Modern CISO Network: Board Book

Chris Bender, a distinguished cybersecurity leader with a background as a security software engineer, brings extensive experience across small startups, large corporations, and government entities. Throughout his career, Chris has learned how to successfully secure systems amidst significant industry disruptions caused by transformative technologies such as mobile devices, advancements in web-based applications and services (Web 2.0), cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, and the rapid evolution of AI.

As CISO at ClickUp, Chris has played a pivotal role in establishing the company’s security framework and guiding its growth and success. He has built ClickUp’s security infrastructure, teams, processes, and systems from the ground up, empowering the business to achieve key fundraising milestones and revenue growth from a security, compliance, and revenue growth perspective.

Chris was previously the President of Incode Corporation, a technical and business consulting firm, where he helped companies secure their hardware, software, and cloud-based products. His prior roles also include Director of Security Services at Center, Director of Security Engineering at Motorola, and Director of Software Security at BlackBerry. With a strong focus on enabling businesses and embedding security in different business functions, Chris believes that comprehensive security requires collaboration with all of the engineering, technology, and business organizations. He possesses a deep understanding of security architecture, secure communications, identity management, secure networking, and cryptography. He has a proven ability to lead and grow teams, manage complex projects, and deliver products that meet or exceed stringent security standards. When not securing all the things, you can find Chris biking and running around the Ottawa countryside or hanging with his wife and three sons.