This Coffee Talk brings together ISACA San Diego and SecurityStudio Academy for an insightful conversation with Tom Welke, a veteran technology and cybersecurity recruiter with decades of experience connecting organizations with top security talent.
Tom will share practical perspectives on today’s cybersecurity hiring landscape, including what employers are really looking for, how candidates can stand out, and how the talent market is evolving.
Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the skills, behaviors, and career strategies that matter most in 2026, whether they’re hiring or seeking their next role. This session is designed to be conversational, actionable, and relevant for professionals at every stage of their security career. In this discussion, attendees will learn:
How IT Executives are actually finding their next role
Networking is not a one call close
How to get to know more people without ‘asking for a job’
Discipline will take you where motivation wont
Know your ‘what’ and your ‘why’
Your success in your past was not an accident
This presentation is open to the public, available at no cost, and designed for curious minds of all ages and level(s) of technological experience. Participants will receive 1 CPE for attending/participating in the presentation.
SPEAKER: Tom Welke - Partner & VP at RSM Solutions, Inc.
Tom is probably the biggest fan of 'good karma' and spreading as much good will as possible. He helps IT and Security Executives for no fee. He has a number of tips to offer and free advice to give to anyone who is stuck in their search, starting off their search, or in a role that isn't exactly the best fit for them.
Professionally, Tom is a veteran technology and cybersecurity recruiter with more than two decades of experience helping organizations build high-performing leadership and technical teams. As a trusted advisor to executives across industries, Tom specializes in identifying and placing top talent in security, IT, engineering, and emerging technology roles. His career spans agency recruiting, executive search, and strategic talent consulting, giving him a unique perspective on how organizations can attract, evaluate, and retain the right people in an increasingly competitive market.
Known for his relationship-driven approach, Tom partners closely with both hiring leaders and candidates to ensure long-term alignment and organizational fit. He is deeply engaged in the cybersecurity community and is passionate about helping professionals navigate career transitions, develop their personal brand, and understand the evolving expectations of modern employers. Tom’s insights into hiring trends, leadership competencies, and workforce dynamics make him a sought-after voice in today’s talent landscape.
Visit Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomwelke/
DETAILS:
Date: Thursday, February 26th
Time: 12:00 - 1:15 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
CPE: 1
ONLINE
Online access is available via the chapter’s Zoom account (registration below).
Attendance capacity is 500