Elisa Bertino, a distinguished figure in computer science, has been elected as the new president of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the world’s leading educational and scientific computing society. With a career that spans over four decades, Bertino brings a wealth of experience and an esteemed reputation in information security and privacy to this influential leadership position. Her appointment marks a significant moment for ACM as it seeks to steer the computing community through an era defined by rapid technological transformation and increasing societal complexities.
Bertino, the Samuel Conte Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at Purdue University, has long been heralded for her pioneering contributions to the domains of information systems security and privacy. These fields, which are crucial to safeguarding data integrity and protecting personal privacy in a digitally interconnected world, have evolved significantly due to her innovative work. Her leadership is expected to fortify ACM’s role as a beacon of trusted guidance, ensuring that emerging technologies not only drive innovation but also harmonize with ethical and social imperatives.
Joining Bertino in leading ACM are Vice President Rashmi Mohan and Secretary/Treasurer Tom Crick. Rashmi Mohan, who currently serves as Director of Engineering at Cisco (Splunk) Inc., brings over 25 years of experience in technical management and digital transformation strategies. Her forte in enterprise security, particularly in the SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) domain, underscores the critical importance of operational security in the constantly evolving cyber threat landscape. Mohan’s leadership will continue to advance ACM’s commitment to cybersecurity excellence and innovation.
Tom Crick, an acclaimed professor based at the University of Bristol, complements this leadership team with his expertise in the interface of computing, data, and artificial intelligence with society and policy. His academic work and his role as Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport give him unique insights into the socio-economic impacts of digital technologies. Crick’s vision is integral to fostering cross-disciplinary dialogues that explore how computing intersects with public policy and education.
Under Bertino’s guidance, ACM aims to intensify its support for early-career researchers and educators, recognizing them as pivotal drivers of future technological breakthroughs. Enhanced mentorship initiatives are set to provide emerging professionals with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to innovate responsibly. This focus aligns with the broader objective of democratizing access to ACM’s extensive research infrastructure and publications, making these resources more open, sustainable, and equitable across global regions.
The evolving landscape of computing, as articulated by President-elect Bertino, is at a crossroads of unprecedented progression and profound challenges. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and ubiquitous data connectivity present transformative potentials while simultaneously raising ethical, privacy, and security concerns. ACM is poised to lead the multidisciplinary engagement necessary to navigate these complexities, promoting research excellence alongside vigorous professional leadership.
Bertino’s previous roles within ACM, including Vice President and Chair of the ACM Special Interest Group on Security, Audit and Control (SIGSAC), reflect her enduring commitment to the field’s advancement. Her instrumental role in establishing the ACM Conference on Data and Application Security and Privacy (CODASPY) has provided a premier platform for cutting-edge research in securing data and respecting privacy — issues that are increasingly salient in today’s digital age.
Her accolades, including the ACM Athena Lecturer Award and IEEE’s prestigious Innovation in Societal Infrastructure Award, attest to her distinguished contributions and visionary influence. Bertino’s work underscores the importance of translating theoretical computer science insights into practical, societally beneficial applications, a perspective that will strongly inform her presidency.
Vice President Rashmi Mohan’s extensive background in cybersecurity and digital innovation positions her as a dynamic force within the ACM leadership. With experience spanning startups to multinational corporations, Mohan’s strategic acumen in leading secure engineering teams is indispensable at a time when cybersecurity threats grow both in scale and sophistication. Her continuing involvement in ACM governance, including her current role as Secretary/Treasurer, enhances the organization’s capacity for effective stewardship and growth.
Tom Crick’s scholarly contributions further enrich ACM’s dialogue on how digital transformation intersects with governmental policy and education systems. His leadership in national curriculum reviews reflects a dedication to equipping the next generation with the computational fluency necessary to thrive in a digitized society. By nurturing such educational initiatives, Crick helps ensure that the societal deployment of technology is both informed and inclusive.
Together, this leadership coalition is poised to invigorate ACM’s mission, emphasizing the alignment of technological advancement with societal values. Strengthening ACM’s global influence requires not only a commitment to cutting-edge research but also fostering ethical considerations, inclusivity, and cross-cultural understanding. Bertino’s statement that ACM has both a “unique responsibility” and “unique capacity” to lead this charge encapsulates the organization’s strategic direction.
As transformative technologies become increasingly integrated into every aspect of life, ACM’s role as a facilitator of dialogue among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the public becomes ever more critical. The leadership under Bertino, Mohan, and Crick is expected to amplify this role, ensuring that computing continues to serve the public good while catalyzing innovation and economic growth.
The election of these accomplished professionals reflects ACM’s dedication to sustaining its prominence as a hub for excellence in computing. Their combined expertise spans the technical depths of cybersecurity, the ethical and societal implications of digital technologies, and the strategic directions of global computing education and policy. This multidimensional leadership approach is essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities poised by an accelerating digital future.
Looking ahead, ACM’s strategic initiatives will likely focus on expanding inclusivity within the computing community and promoting sustainable access to scientific knowledge. By encouraging diverse participation and fostering international collaborations, ACM endeavors to reflect the global nature of computing challenges and solutions. Such an approach aligns with Bertino’s vision of expanding ACM’s reach beyond geographic and cultural boundaries, paving the way for a more connected and responsible tech ecosystem.
Subject of Research: Leadership and future directions in computing professional societies with a focus on security, privacy, and societal impact of technology.
Article Title: ACM Elects Elisa Bertino as President to Lead Computing Society into a New Era of Ethical Innovation
News Publication Date: Not provided
Web References: https://www.acm.org/
Image Credits: Association for Computing Machinery
Keywords
ACM, Elisa Bertino, Computing Leadership, Information Security, Data Privacy, Cybersecurity, Digital Society, Technology and Ethics, Computing Education, Professional Mentorship, Open Access, Technological Innovation
