Choice Cyber Solutions has announced a major leadership milestone with the appointment of Alex Spigel as CEO. Following years of strategic leadership development, Spigel steps into the chief executive role of the channel-focused, Owings Mills, MD-based cybersecurity and compliance firm.
In a recent interview with ChannelPro, Spigel shared how the transition was planned, how it strengthens relationships with partners and clients, and how Choice is helping MSPs thrive in an increasingly regulated, high-risk business environment.
A Planned Transition for Choice Cyber Solutions CEO
Spigel’s move into the company’s top role involved deliberate planning for more than three years.
“I’ve been intentionally preparing for the CEO role,” she explained. “Choice has already been operating with clearly defined leadership responsibilities. Formalizing the structure allows us to scale with greater clarity, accountability, and consistency.”
As part of the transition, co-founder Steve Rutkovitz moved into the role of president. Meanwhile, longtime leaders Jess Schroder and Martin Hengst were promoted to take on key components of Spigel’s former COO responsibilities.
Rather than consolidating those responsibilities under one role, Choice split them into internal and external-facing operations. That allows leadership to scale more effectively while leaning into individual strengths.
“This has been one of the most rewarding parts of the transition,” Spigel said. “Watching leaders grow into expanded roles reinforces that strong organizations are built through intentional leadership development.”
Why Leadership Matters in Cybersecurity and Compliance
Spigel’s excitement about stepping into the CEO role is rooted in market reality. Cybersecurity and compliance demands are increasing rapidly, and MSPs are under growing pressure to deliver stronger leadership.
“The market is demanding more from security and compliance providers,” she said. “As CEO, I have the opportunity to guide Choice through that complexity with intention while staying true to the integrity and relationships that built the company.”
She noted that taking on the top role, particularly as a woman in cybersecurity, represents both an honor and a responsibility to lead with purpose. “I feel incredibly fortunate to lead the Choice team into this next chapter and to focus on what I do best: building strong leaders, solving complex problems, and helping people grow toward their full potential.”
Strengthening Key Relationships
Choice’s leadership evolution is designed to strengthen existing relationships. Clients and industry partners will keep working with the same trusted teams but with clearer leadership lanes.
“For vendors and MSP partners, it’s easier to know where conversations should live,” Spigel emphasized. “For clients, it creates tighter alignment between strategy, operations, and technical delivery.”
This structure also supports Spigel’s broader mission. She seeks to offer comprehensive risk assessments and continuous compliance services to help organizations move forward with confidence.
How MSPs Should Rethink Compliance
One of Spigel’s strongest messages to the MSP community is to not consider compliance a checkbox item.
“Compliance needs to be treated like an operating system,” she said. “When done right, it puts structure around cybersecurity and protects both the MSP and their clients in practical, measurable ways.”
Common Mistakes According to Spigel
- Treating policies or tools as “compliance” without real implementation
- Relying on templates that don’t reflect real operations
- Attempting to secure clients before adopting best practices internally
“Compliance improves efficiency, reduces security incidents, and protects businesses from fines, legal exposure, and disruption,” Spigel said. “Clients are willing to invest when they see outcomes, leadership, and accountability.”
How Your MSP Can Lead on Compliance
She also noted that the most successful MSPs lead by example on security and compliance. By building strong internal risk management, IT businesses are far more credible when pitching those services to potential clients.
“The next phase of growth will favor MSPs that treat cybersecurity and compliance as core business functions, not side offerings. [MSPs] that anticipate their clients’ regulatory needs instead of reacting to them demonstrate the level of preparedness needed to build long-term trust and sustainable growth.”
Industry Credibility and Recognition
Spigel credits her channel growth, in part, to volunteer leadership. This was a major factor in her being chosen as the CompTIA Member of the Year in 2023.
“Industry credibility has been a major catalyst for my growth, both personally and professionally. Being recognized and involved in volunteer leadership put me in rooms with people who challenged my assumptions, raised my standards, and pushed me to think bigger. The CompTIA/GTIA community has also supported me through difficult moments, which made giving back in leadership roles even more meaningful.”
When asked how MSPs can mimic her success, she emphasized the importance of giving back. “Credibility comes from consistent contribution, not self-promotion.”
Advice to MSPs Pursuing Thought Leadership
- Find a specific lane and stay in it
- Focus on contribution over visibility
- Say no to opportunities that don’t align with expertise
“When you share what you know with honesty and intention, it creates a ripple effect. It raises the bar for the entire MSP community. Being able to contribute my expertise to initiatives like the GTIA Cybersecurity Trustmark is a privilege, and it’s a mission I’m proud to champion.”
Habits Every MSP Leader Should Build
Spigel emphasizes clarity, consistency, and discipline as core leadership habits. “Inspect what you expect. Follow-through builds trust,” she advised.
She encourages IT leaders to embrace change and failure as growth tools, invest in expert guidance, and prioritize emotional intelligence. Rather than chasing generic education, she recommends hiring specialists and coaches who can accelerate growth and decision-making.
Spigel also advocates for work-life integration rather than the idea of perfect balance.
“Leadership doesn’t fit into a clean 9-to-5, and trying to force it into one only leads to burnout. Sustainability comes from designing work and life to flex together, not compete with each other. For me, that means strong organization, delegation, flexibility, and having a trusted village both at home and at work. I try to be fully present where I’m needed most on any given day, knowing that priorities are always evolving.”
Key Takeaways
- Spigel’s appointment reflects a leadership transition designed for scale rather than disruption. Following years of intentional preparation, the move ensures continuity while strengthening Choice Cyber Solutions’ ability to grow with clarity and accountability.
- Central to Spigel’s vision is the belief that compliance is no longer optional or performative. It must function as an operating system that provides structure, reduces risk, and delivers measurable security outcomes for MSPs and their clients.
- As regulatory expectations rise, operational maturity matters. Repeatable processes, disciplined execution, and proactive readiness represent a competitive differentiator. Underpinning it all is a commitment to authentic thought leadership, where industry credibility is built through consistent expertise and meaningful contribution, not self-promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Was this a planned leadership transition?
Yes, Spigel prepared for the CEO role for more than three years. The transition was deliberate, planned, and aligned with how the company was already operating.
Q: What role does Steve Rutkovitz play now?
Choice co-founder Steve Rutkovitz has transitioned into the President role, continuing to provide strategic leadership while allowing Spigel to focus on guiding the company through its next phase of growth.
Q: How does this change affect MSP partners and clients?
Partners and clients will continue working with the same trusted teams, but with clearer leadership lanes, improved alignment between strategy and execution, and greater consistency as Choice scales.
Q: How does Choice Cyber Solutions help MSPs today?
Choice supports MSPs through risk assessments, continuous compliance programs, and strategic guidance that helps them navigate regulatory pressure, reduce liability, and turn compliance into a competitive advantage.
Q: Why is compliance more critical now more than ever?
Compliance is now contractual, enforceable, and visible. Regulators and clients expect proof. MSPs are increasingly liable for gaps in security and governance.
Q: What differentiates successful MSPs moving forward?
MSPs that treat cybersecurity and compliance as core business functions, invest in leadership and operational maturity, and anticipate regulatory needs will build long-term trust and sustainable growth.
Featured image: Choice Cyber Solutions
