Cloud Security Alliance Names Troy Leach as Executive Director of the CSAI Foundation

Cybersecurity veteran to convene industry, government, academia and cybersecurity community to advance secure and trustworthy technology

SEATTLE – Sept. 14, 2026 – The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world's leading not-for-profit organization committed to AI, cloud, and Zero Trust cybersecurity education, is pleased to announce that Troy Leach, Chief Strategy Officer for CSA, has been named as the Executive Director of the CSAI Foundation. Leach currently serves as Chief Strategy Officer of CSA and brings more than 25 years of experience building collaborative approaches to cybersecurity, technology standards, and digital trust. 

“We're thrilled to have Troy step into this role. He’s spent his career helping shape cybersecurity standards and practices to make our digital world safer, and this promotion is a natural recognition of that leadership,” said Jim Reavis, CEO and co-founder, Cloud Security Alliance. “His deep understanding of how security standards evolve alongside technology will be especially valuable as we enter a new era of autonomous systems. We’re fortunate to have him leading this effort.”

The appointment comes as AI systems become increasingly autonomous and embedded in critical business and societal functions. The CSAI Foundation provides a collaborative forum through which diverse stakeholders can anticipate emerging risks, shape responsible practices, and create the shared trust mechanisms necessary for organizations and communities to benefit safely from AI innovation. 

“Effective safeguards succeed when stakeholders of the community work together to define outcomes that are technically sound, operationally practical, and worthy of public trust,” said Leach. “The CSAI Foundation can turn that collaboration and philanthropic giving into action by supporting timely research and other practical cybersecurity needs. I am honored to lead this work and help build the shared knowledge and capabilities for a future increasingly shaped by autonomous systems that are secure, responsible, and broadly beneficial.” 

Leach has more than 25 years advocating for the advancement of responsible, safe technology to improve the quality of living and parity for all. As Chief Strategy Officer, Leach supported the Cloud Security Alliance's corporate strategy and ongoing mission to provide new and relevant security awareness, education, research, programs, and membership participation.

Leach has built his career working across the institutions that shape cybersecurity policy, practice, and innovation. His experience helping to establish and lead standards organizations, engaging with regulators around the world, and research into emerging risks will support the CSAI Foundation’s mission to promote secure and responsible AI through collaboration, education, and public-interest initiatives.

His advisory work has spanned both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and he advises universities on the development of cybersecurity curricula. Beyond the industry, Leach supports several charitable causes and serves on the national board of Grateful Giving, which allows people to sustainably micro-donate to charities of their choice.

Learn more about the CSAI Foundation and its mission to advance secure and trustworthy AI.

About CSAI Foundation
CSAI is a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation launched by the Cloud Security Alliance, dedicated exclusively to AI security and safety. With a 2026 mission of Securing the Agentic Control Plane, CSAI delivers integrated programs spanning risk intelligence, operational best practices, professional and agent certification, executive collaboration, global assurance, and forward-looking research to govern the autonomous AI economy. Visit www.CSAI.foundation.

About Cloud Security Alliance
The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) is the world’s leading not-for-profit organization committed to awareness, practical implementation, and credentialing of forward-looking cybersecurity topics, including AI, cloud, and Zero Trust. In an era where digital transformation drives business success, CSA stands as the global authority ensuring organizations can operate securely while harnessing cutting-edge technology. Through the 501(c)3 CSAI Foundation, volunteer-driven research, globally-accepted standards, and award-winning vendor-neutral education programs that unite varied associations, governments, chapters, and corporate members, CSA bridges the gap between innovation and pragmatic security execution. Visit CSA’s website to learn more. 

Media Contact
Kristina Rundquist
ZAG Communications for the CSA
kristina@zagcommunications.com