United States, March 30, 2025 -- Echelon Risk + Cyber, a leading provider of cybersecurity services, is proud to announce that Senior Cybersecurity Consultant Kelsey Cunningham has been honored as one of Consulting Magazine’s 2025 Rising Stars of the Profession. Kelsey was recognized in the category of Excellence in Leadership, highlighting her exceptional leadership, innovation, and impactful contributions within the cybersecurity consulting industry.

The prestigious Rising Stars awards celebrate outstanding professionals aged 36 and under who demonstrate exemplary client service, innovative thinking, exceptional leadership, and dedication to fostering strong client relationships.

“Kelsey’s genuine passion, empathy, and ability to inspire those around her make her an exceptional leader at Echelon,” Josh Fleming, Senior Cybersecurity Manager at Echelon. “She consistently leads by example, showcasing integrity and strategic insight and fostering an environment where team members feel supported and motivated. Her recognition as a Rising Star is a testament to her profound impact on both our firm and the cybersecurity community at large.”

Reflecting on her recognition, Kelsey shares, “I was incredibly honored to receive this award. I work with some of the brightest people, including within Echelon and at my clients, and it's very easy to let imposter syndrome creep in. My career path was not linear, and it's certainly taken me longer than I had hoped to get to where I am today. I'm a mom to two little ones, aged two and under, and I constantly worry if I'm doing enough or giving enough of myself—for my family, for my team, and for my clients. Being recognized as a Consulting Magazine Rising Star gives me validation that I'm exactly where I need to be. It reflects that I'm bringing value to my clients, supporting my team members both personally and professionally, and that I still get to be a present mom after my workday ends.”

Kelsey Cunningham’s career has been marked by her strategic expertise in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). Her passion for cybersecurity developed through her early career experiences and advanced education. She noted, “I started my consulting career straight out of college, helping with both systems implementations and project management work. I became increasingly interested in how systems and data were secured. Pursuing my Master's in Cybersecurity allowed me to combine my experiences and interests, eventually leading me back into the fast-paced consulting environment.”

At Echelon, Cunningham found significant support for her professional development. “Echelon has helped me grow by giving me opportunities to lead new types of engagements, assisting in reviewing my conference presentations, and encouraging me to pursue additional certifications,” she explained. “People at Echelon come from diverse backgrounds with extensive knowledge, but most importantly, they’re always willing to support one another.”

This recognition aligns seamlessly with Echelon’s mission of empowering team members through professional development, mentoring, and fostering an innovative culture. Cunningham’s recognition emphasizes the firm’s dedication to nurturing industry-leading talent, especially women leaders in cybersecurity.

About Echelon Risk + Cyber 

Echelon Risk + Cyber is a cybersecurity professional services firm built on the belief that privacy and security are basic human rights. Echelon’s comprehensive suite of services is customized and right sized for each client, helping to solve even the most complex cybersecurity issues. Services include vCISO-Led Security Team as a Service, Offensive Security Consulting & Adversarial Simulation, Defensive Security Consulting & Hardening, and Cyber Risk Advisory & Compliance. 

Contact Info:
Name: Marissa Salzone
Email: Send Email
Organization: Echelon Risk + Cyber
Website: https://echeloncyber.com/

Release ID: 89156380

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