Zelalem Mengistu

Background

About Zelalem Mengistu

A cybersecurity professional with over 18+ years of experience serving in various high-level projects and roles as a government contractor. My experience spans across several federal agencies including the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), U.S. Department of State (DoS), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and McAfee— a Cybersecurity firm. At the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) which I have supported from 2017 till Mar. 2025 (as a Govt contractor), my expertise in cybersecurity and information security principles fortifies the foundation of our mission to protect national infrastructure. I also had the privilege to serve on the President’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC). With a focus on practical application and strategic innovation, we are elevating our collective defense against evolving cyber threats. In addition, my role as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), Webster, and Bay Atlantic University (BAU), complements this by contributing to curriculum design and educating emerging professionals. The distinction of receiving the 2024 Distinguished Faculty of the Year Award underscores my commitment to mentorship and academic excellence. This recognition, along with the development of a cutting-edge curriculum, highlights my dedication to cultivating a robust cybersecurity landscape through both action and education.