Gordon Groschl
CISO
Texas Children's Hospital
Gordon Groschl serves as Chief Information Security Officer and Director of Healthcare Technology Management at Texas Children’s Hospital, the nation’s largest pediatric health system. In this rare dual role, he leads two essential domains—enterprise cybersecurity and clinical technology operations—within a complex, digitally enabled care environment.
A fun fact about Gordon: he’s fluent in both English and German and began his career managing IT projects across Austria, and several other European countries. These experiences shaped his global perspective and collaborative leadership style.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
My career began in Europe, where I led IT and telecom projects across Austria, and several other countries in Europe. After relocating to the U.S., I joined Texas Children’s Hospital, where I’ve spent nearly two decades in progressive leadership roles. During this time, I’ve overseen a $65M infrastructure and cybersecurity transformation, implemented a Zero Trust Architecture, and built a comprehensive threat and vulnerability management program.
I also established a cybersecurity risk repository and formal board reporting process. These accomplishments have helped align our security strategy with clinical and operational goals, reduce risk, and support secure innovation. Today, I serve as both CISO and Director of Healthcare Technology Management, where I continue to lead efforts that protect patient data, enable digital transformation, and foster a culture of security and resilience.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Lead with clarity and empathy. I believe in empowering teams through transparency, trust, and a shared mission. In healthcare, every decision has real-world impact, so I strive to foster a culture where security is not just a function—but a value.
What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
The convergence of digital transformation and escalating cyber threats. In healthcare, this means securing complex environments without slowing innovation. We’ve implemented a Zero Trust Architecture, advanced threat detection, and a strong governance model to ensure resilience while enabling secure cloud adoption and operational agility.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
Understand the business, not just the technology. Build relationships, communicate risk in business terms, and stay curious. Cybersecurity is a dynamic field—success comes from adaptability, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead through influence.
How do you measure success as a leader?
By the strength of the culture we build. Success is when security is embedded in the organization’s DNA, when teams feel empowered, and when we can demonstrate measurable risk reduction while supporting innovation and care delivery.
What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?
It’s about shared wisdom. These communities offer a space to exchange ideas, benchmark strategies, and learn from peers facing similar challenges. The collaboration and support are invaluable in navigating the evolving threat landscape and driving meaningful change.
Gartner C-level Communities Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.
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