Additional Info

Job title of nominated professional (or team name)Chief information security officer (CISO)
Company (where nominated professional or team is working)Miami Dade College
Websitehttps://mdc.edu
Company size (employees)5,000 to 9,999
CountryUnited States
Headquarters RegionNorth America

Overview

Dr. Domingo A. Castillo is the Chief Information Security Officer and an adjunct professor at Miami Dade College (MDC), the largest institution in the Florida College System. MDC, established in 1959, leads in enrolling minority students, particularly Hispanic students, more than any other Florida institution.
Regarded as a foremost CISO in higher education, Dr. Castillo’s creative techniques and leadership have earned him multiple distinctions, reinforcing his reputation as a prominent cybersecurity figure. His expertise and innovative methodologies consistently set industry benchmarks, driving cybersecurity transformation in higher education.
Before MDC, he was CISO at the University of Arkansas (UofA), Fayetteville, a Carnegie-classified top 3% research institution. Before that, he served as the Regional Information Security and Compliance Officer at Chubb, leading cybersecurity initiatives across Latin America.
Beyond his executive role, Dr. Castillo is an active board member of multiple nonprofit organizations dedicated to mentorship, education, and community empowerment. He champions awareness programs, technology education, and workforce development, collaborating with industry leaders to develop programs, conduct workshops, and guide aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
Dr. Castillo holds an Executive Doctorate of Business Administration focusing on Information Security from St. Thomas University. He has also earned a Juris Master in Cybersecurity and Privacy Law from Florida State University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Additionally, he holds Master’s degrees in Project Management and Public Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management, DeVry University.
Committed to professional excellence, Dr. Castillo holds multiple industry-recognized certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Project Management Professional (PMP), and CompTIA Security+. His expertise in cybersecurity, compliance, and risk management continues to shape and strengthen the digital security landscape at MDC and beyond.

Accomplishments

Cybersecurity Leadership & Institutional Impact
Dr. Domingo A. Castillo has played a transformative role in strengthening cybersecurity governance and risk management at Miami Dade College (MDC), one of the largest educational institutions in the U.S. His leadership has enhanced institutional resilience, data protection, and cyber awareness, ensuring the security of digital assets for thousands of students, faculty, and staff. His experience as CISO at the University of Arkansas and Chubb-LATAM further underscores his expertise in securing complex environments.


Commitment to Education & Community Engagement
As an adjunct professor and mentor, Dr. Castillo is dedicated to developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. His work in cybersecurity education and workforce development has empowered students with critical skills, preparing them for successful careers in the field. Beyond academia, he serves on the board of multiple non-profit organizations, advocating for cybersecurity awareness, digital equity, and community empowerment.
Furthermore, Dr. Castillo was instrumental in MDC's validation from the National Security Agency (NSA) for its Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, making MDC the first institution in Florida to have both associate and bachelor’s degree programs in cybersecurity validated by the NSA. This achievement helped to underscore MDC’s commitment to excellence in cybersecurity education and solidify its leadership in talent development for the future workforce.


Awards, Achievements & Industry Influence
Dr. Castillo has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to cybersecurity, earning prestigious industry accolades such as the (ISC)² Best Information Security Practitioner Award and the A100 Accelerated CISO Award from CISOs Connect. A seasoned speaker at cybersecurity conferences, he delivers memorable, engaging presentations that inspire, educate, and entertain audiences. He covers a wide range of critical topics, including cybersecurity leadership, operational excellence, high-performance teams, AI governance, and more, making a significant impact on professionals and aspiring leaders in the field.


  • Vote for this Nomination
    (click the thumbs-up icon to cast your vote)

Browse Award Nominations