Abend succeeds retiring CEO Steven Silberstein
Reston, VA, September 4, 2025 - FS-ISAC, the member-driven, not-for-profit organization that advances cybersecurity and resilience in the global financial system, today announced that Valerie Abend has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective September 3, 2025. This is part of a thoughtful succession plan established following Steven Silberstein announcing his plans to retire in September 2024.
Abend previously served as Accenture’s Global Financial Services Security Lead, advising senior executives on managing cyber risk, spearheading enterprise and sector-wide security and resilience strategies, and guiding the development of public-private partnerships and cybersecurity policy. With more than 30 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, she is a global authority on the opportunities and challenges facing FS-ISAC’s 5000+ member financial firms as well as successful strategies for navigating the complexities of today’s operating environment.
“We are thrilled to have such a dynamic successor in Valerie, a trusted leader in our community with both the breadth and depth of experience needed to lead FS-ISAC into the future,” said Kristopher Fador, Board Chair of FS-ISAC and Chief Information Security Officer at Bank of America. “We thank Steve for his countless contributions to the organization and sector over the last six years. We look forward to his continued guidance throughout this transition and as an advisor to our organization moving forward.”
“I am deeply honored for the opportunity to lead FS-ISAC and grateful to Steve for his counsel through this transition,” Valerie Abend said. “As we look ahead, FS-ISAC is uniquely positioned to advance the financial sector’s security and resilience in the face of growing cyber threats and complex geopolitical and technology change. I look forward to working with our members, partners, and stakeholders around the world in support of this critical mission.”
Valerie Abend Biography
Valerie Abend is the CEO of FS-ISAC. She is a globally recognized cybersecurity and resilience expert with more than 30 years of experience in the private and public sectors, including as an industry practitioner, board director, advisor and consulting practice leader, and public servant.
Previously, Abend was a Senior Managing Director at Accenture, leading the Global Financial Services Security practice, where she advised C-Suite executives, Boards of Directors, and policymakers on managing and overseeing cyber risk and resilience. She has also served on various boards around the world, including the Cloud Security Alliance and the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Cyber Security Advisory Panel.
Prior to joining Accenture, Abend led efforts to improve the security and resilience of the financial system at various financial authorities and as a Managing Director at Bank of New York Mellon. She has testified before Congress and is frequently quoted in the media on cybersecurity issues.
About FS-ISAC
FS-ISAC is the member-driven, not-for-profit organization that advances cybersecurity and resilience in the global financial system, protecting the financial institutions and the people they serve. Founded in 1999, the organization’s real-time information-sharing network amplifies the intelligence, knowledge, and practices of its members for the financial sector’s collective security and defenses. Member financial firms represent $100 trillion in assets in 75 countries.
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