Chapter Leadership

Member Name

Mr Garimella Chandrasekhar Sarma

Member Role: President

Member Email: president@isacahyderabad.org

Mr. Chandrasekhar Sarma Garimella is a highly respected and well-known figure in the IS Auditors, Cybersecurity, and Cyber Forensics community. As the current President of the ISACA Hyderabad chapter, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication. His charisma and dynamic approach have inspired many, and his ability to stay passionate and up-to-date with industry trends is truly remarkable. Mr. Sharma is approachable and always willing to support others, creating a collaborative environment that motivates individuals to reach their full potential. He has spearheaded several initiatives that promote professional development, including workshops and training sessions that align with ISACA's strategic goals. His efforts have significantly enhanced the chapter's reputation, attracting more professionals to engage with ISACA's resources and initiatives. The recent curtain raise program was a huge success, boosting the chapter's membership to over 1,100 professionals. Under Mr. Sarma's leadership, the ISACA Hyderabad chapter has seen strategic growth. He has aligned chapter activities with ISACA's global objectives, strengthened academic relations with engineering colleges, and fostered partnerships with organizations like THub Telangana. These initiatives have expanded the chapter’s reach and impact, making it a vital resource for professionals seeking knowledge and community engagement.

Member Name

Mr Vamsi Krishna GV

Member Role: Vice President

Member Email: coming soon...!

Vamsi Krishna is a CISO at NopalCyber and is responsible for Cybersecurity, Technology partnerships and pre-sales engineering as well as Risk Management. He brings with him more than 20 years of experience in both IT infrastructure and cybersecurity domains, with strong operational experience building and mentoring high performing service delivery teams. Prior to joining NopalCyber, Vamsi served as a VP – IT and SOC operations for QuisLex. He holds a post-graduation degree in Information Technology from PTU and has certifications from The Indian School of Business (ISB) for Leadership Development, along with various industry security management certifications (CISM, CCSK, CCISO). Vamsi is also actively engaged in creating awareness about cybersecurity among the professional and student community. 

Member Name

Mr Rajkumar Pawar M

Member Role: Secretary

Member Email: secretary@isacahyderabad.org

Raj Pawar is a seasoned IT professional  and a security researcher, with deep expertise in IT audit, risk management,  information security and compliance. He is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), ISMS ISO 27001:2013 Lead implementer, and has a strong background in information security, ISO, SOC 2 Type II compliance, and governance. Raj is currently serving as a Senior Information Security and Compliance Analyst at Resolver (A Kroll Business), he is skilled in analysis of Security posture of organization, conducting information Security audits, managing risks, InfoSec & compliance RFPs, ensuring compliance with industry standards. He currently serves as the Membership Director for the ISACA Hyderabad Chapter, where he actively engages with members and supports the local information systems community. Beyond his professional work, Raj spreads awareness on cybercrimes, and its new age evolving trends. He is known for his gastronomy expertise, photography and philanthropic activities.

Member Name

Mr. Rajnish Dasari

Member Role: Membership Director

Member Email: dir-membership@isacahyderabad.org

Rajnish is an accomplished IT professional with expertise in cybersecurity, information systems audits, and compliance frameworks. Holding prestigious certifications such as CC, CISA, ISO 27K ISMS, ISO 27K PIMS, CCIO, and CPEW, he is a recognized leader in the field. As a Manager for Professional Services at Egnyte, Rajnish drives transformative data governance strategies, ensuring compliance, safeguarding data, and optimizing digital operations for global clients. With a career spanning the USA, Europe, Australia, and East Asia, Rajnish blends technical expertise with innovative thinking, consistently delivering impactful solutions. His work has earned him accolades, including the Employee of the Quarter award, recognizing his ability to create meaningful change within organizations. As the Membership Director at ISACA Hyderabad Chapter, he fosters collaboration, mentorship, and growth within the cybersecurity community. Rajnish is also exploring emerging technologies, such as quantum computing, and actively shares his insights through LinkedIn posts. Beyond his professional endeavors, Rajnish is a Google Local Guide and food enthusiast, celebrating diverse cuisines and cultures. He is deeply committed to philanthropy, leveraging his technical expertise to mentor underprivileged youth and support community-focused initiatives. Rajnish’s journey is one of technical brilliance, community engagement, and a relentless pursuit of progress. With a vision for a secure and inclusive digital future, he continues to inspire change and leave a lasting impact on the global tech landscape.

