2026 Seattle ORBIE Awards Honor Top Tech Executives

Annual ceremony recognizes CIOs and CISOs driving business transformation and industry impact

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:54pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of various interconnected technology components and infrastructure, representing the advanced digital systems and security measures powering the Pacific Northwest's thriving tech ecosystem.The 2026 Seattle ORBIE Awards celebrate the CIOs and CISOs driving digital transformation and cybersecurity leadership across the Pacific Northwest.Seattle Today

The 2026 Seattle ORBIE Awards honored leading chief information officers (CIOs) and chief information security officers (CISOs) from major Pacific Northwest organizations, including Weyerhaeuser Company, MultiCare Health System, BECU, Starbucks, Premera Blue Cross, Remitly, PCC Community Markets, Gesa Credit Union, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and PACCAR. The prestigious awards ceremony celebrated excellence in technology and security leadership across nine categories.

Why it matters

The ORBIE Awards are the preeminent recognition program for CIOs and CISOs, highlighting the critical role these leaders play in driving business transformation and innovation. The Seattle event brings together top executives from the region's leading organizations to celebrate the impact of technology and security initiatives on the local economy.

The details

Hosted by the SeattleCIO and PacificNorthwestCISO chapters of the Inspire Leadership Network, the 2026 Seattle ORBIE Awards ceremony took place at The Westin Seattle. The event honored CIOs and CISOs who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in areas such as business value creation, enterprise security, and community engagement.

  • The 2026 Seattle ORBIE Awards ceremony was held on April 16, 2026.
  • The awards recognized the achievements of CIOs and CISOs over the past year.

The players

Sue Taylor

CIO (fmr), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, received the CIO Leadership ORBIE.

Chuck Markarian

CISO (ret), PACCAR, received the CISO Leadership ORBIE.

Rebecca Straka

CIO, Weyerhaeuser Company, received the Global ORBIE for organizations over $2 billion annual revenue and multi-national operations.

Scott Waters

CIO, MultiCare Health System & Overlake Medical Center & Clinics, received the Large Enterprise ORBIE for organizations over $3 billion annual revenue.

Nathan Ramachandran

EVP & CTO, BECU, received the Enterprise ORBIE for organizations over $800 million annual revenue.

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What they’re saying

“Behind every successful technology and security strategy is a CIO or CISO leading the vision.”

— Laurent Rotival, SeattleCIO Chair

“The ORBIE Awards recognize CIOs and CISOs who drive meaningful impact through leadership excellence. Finalists and winners highlight the business value of technology and security initiatives transforming Pacific Northwest's economy.”

— Chuck Markarian, PacificNorthwestCISO Chair

What’s next

The 2027 Seattle ORBIE Awards ceremony is expected to take place in April 2027, continuing the annual tradition of recognizing top technology and security leaders in the Pacific Northwest.

The takeaway

The Seattle ORBIE Awards showcase the critical role that CIOs and CISOs play in driving innovation, protecting businesses, and strengthening the local technology ecosystem. The event highlights the Pacific Northwest's position as a hub for world-class technology leadership and talent.