SANS Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

SANS has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, human resources, association governance, and organizational leadership.

Dedicated to advancing global cybersecurity expertise, SANS maintains a mission of providing high-quality research and training to secure digital infrastructures worldwide through cooperative education.

Leadership Roles at SANS

  • Chief Executive Officer - Dennis Kirby
  • Chief Financial Officer - Peggy Logue
  • Chief Operating Officer - Marc Niketas
  • President De L'Association - Cossam Bukuru
  • President - Kim Schott
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Kimberly Falen
  • Dennis Kirby - Chief Executive Officer

    Dennis Kirby, the Chief Executive Officer at SANS, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Kirby architects long-term growth initiatives while overseeing the expansion of cybersecurity training programs across global markets. By aligning educational research with current industry threats, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization remains the premier source for information security certification. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain the integrity of the cooperative research model. Dennis Kirby drives the development of new training methodologies that address evolving digital risks. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial and academic health of the institution. Kirby manages high-level partnerships that extend the reach of SANS into diverse international sectors. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of excellence that supports the mission of protecting global digital assets through superior education and professional development.

    Peggy Logue - Chief Financial Officer

    Peggy Logue, the Chief Financial Officer at SANS, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire organization. Logue executes complex financial strategies that support the development of large-scale cybersecurity research documents and training programs. Overseeing the allocation of resources, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital investments align with the long-term educational goals of the institution. This role requires precise monitoring of revenue streams from global certification services to maintain operational stability. Peggy Logue directs the financial reporting processes and maintains transparency with stakeholders regarding the economic impact of training initiatives. By optimizing cost structures, the Chief Financial Officer enables the organization to provide extensive research materials at no cost to the public. Logue coordinates with other executive leaders to prioritize funding for critical security research projects. Through disciplined fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer sustains the growth of the organization across diverse international markets.

    Marc Niketas - Chief Operating Officer

    Marc Niketas, the Chief Operating Officer at SANS, directs the daily operational workflows and infrastructure required to deliver world-class cybersecurity training. Niketas architects scalable systems that support the distribution of research documents to a global audience. Overseeing the logistics of international training events, the Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless execution of educational programs across various regions. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to improve the efficiency of certification delivery. Marc Niketas drives the integration of new technologies into the training platform to enhance user experience and accessibility. By managing the operational capacity of the organization, the Chief Operating Officer supports the rapid deployment of security knowledge to professionals worldwide. Niketas coordinates with department heads to resolve bottlenecks and optimize service delivery. Through constant refinement of operational standards, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the high quality of service that defines the reputation of the organization in the cybersecurity sector.
    Marc Niketas

    Cossam Bukuru - President De L'Association

    Cossam Bukuru, the President De L'Association at SANS, directs the governance and community engagement efforts for the association branch of the organization. Bukuru architects frameworks that facilitate cooperation among cybersecurity professionals and researchers. Overseeing the expansion of the association network, the President De L'Association ensures that members have access to the latest research and training resources. This leadership role involves representing the interests of the association in international forums and industry discussions. Cossam Bukuru drives the development of collaborative projects that address emerging security threats. By managing the relationships between the association and its global members, the President De L'Association strengthens the collective knowledge base of the community. Bukuru coordinates with other executives to ensure that association activities align with the core mission of the organization. Through active leadership, the President De L'Association fosters a robust network of security experts dedicated to the advancement of information security practices worldwide.

    Kim Schott - President

    Kim Schott, the President at SANS, directs the tactical execution of organizational goals and oversees the performance of key business units. Schott architects initiatives that translate the strategic vision of the organization into actionable training and certification programs. Overseeing the alignment of departmental objectives, the President ensures that all teams contribute effectively to the mission of providing high-quality cybersecurity education. This role involves managing the day-to-day operations of the business to ensure consistency and excellence. Kim Schott drives the implementation of new educational products that address the specific needs of the global security market. By monitoring key performance indicators, the President maintains the focus of the organization on growth and impact. Schott coordinates with the executive team to resolve complex challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the training sector. Through decisive leadership, the President sustains the competitive advantage of the organization in the rapidly evolving field of information security.

    Kimberly Falen - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Kimberly Falen, the Chief Human Resources Officer at SANS, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies necessary to support a global workforce. Falen architects programs that attract top-tier cybersecurity experts and educators to the institution. Overseeing the professional growth of the staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the team possesses the skills required to maintain the highest standards of information security training. This role involves fostering an inclusive culture that encourages innovation and collaborative research. Kimberly Falen drives initiatives that improve employee engagement and retention across all departments. By managing performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer aligns individual contributions with the broader mission of the organization. Falen coordinates with leadership to identify future staffing needs as the organization expands its international footprint. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer builds the human capital foundation that enables the organization to lead in the cybersecurity education industry.
    Kimberly Falen

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SANS Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SANS?
    SANS is led by Dennis Kirby (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Peggy Logue (Chief Financial Officer) and Marc Niketas (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of SANS’s executive team?
    The executive team of SANS includes leaders such as Dennis Kirby (Chief Executive Officer), Peggy Logue (Chief Financial Officer), Marc Niketas (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does SANS have?
    SANS has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in SANS’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of SANS includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President De L'Association, President.