a new Chapter must complete and submit an Expression of Interest form. Individuals leading a formation must be Certified Members of EC-Council in good standing.
Applications will be reviewed by the Council’s team to assess alignment with CISO Council’s strategic objectives, member needs, and the potential impact on existing or nearby Chapters.
Completion and submission of an application does not guarantee approval.
Before You Apply
Formation Checklist
Before completing your application, we recommend reviewing the following checklist to ensure that your proposal reflects a sustainable, community-driven vision:
1
Local Cybersecurity Landscape
Assess the cybersecurity and CISO ecosystem in your city or region. Who are the primary stakeholders and existing associations?
2
Identify core supporters
Secure at least 25 committed professionals (certified or non-certified) who will actively support the Chapter’s launch and participation.
3
Develop your business case
Clearly outline what local needs the Chapter will address and how it will advance CISO Council’s mission of global collaboration, ethical leadership, and cybersecurity awareness.
4
Eligibility to Form a Chapter
Individuals directly involved in commercial training, certification sales, or related commercial activities may participate in the Global CISO Council community but are not eligible to serve as Chapter Founder or Chapter Leadership.
* Individuals directly involved in commercial training, certification sales, or related commercial activities may participate in the Global CISO Council community but are not eligible to serve as Chapter Founder or Chapter Leadership.
The Process
The Formation Process
Chapter formation is a structured and committed process. Founders should be prepared to lead a dedicated steering committee of volunteers to develop a multi-year business plan for Council’s approval. This plan ensures that each Chapter begins with a sustainable vision, governance model, and growth strategy.
Volunteers should anticipate a six-to-nine-month planning and execution period, including incorporation requirements where applicable.
01
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
High-level dialogues with CISOs and global experts driving the industry’s future.
02
Form a Steering Committee
03
Prepare a 3-Year Business Plan
04
Obtain Council Approval
05
Sign the Affiliation Agreement
06
Register Locally
Approved Chapters operate under the name: “The Global CISO Council – [Region/City Name]”
Leadership in Action
Your Contribution to the Community
As a Chapter Founder, your contribution extends beyond administration, it’s about building culture and community. Founders serve as the local face of the Global CISO Council and embody its principles of professionalism, inclusion, and ethical leadership.
Your contribution will entail:
Hosting quarterly meetups, webinars, or community events that promote professional learning and engagement.
Building and mentoring a small local core team of volunteers and leaders.
Promoting inclusivity, collaboration, and ethical engagement in every Chapter activity.
Representing CISO Council professionally and aligning local goals with the Council's global vision.
Ready to Start a Chapter?
Launching an CISO Council Chapter is both a leadership opportunity and a service to the profession. It allows you to build a sustainable network of cybersecurity leaders, strengthen your city’s professional ecosystem, and contribute to a globally connected movement of ethical cyber defenders.
For more information on forming a new Chapter or establishing a local branch, please contact: [email protected]
What's Next?
Start a Chapter
Register Your Interest
To begin your journey as a Chapter Founder, simply fill and submit the EOI form below with your professional background and city details. Once reviewed, you’ll attend a brief orientation session with the Foundation team.
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Chapter Business Plan Template
Download our comprehensive business plan template to help you prepare your Chapter proposal.