It was never enough for Krista Arndt to simply keep up with the evolving world of cybersecurity. As associate chief information security officer at St. Luke’s University Health Network, she has built a reputation for being steps ahead—adopting humanistic leadership to guide one of healthcare’s most vulnerable yet vital infrastructures through today’s digital battleground.
Arndt’s approach fuses technical expertise with authentic connection. She sees people first, systems second. This perspective is what has allowed her to craft security strategies that not only protect but empower. As a Titan 100 Honoree, she has further embraced her role as a translator between human behavior and digital defense, understanding that behind every breach is often a lapse in understanding, not capability.
Over the past year, Arndt’s proudest accomplishment has been the creation of a comprehensive cybersecurity awareness program. Designed to dismantle fear and instill confidence, the initiative empowers every member of the health network to see themselves as active participants in digital safety. From physicians to administrative staff, she has engaged every layer of the organization in meaningful, measurable ways.
The healthcare sector remains volatile, with threats morphing rapidly and expectations for data protection intensifying. Arndt’s ability to stay adaptive has been instrumental in positioning her organization as a leader in risk mitigation. She understands that the future of work in healthcare will rely not only on secure systems but on leaders who can anticipate emotional and cognitive shifts in workforce behavior.
Arndt’s own growth is anchored in lifelong learning. Whether mastering new technologies or studying behavioral analytics, she stays mentally agile through intentional development. If given the opportunity to instantly master any skill, she would choose psychological analysis—an extension of her passion for understanding what drives human choices. This curiosity continues to fuel her forward-thinking strategies and deepen the trust of those around her.
The past year has reaffirmed one of Arndt’s most profound lessons: vulnerability and authenticity are not weaknesses in leadership but assets. By openly sharing challenges, she creates environments where her team feels safe to explore solutions. In doing so, she fosters innovation that is grounded in trust.
Arndt has also made strides in shaping the future for rising cybersecurity professionals. Through mentorship, internship programs and community engagement, she cultivates inclusive pipelines for talent, especially among women in STEM. Her impact is measured in mentorship conversations, first-time speaking opportunities, and the growing confidence of those she supports.
For Arndt, the value of being part of the Titan 100 community lies in shared elevation. It’s a space where leadership is defined by action and humility rather than titles. Her recognition serves not as a badge, but as a reminder of the work that remains—to secure not only data, but dignity in every interaction.
By pairing emotional intelligence with strategic execution, Arndt has become a model of what cybersecurity leadership can and should be: fiercely protective, deeply human and relentlessly proactive.
