ISACA got its start in 1967 when a small group of individuals with similar jobs—auditing controls in the computer systems that were becoming increasingly critical to the operations of their organizations—sat down to discuss the need for a centralized source of information and guidance in the field. In 1969, the group formalized, incorporating as the EDP Auditors Association. In 1976 the association formed an education foundation to undertake large-scale research efforts to expand the knowledge and value of the IT governance and control field.

West Florida chapter started in 1993. Our chapter has steadily grown to over 1,000 members and covers a variety of professional IT-related positions—IS auditor, consultant, educator, IS security professional, regulator, chief information officer, and internal auditor. Some are new to the field, others are at middle management levels and still, others are in the most senior ranks. They work in nearly all industry categories, including financial and banking, public accounting, government and the public sector, utilities, and manufacturing. This diversity enables members to learn from each other, and exchange widely divergent viewpoints on a variety of professional topics. It has long been considered one of ISACA’s strengths.Our geographic reach is shown in the inserted graphic.

We continue to supply training boot camps and several all-day training events in the fall and spring of each year. We provide members with education, resource sharing, advocacy, professional networking and a host of other benefits.

A continuing goal is to work with all the local universities to foster local student chapters and we rotate our certification boot camps at several local universities.

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification is recognized globally and has been earned by more than 60,000 professionals since inception.
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification uniquely targets the information security management audience and has been earned by more than 9,000 professionals.
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is the only certification that positions IT professionals for future career growth by linking IT risk management to enterprise risk management and positioning them to become strategic partners to the business.