Cathlynn Nigh, Outstanding Female Entrepreneur

Cathlynn Nigh is the Founder and CEO of BEYOND HC LLC, a nationally recognized, woman-owned consulting firm specializing in compliance, risk, and HITRUST certification services. With over 25 years of executive experience leading governance, risk, and regulatory oversight programs at organizations including HCSC, The Marmon Group, and TransUnion LLC. Nigh founded BEYOND on the principle that every organization deserves affordable, accessible, and robust data protection. Under her leadership, BEYOND has emerged as a standout in the cybersecurity sector, distinguishing itself as the only Women-Owned and Woman-Led HITRUST Assessor Organization among more than 100 firms globally. Nigh has successfully built a national brand from the ground up, maintaining a boutique firm of 10 or fewer employees that consistently outperforms multi-million-dollar international competitors. Beyond her technical expertise, Nigh is a dedicated advocate for gender parity in the male-dominated information security field. She has developed programming designed to empower women by elevating the unique perspectives and leadership styles they bring to the industry. She also serves on the HITRUST External Assessor Council, contributing her expertise to shape the future of information security programs nationwide.