CanadianCIO of the Year Awards

“I’m truly honoured to be recognized as a finalist among such accomplished peers. This reflects the collective effort of my team and our shared commitment to driving meaningful impact through technology.”

— Cecilia Carbonelli

“I am deeply honored to be a finalist for the Canadian CIO of the Year Award alongside such impressive peers. I share this recognition with our CEO, my Executive peers, Leadership, our internal clients, and my incredible team at Teknion, whose trust and partnership mean everything.”

— John Comacchio, Teknion

“Being selected as a finalist for the 2026 CanadianCIO Awards is a meaningful recognition. Throughout my career, I have witnessed how technology, innovation, and collaboration empower organizations to push boundaries and achieve what once felt unattainable. This recognition reflects the talented teams, strong partnerships, and shared commitment that make that progress possible. As a woman in technology, I hope this recognition encourages more women to see aerospace and STEM as industries where they can thrive, contribute, and lead.”

— Brigitte Larivière

“Being nominated for this recognition is a tremendous honour. To me, it reflects the collective efforts of an exceptional team and the profound impact that technology can have in advancing law enforcement in Canada”

— Brent Dyer, Calgary Police Service

“I am honoured to be named a finalist for the Canadian CIO of the Year Award in the Public Sector. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our team and our shared commitment to delivering meaningful, innovative outcomes for the community we serve.”

— Bachar Khawajah

“I am honoured and humbled to have been selected as one of three finalists for the CIO of the Year Award. This recognition reflects the support, expertise and collaboration of countless colleagues and mentors who have been part of my journey. I am grateful to the CIO Association of Canada and its awards selection committee for this acknowledgment and am truly privileged to be recognized alongside such accomplished finalists.”

— Arun Dixit

“I’m deeply grateful to be named a finalist for the CIO of the year award. For me, this recognition isn’t just about technology it’s about leadership, collaboration, and helping organizations navigate meaningful change in a rapidly evolving world and reinforces my belief that technology, innovation, and people together can drive extraordinary outcomes.”

— Eben Engelbrecht

“I’m both thrilled and honoured to be included in the nominees for Canadian CIO of the Year award. The value of the CIO Association of Canada is in the deep connections and mutual support we provide one another, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling engaging as a peer, mentor, and mentee with members both in Vancouver and across the country. The Association has been a key resource for developing networks and sharing knowledge, and having access to such diversity of thought and experience across varied industries, markets, and sectors has been invaluable in helping inform and build my own internal leadership strategies. This support is part of what has enabled me to tackle the ever-changing technical and governance landscapes (and minefields) in which we often find ourselves as leaders. Considering the calibre and quality of leaders that exists within our membership, being recognized amongst such an august group of peers is both incredibly meaningful and deeply humbling.”

— Pradeep Nair

“Being selected as a finalist for the 2026 CanadianCIO CISO of the Year Award by my peers across Canada’s technology leadership community is deeply meaningful. Throughout my career, I’ve benefited from the collaboration, mentorship and shared learning that define both the cybersecurity profession and the utility sector, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to those communities in return. This recognition reflects the strength of that community and the growing role of the CISO in helping organizations lead with confidence in an increasingly digital world.”

— Rob Antonishen, P.Eng.

“It is an honor to be selected as a finalist by my cybersecurity peers and the broader IT community. My time joining CIOCAN and serving on the CISO Division has been incredibly rewarding, providing valuable opportunities to share knowledge, exchange perspectives, and grow within a trusted network of C-suite leaders.”

— Biying He

“Being nominated for this award is both exciting and humbling. What began as a passion for technology has grown into a career dedicated to leadership, innovation, risk management, and helping others succeed. I don’t view this nomination as recognition of one individual, but as a reflection of the amazing teams, mentors, and colleagues I have had the privilege to work with throughout my journey. I am deeply grateful and incredibly honored to be included among such accomplished women in technology.”

— Jennifer Hutton

“I am deeply honoured to be named a finalist for the 2026 CanadianCIO Fawn Annan Memorial Award. Fawn was a groundbreaking leader, and I was fortunate to know her and consider her a mentor. This recognition is especially meaningful because of the example she set for our profession. It also reflects the incredible teams, partners, and organizations I’ve had the privilege to work alongside. I believe technology is at its best when it removes barriers, strengthens communities, and helps people access the support they need.”

— Helen Knight, MBA, PMP