Ben Acord

Luke said: I've known Ben since around 2016 to 2017. It's all a blur. I met him at ISSA meetings when I was very new to security. We worked as volunteers at the first BSides Greenville conference in 2018. I joined DEF CON 864 shortly after he and several others started the group.

Since then, Ben has consistently been warm and inviting to everyone who is interested in our community. Unlike some other elite cybersecurity professionals, Ben cares more to build authentic connections rather than let anyone know that he's a big deal. If he doesn't know it yet, he's a big deal.

He taught at Greenville Tech for a year. He was recently elected as the Upstate ISSA South Carolina Chapter President in 2025. His democratic leadership style is a breath of fresh air, and he's quickly created tangible improvements in the ISSA group, making it yet more approachable for anyone in our area who's interested in cybersecurity.

Ben is a leader, a connector, and a community builder. He shares the value in helping people on their cybersecurity career journey, or educating those who are interested in this field. He volunteers his time, knowledge, and efforts to these ends. I'm humbled to know Ben and be a part of this great community.

For all those reasons and more, Ben Acord is the winner of the 2023 Jimmy C Award.