Ohio cyber chief honored for collaborative spirit, ‘strategic leadership’
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers on Tuesday announced it has awarded Holly Drake, Ohio’s chief information security officer, with its 2025 Thomas M. Jarrett State Cybersecurity Leadership Award.
During its annual conference, in Denver, the group presented the award, named after a late NASCIO president who loved cybersecurity, for Drake’s achievements in improving the state’s cybersecurity posture. In a press release, the group cited her efforts in “strategic leadership, talent development and enterprise-wide collaboration.”
“She expanded agency coverage with dedicated information security managers, launched new services like penetration testing and tabletop exercises and deployed modern cybersecurity tools while streamlining outdated ones,” the release reads.
NASCIO credited Drake with creating a new governance, risk and compliance team, along with improving centralized incident response. The group pointed to her reputation for collaboration and “user-centered approach.” She leads “Coffee with the CISO” forums designed to open conversations about cybersecurity and build trust across agencies.
The 2025 recognition places Drake in the pantheon of Thomas M. Jarrett State Cybersecurity Leadership Award recipients, which most recently include Michael Watson of Virginia, Adam Ford of Illinois and Vitaliy Panych of California.
