Honoring Excellence: Discover the Wasserman Award and This Year’s Honoree, Pamela Gupta

The Joseph J. Wasserman Award, presented annually by the ISACA New York Metropolitan Chapter since 1978, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of information systems audit, control, security, risk management, and governance. This prestigious award recognizes professionals who exemplify integrity, humility, and selfless dedication to advancing the professional community.

Notable recipients of the Joseph J. Wasserman Award include:

  • Chris K. Dimitriadis, Ph.D. (2023) – Honored for his global leadership in cybersecurity and significant contributions to ISACA, including the development of COBIT 5 and the Business Model for Information Security (BMIS).
  • Jim Ambrosini (2022) – Recognized for his achievements in cybersecurity and contributions to the profession.
  • Phil Venables (2019) – Acknowledged for his role as Google Cloud CISO and his efforts in driving unified security and risk strategies at scale.
  • Theresa “Terry” Grafenstine (2018) – Celebrated for her advocacy for women in technology and leadership in AI ethics.
  • John Lainhart (1991) – Honored for his pioneering work in IS auditing and contributions to the development of auditing standards.

These individuals have set exemplary standards in their respective fields, contributing to the advancement of the ISACA community and the broader profession.

For a comprehensive list of all Joseph J. Wasserman Award recipients, please visit the official ISACA New York Metropolitan Chapter website. (engage.isaca.org)

Introducing Pamela Gupta: A Trailblazer in AI Governance

Meet this year’s distinguished honoree, Pamela Gupta, the visionary founder of Trusted AI. Her company excels in weaving security, privacy, and governance seamlessly into artificial intelligence systems. With a remarkable career spanning over 25 years, Pamela has established herself as a preeminent global authority in cybersecurity, data strategy, and AI governance.

Pamela’s Accolades and Key Contributions:

  • Pioneering Frameworks: Pamela has developed essential frameworks such as the 5 Essential Pillars of Trustworthy AI and AI 4TIPS (Artificial Intelligence Transparency, Integrity, Privacy, and Security) to operationalize governance in AI systems.
  • Global Recognition: She is recognized among the Top 20 Global Risk Management and Top 50 Cybersecurity experts globally since 2020. Her expertise is well-known for establishing the North East Annual Cybersecurity Summit (NEACS), which provides a unique business perspective on cybersecurity.
  • Leadership Roles:
    • Pamela co-chairs the NIST GCTC Smart Community Security & Privacy Council.
    • She chairs the IEEE AI Next Generation Working Group.
    • Her insights have profoundly shaped strategies for efficient digital transformation and governance views on algorithmic heuristics.
  • Advisory and Thought Leadership:
    • As an advisor to startups and organizations, Pamela assists in harmonizing regulations to alleviate audit fatigue.
    • Her work focuses on building security, privacy, and AI governance, ensuring compliance with evolving legal standards.
    • She emphasizes the importance of securing AI to protect privacy, ensure integrity, and comply with legal standards.
    • Pamela is a recognized thought leader on trustworthy AI, frequently speaking at global conferences and panels. She hosts insightful discussions and aims to move from dialogue to action.
    • Her podcast, “Trustworthy AI: De-risk Business Adoption of AI,” further showcases her commitment to educating and guiding the industry.

Philanthropic Contributions: Pamela Gupta’s dedication extends beyond her professional roles, encompassing significant philanthropic efforts:

  • Mentorship and Advocacy: Pamela founded the Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) Trusted AI Affiliate, a group dedicated to advancing trust in AI by building secure and ethical AI systems.
  • Educational Content: She has authored articles and whitepapers on AI ethics and security, sharing her expertise with the broader community. Notably, she co-authored a whitepaper titled “Generative AI Policy: A Comprehensive Analysis and Recommendations for EU and US Local Governments,” providing insights into AI policy development.
  • Community & Industry Impact: Through her leadership at Trusted AI, Pamela collaborates with nonprofits to advance AI trust and inclusion. She also mentors early-career professionals, advocating for ethical AI practices and uplifting marginalized voices in the AI community. Her holistic approach to tech governance has made her a pioneer in Trusted AI.

Pamela Gupta’s extensive contributions and leadership perfectly embody the spirit of the Joseph J. Wasserman Award, making her a truly deserving recipient.