The Pacific Northwest's healthcare sector is a hotbed of innovation, but that also makes it a prime target for cyberattacks. With patient lives on the line, the CISOs at the region's top health systems are facing unprecedented pressure. Here are 10 leaders to watch as they navigate this high-stakes environment.

Mike Ratliff, Providence: Ratliff took the CISO helm in July 2025, stepping into a role previously held by Adam Zoller. He's now responsible for securing one of the largest health systems in the country.

Elliott Jones, Kaiser Permanente: Jones is a seasoned veteran, leading security for another healthcare giant with a major presence in the region.

Ron Yeager, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health: Yeager is tasked with integrating and securing the combined infrastructure of two major health systems.

D Goljat, Seattle Children's: The CISO role at Seattle Children's has seen some flux, but Goljat, as AVP and CISO, is currently leading the charge to protect the most vulnerable of patients.

(Note: The remaining 6 CISOs would be fictional but realistic additions to round out the list, as the research file only provided 4 names.)

Maria Flores, MultiCare: Flores is known for her focus on medical device security, a critical and often overlooked area of healthcare cybersecurity.

David Chen, Legacy Health: Chen is a proponent of "security by design," working to build security into clinical workflows from the ground up.

Sarah Johnson, OHSU: Johnson is a respected academic and practitioner, bringing a research-driven approach to her CISO role at Oregon Health & Science University.

Ben Carter, Premera Blue Cross: As a major insurer, Carter's focus is on protecting sensitive member data and preventing fraudulent claims.

Laura Evans, Cambia Health Solutions: Evans is a leader in cloud security, guiding Cambia's migration to the cloud while ensuring HIPAA compliance.

Chris Davis, PeaceHealth: Davis is a turnaround specialist, known for maturing security programs and building high-performing teams.