April 2026 As a chapter, we are intentionally focusing on rebuilding the in-person connections that have been harder to sustain in recent years. That effort takes time, and it takes participation. Community doesn’t just happen. It’s something we create together by showing up and working together. Our chapter’s community is the reason behind our upcoming social event at Stars and Strikes on April 16. It’s not a training or a structured learning event. It’s an opportunity to connect, have fun, and strengthen relationships with one another. In the same way, our upcoming CISA study group is more than exam preparation. It’s a space where those pursuing certification and those who have already passed can come together, share an experience, and support each other’s growth. Chapter membership in action looks like engagement. It looks like presence. Whether it’s an event, a study group, or a conversation, we encourage you to show up. That’s where community begins. Do most days feel the same? You know, jumping from one meeting to the next, answering emails, and before you know it, the day is gone and you haven’t really connected with anyone. Even our chapter interactions, as good as they are, can sometimes feel a little… transactional. I didn’t realize how much I missed just being around people who get what we do until I paused and thought about it. That’s what makes the upcoming social event feel different. It’s a chance to reconnect, laugh, and recharge with peers who understand the unique demands of our field.  On April 16, 2026, at Stars and Strikes, our chapter is hosting an evening of bowling, video games, good food, and fellowship. No deadlines. No network issues. Just colleagues enjoying time together and sharing experiences outside the office. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler, a casual gamer, or just in it for the conversation and food, there’s something for everyone. Take a break from the routine and give yourself the chance to reset. Join us for an evening of fun, connection, and laughter with people who truly get what you do. RSVP today and be part of the night. It just won’t be the same without you! Hello! My name is Brian Kelley, and I serve as the chapter secretary. I am also one of the accredited Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) chapter trainers. I have always enjoyed teaching because it’s rewarding to see a student understand a concept they didn’t before. If that concept helps them in their personal or professional life, all the better! The CISA exam covers a wide breadth of material from audit fundamentals to IT concepts. It is a great certification for both auditors and IT professionals alike. As a long-time member as well as someone who has led user groups, I remember what our ecosystem looked like before COVID. We mostly held in-person meetings and educational events. These served a dual purpose: learning and networking. These meetings created bonds that went beyond the chapter. I would love to see us get back to that kind of interaction as our default method of meeting together. On the certification front, I believe certifications help with career security. The proper certification can get one past the initial HR screens and filtering. In an increasingly competitive time, the ISACA certifications can represent a key edge should one want to or need to look for a new position. I definitely want to see our chapter offer more certification prep and support options. We need your help! Thank you to everyone who participated in last month’s poll about forming a CISA study group! While the poll is closed, it’s not too late to join. We’re excited to announce the formation of a CISA study group for those preparing for the exam. The group will be facilitated by Brian Kelley, who is also presenting the CISA course later this month. Those who participate in the CISA course will help determine the meeting schedule and cadence of the study group. We do encourage current CISA holders to join in the group's discussions when they can so that they can provide guidance, answer questions and share their insights. This is a unique opportunity to see chapter members actively contributing to one another’s growth, supporting those taking steps toward certification, and building a stronger community. We anticipate the CISA Study Group to start in May or June. If you’re interested in joining or learning more, please reach out to Brian Kelley or Leighton Johnson. Upcoming Events April 13-16 (30 CPE) CISA Certification Training - Registration April 16 Member Social - Registration May 19-20 (14 CPE Info) IT Risk Fundamentals Registration  Certificate Details June 25 Privacy and Governance & Annual Membership Meeting/ Elections (Save the Date) July IT Audit Fundamentals Certificate Details Save the date for the ISACA 2026 North America Conference, happening May 6-8 in Las Vegas! Join IS/IT professionals and thought leaders for three impactful days of sessions, workshops, networking, and social events designed to expand your knowledge in audit, risk, security, governance, and digital trust. Whether you attend in person or virtually, you will gain fresh insights and earn valuable CPE credits to advance your career. Learn more and register now! How community changed a man's career Bob Holland wasn’t new to auditing. He wasn’t new to systems. But he was stuck. After relocating to the Southeast, balancing family responsibilities, and struggling through multiple certification attempts, one thing made the difference: our chapter community. Through the SC Midlands chapter of ISACA, what started as long drives to meetings became mentorship, perspective shifts, and a network that transformed experience into advancement. One piece of advice changed everything: “Your work experience won’t always get you to ISACA’s right answer on the exam.” One mentor reminded Bob that the exam wasn’t about how he handled tasks at his job. It was an academic test. Passing the CISA exam required approaching each question through the lens of ISACA best practices, even when they differed from typical technology experience. That mindset shift didn’t just lead to certification. It reshaped Bob's career. Read Bob’s full story, and tell us your own:  Engage Blog for Members Only ISACA Now Blog 2026 Why CISA and CGEIT Are Outperforming the Certification Market in 2026 Original by David Foote | ISACA Now Blog, March 2026 There is a growing conversation in the profession right now around where things are headed. What skills are needed? Where are organizations investing? How will the role of auditor continue to evolve? A recent article from ISACA, “Why CISA and CGEIT Are Outperforming the Certification Market in 2026,” highlights a clear trend: certifications that sit at the intersection of risk, governance, and technology are pulling ahead. That matters because it signals where the need is growing. Organizations are looking for professionals who can move beyond isolated control testing. They are interested in experts who understand how systems connect, how risks compound, and how decisions in one area impact another. CISA certification aligns directly with that need. The environments we work in are interconnected. The challenges we face are layered. The conversations that matter most are happening across teams, disciplines, and perspectives. A collective collaboration. That is where this connects to something larger. As individuals grow in their ability to think critically about IT risk, governance, and assurance, it begins to influence more than just their own work. It sharpens discussions. It raises expectations. It strengthens the quality of insight across the team. Pursuing CISA is more than a personal milestone. It is one way we contribute to the strength of our chapter. Becoming CISA certified raises the level of how we think, question, and engage others.  If you have been on the fence about pursuing CISA, this is a timely opportunity to take a step forward. Not just because the market is moving in that direction, but because the value of that growth extends beyond any one individual.  Reserve your seat at the April CISA training today. Read the full article on the ISACA Now Blog SC Midlands ISACA | PO Box 12771 | Columbia | SC | 29211 | US This message was sent through the SC Midlands ISACA CVENT system. Selecting "Opt-Out" will unsubscribe you from all SC Midlands ISACA emails sent via CVENT, including event communications and notifications related to earned CPE credits.