Member Name

Dr. Ponnaluru Sowjanya

Member Role: Director - Academics Relations

Member Email: contact@isacahyderabad.org

Dr. Ponnaluru Sowjanya is a distinguished professional with deep expertise in IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance. She holds certifications as a Lead Auditor in ISO 27001:2022 (Information Security Management) and ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). Currently serving as Senior Analyst – SOX Compliance at Genesys, Dr. Sowjanya has extensive experience in auditing, compliance, and IT General Controls (ITGC). She earned her Ph.D. in Wireless Communication, with a thesis focused on "Analysis and Implementation of SDR using Deep Learning Approaches for Future-Generation Wireless Communication Systems." A passionate advocate for knowledge-sharing, Dr. Sowjanya actively contributes to ISACA initiatives, inspiring the next generation of technology leaders and promoting best practices in the industry.
Member Name

Mr. Satish Botta

Member Role: Program Director

Member Email: dir-programs@isacahyderabad.org

With over 14 years of expertise in the IT industry, Satish brings a robust background in Information Security and Cyber Forensics, supported by a master’s degree in the field and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) credential. Currently serving as a Senior Information Security and Compliance Analyst at Resolver (A Kroll Business), Satish specializes in IT audits, SOX compliance, threat and vulnerability management, and managing security RFPs. As the Academic Relations Director on the ISACA-Hyderabad board, Satish is dedicated to bridging the gap between academic insights and real-world industry needs.

Member Name

Mrs. Ardha Varalakshmi

Member Role: She Leads Tech - Director

Member Email: dir-sheleadstech@isacahyderabad.org

Ardha Varalakshmi brings over 13 years of expertise in IT General Controls (ITGC), SOX Controls, GRC Security & Authorizations, and Cloud Applications Security. She currently serves as the Internal Audit Manager at Carrier Technologies India Limited. In her previous role as an External Auditor with KPMG Global Services Pvt. Ltd., Ardha spearheaded impactful IT audits, identified and implemented robust internal controls, communicated potential fraud risks, and delivered comprehensive reports that enhanced organizational efficiency. Ardha's core strengths lie in audit risk assessment and ensuring strict adherence to internal compliance procedures. She is a CISA-certified professional and also holds a System Security Architect Certification, underscoring her deep technical knowledge in cybersecurity and risk management. Outside her professional sphere, Ardha is an avid traveler who loves exploring new places. She is also a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and is deeply passionate about inspiring children to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.

Member Name

Mrs. Sharon Gaddala

Member Role: Director - Social Media

Member Email: Coming Soon...!

Sharon Gaddala is an accomplished leader in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) with over 17 years of experience, currently serving at Oracle. Her career spans prominent IT and BPO organizations, including Sutherland Healthcare, NGA Human Resources, and IKS Health, where she held pivotal roles such as Compliance Head for India and Global Head of Vendor Security. Sharon holds an MBA in IT Management from Amity University, complemented by 2 Postgraduate Diplomas in Cybersecurity, Human Resource Management and a Diploma in Labour & Administrative Laws. Her professional credentials are further underscored by certifications like Certified Risk Professional (CRISP), Six Sigma Black Belt,Lead Auditor for ISO 27001, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 18001 and Design Thinking expert. In addition to her corporate achievements, Sharon is an author, a certified Life Coach from the International Coaching Federation, and a psychologist. She is a gourmet and Connoisseur, passionate about creating content as a YouTuber and blogger. She believes every woman deserves a seat at the table and the chance to contribute her unique talents. She is committed to empowering women in community by providing equal opportunities for growth and development.
Member Name

