A Milestone Moment for the MS-ISAC Community

by Carlos Kizzee

The first half of 2026 has marked a defining chapter for the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center® (MS-ISAC®), underscoring both the strength of our community and a strong vision for the future. Three recent developments — the MS-ISAC surpassing 5,000 members, the establishment of an Interim Governance Board, and the tremendous success of the 2026 ISAC Annual Summit — collectively signal a maturing, resilient, and increasingly influential cybersecurity ecosystem for U.S. State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) governments nationwide

5,000 Members: A Testament to Collective Defense

Reaching the 5,000-member milestone under the new member-funded model first introduced in 2025 is far more than a numerical achievement; it is a powerful affirmation of the MS-ISAC’s role as a trusted hub for collaboration, information sharing, and operational support, and demonstrates the continued commitment of the U.S. SLTT community to collective cyber defense. The steady growth reflects both heightened awareness of cyber risk across U.S. SLTT organizations and the demonstrated value of MS-ISAC membership in strengthening defenses against an evolving threat landscape.

Today’s cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, targeting not just data but critical infrastructure systems that underpin public safety, health services, and essential government operations. In this environment, no single entity can stand alone. The MS-ISAC’s growth highlights a shared commitment among U.S. SLTT organizations to work collectively by leveraging shared intelligence, best practices, and response capabilities to improve resilience nationwide. Each new member enhances the community’s collective visibility into threats and expands the network of defenders working toward a common goal: securing the nation’s public sector infrastructure.

Governance for the Future: The Interim Board

As the MS-ISAC expands in both scale and strategic importance, governance becomes even more critical. The establishment of the MS-ISAC Interim Member Governance Board represents a proactive step toward ensuring that the organization remains responsive, member-driven, and aligned with the needs of its diverse stakeholders.

The Interim Board provides structured guidance during a period of transition and growth, helping to shape policies, priorities, and long-term direction. Importantly, it strengthens the voice of the membership in decision-making processes, reinforcing the MS-ISAC’s foundational principle of community-led collaboration.

This evolution in governance comes at a time when U.S. SLTT entities face not only increasing cyber threats but also resource constraints, including federal funding pressures. A more formalized governance approach ensures that strategic decisions are informed by those on the front lines of securing critical infrastructure in communities across the country. It also positions the MS-ISAC to adapt to future challenges while preserving the trust and engagement that have fueled its success.

The 2026 ISAC Annual Summit: From Insight to Action

The momentum behind the MS-ISAC was on full display at the 2026 ISAC Annual Summit, which drew 746 registrants representing all 50 states and U.S. territories. Supported by more than 50 sponsors and partners, the Summit offered a robust program of 12 plenary sessions and 42 breakout sessions complemented by numerous birds-of-a-feather discussions and dedicated networking opportunities.

Beyond the impressive attendance and breadth of content, what set this year’s Summit apart was its focus on actionable outcomes. Presenters were tasked with delivering clear, practical calls to action, resulting in 111 distinct, high-priority steps that attendees can implement to enhance their organizations’ security postures. These recommendations are designed to be achievable, especially when paired with the resources, training, and peer support available through MS-ISAC membership.

The Summit also marked a significant milestone in partnership and cross-sector collaboration. For the first time, the National Homeland Security Consortium (NHSC) held its annual meeting in conjunction with the ISAC Annual Summit. This collaboration reflects a growing recognition that cybersecurity risks increasingly intersect with broader homeland security and critical infrastructure concerns.

The partnership is especially timely given shared challenges, including federal funding constraints and the shifting nature of cyber threats from traditional espionage and data theft toward attacks capable of causing physical disruption. By bringing together leaders from emergency management, law enforcement, public health, government, and the private sector, the joint convening underscored the interconnected nature of today’s risk environment and the need for a unified response. 

Looking Ahead

Taken together, these milestones signal a pivotal moment for the MS-ISAC. The growing membership base strengthens the foundation of collective defense. The Interim Member Governance Board ensures that this expanding community remains guided by strategic, member-informed leadership. And the Annual Summit demonstrates the power of convening that community to translate knowledge into action that promotes a strong defense.

As cyber threats continue to evolve in scale and impact, the MS-ISAC’s role will only become more critical. With a strong and growing membership, a forward-looking governance structure, and a demonstrated ability to foster meaningful collaboration, the MS-ISAC is well-positioned to lead the U.S. SLTT cybersecurity community into its next chapter: standing strong together in defense of the nation’s critical public infrastructure.

 

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About the Author

Carlos Kizzee
Senior Vice President for MS-ISAC Strategy and Plans

Carlos P. Kizzee is the Senior Vice President for MS-ISAC Strategy and Plans. In that position, Kizzee is accountable for the engagement, account management, and training and education activities associated with MS-ISAC membership as well as key programs assessing and enhancing the security maturity of state, local, tribal, and territorial government agencies and activities. Previously, Kizzee served with the Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center (RH-ISAC) as Vice President of Intelligence, building and supporting retail and hospitality industry security collaboration; and with Defense Security Information Exchange as Executive Director, promoting threat intelligence sharing and collaboration within the defense industrial base and actively supporting the development and establishment of the National Defense ISAC.