Chief information security officer named GeorgiaCISO ORBIE Award finalist

Heather Roszkowski, DSc, Augusta University’s chief information security officer and assistant vice president of cybersecurity solutions, has been named a finalist for the 2025 GeorgiaCISO ORBIE Award in the nonprofit/public sector.

The GeorgiaCISO ORBIE Awards celebrate the top technology and security executives across industries who drive innovation, strengthen organizational resilience, and shape the future of IT leadership in the state. Winners will be announced on Nov. 20 at the GeorgiaCISO ORBIE Awards held at the Hotel at Avalon in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Roszkowski is a nationally recognized leader in information technology and cybersecurity with over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. She leads the development and execution of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that safeguards the university’s digital assets, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information for students, patients, faculty and staff.

Roszkowski was recognized for her leadership in advancing Augusta University’s cybersecurity posture, including initiatives that strengthen data protection, safeguard critical systems and foster a culture of security awareness across campus.

“Dr. Roszkowski’s recognition as a top CISO in Georgia highlights her leadership in building Augusta University’s culture of security and resilience,” said Michael Casdorph, EdD, AU’s chief information officer. “Her vision has kept the institution ahead of cyber threats, safeguarding data through teamwork, best practices and innovation. This finalist honor celebrates her achievements and the dedication of the entire team.”

While Roszkowski shared her gratitude for the recognition, she emphasized her team’s role in the honor.

“I am honored and grateful to be considered for this recognition, but I must emphasize that this achievement is a testament to my team’s incredible work, dedication and exceptional efforts. I am proud to lead such a talented group; this recognition belongs to all of us,” she said. “Thank you all for the support. Go Jags!”

Earlier this year, Augusta University was recognized with the 2025 CSO50 Award, which recognizes organizations for outstanding innovation and leadership in cybersecurity. Presented by Computer Security Online, a division of Foundry, an IDG Inc. company, the award celebrates 50 projects annually that deliver exceptional business value through creative, effective security strategies. Augusta University, one of only three universities to earn the distinction, also earned the distinction in 2023.

Prior to joining Augusta University, Roszkowski served as the network chief information security officer for the University of Vermont Health Network and as the CISO for the University of Vermont Medical Center. Her distinguished career also includes service as an information assurance manager for a division-level task force in the active U.S. Army, where she served 11 years as a signal corps officer. She is now a member of the U.S. Army Reserves (inactive) with a rank of lieutenant colonel.

Roszkowski’s expertise has been recognized at the state and national levels. She was appointed to the State of Vermont Governor’s Cybersecurity Advisory Team and is an active member of several professional organizations, including International Information System Security Certification Consortium, Inc. and the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association.

Her accolades include being named a finalist for the Executive Women’s Forum’s 2015 Women of Influence Award and receiving the Bronze Star Medal and the Signal Corps Regimental Association’s Bronze Order of Mercury.

Roszkowski holds a doctoral degree in cybersecurity from Capitol Technology University and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional, or CISSP, through ISC².