Mr Pavan Kumar Marella

Member Role: Director - Special Interest Groups

Member Email: contact@isacahyderabad.org

Marella Venkata Pavan Kumar brings over 25 years of expertise in IT and Information Security, with a unique career path that began in the Police Department and evolved into leadership roles in the corporate sector. Throughout his career, he has contributed to major organizations like Genpact, TUV SUD South Asia, and Cognizant, where he honed his skills in security and compliance. Currently, as Associate Vice President at Cloud4C Services, Pavan Kumar leads initiatives in the Security and Compliance Department, focusing on protecting critical data and ensuring regulatory adherence. His strategic approach to cybersecurity has been instrumental in helping organizations navigate complex security challenges in the cloud era. In addition to his corporate achievements, Pavan Kumar is a dedicated member of the ISACA Hyderabad Chapter, where he serves on the Board of Government Relations. In this role, he works to strengthen the connection between government entities and the IT security community, advocating for policies that enhance cybersecurity practices across sectors. Pavan Kumar’s extensive background, combined with his leadership in both corporate and public sectors, positions him as a trusted authority in the field of information security.

Member Name

T.J.Jayakar

Member Role: Advisor, Cyber Security

Member Email: coming soon...!

T.J. Jayakar is a highly accomplished IT consultant with over 20 years of experience, combining expertise in technology, finance, and law. He holds advanced degrees in B.Tech (ECE), M.Tech (CS), MBA (Finance & Accounting), along with legal qualifications in Cyber Laws, Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), and LLB. His specialization spans cybersecurity, governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), SAP ERP implementations, and engineering. As a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Six Sigma Black Belt, he has a proven ability to deliver quality-driven results while adhering to industry standards and best practices. Jayakar has a remarkable track record of managing diverse projects, from design and development to deployment, contributing significantly to innovation and profitability during his tenure at BHEL, where he also held the role of the youngest Senior Manager. His global experience includes working extensively in the US, Europe, and India on SAP finance projects, IT audits, and cybersecurity engagements for renowned organizations like Deloitte and Infosys. He has successfully commercialized technologies from R&D, addressed complex legal challenges like cybercrimes and civil issues, and taught IT and cybersecurity as a hobby, earning recognition for his versatile expertise. A dynamic individual, Jayakar is also an ardent sportsman, having represented India in the 2008 Columbus Marathon. With a unique blend of technical, financial, and legal insights, he is a sought-after professional for roles in security, surveillance, vigilance, and IT leadership.

Member Name

DR. SRIRAM BIRUDAVOLU

Member Role: Advisor, Board of ISACA

Member Email: Sriram.B@dsci.in

Dr. Sriram Birudavolu is a distinguished executive with over two decades of global experience in IT, ICT, Telecom, and Cybersecurity. Holding a PhD in Open Innovation in ICT, he has been instrumental in building high-performance organizations and leading complex, mission-critical projects across multiple continents. As the CEO of DSCI’s Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, Dr. Sriram drives initiatives in research, policy, and corporate innovation, while mentoring technology startups. Additionally, he serves as an Advisor on the Board of the ISACA Hyderabad Chapter and has authored the book "Business Innovation and ICT Strategies." Dr. Sriram’s extensive leadership experience includes senior roles at Oracle, Verisign, Siemens, and Hewlett-Packard, where he successfully managed large technical and business teams. His global impact is evident through his work on multi-million-dollar projects, fostering cybersecurity and privacy advancements in diverse markets, including the USA, Europe, Asia, and beyond. At T-Hub, India’s largest technology incubator, Dr. Sriram played a pivotal role in incubating and accelerating over 160 technology startups, contributing significantly to India's innovation ecosystem. His passion for cybersecurity and emerging technologies, such as AI/ML and cloud services, drives his ongoing efforts to shape the future of digital security. Certified in TOGAF 9, PMP, and DCPLA, Dr. Sriram is not only a thought leader but also an active practitioner in the field, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cybersecurity and technology innovation. His commitment to excellence and innovation continues to inspire and influence the next generation of tech leaders and innovators.