Bob Z.

Bob Zinga

5.0

(6)

Studied at Harvard University

Worked at Santa Clara University

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About Bob

Trusted Cybersecurity Executive | CISO | CIO | Boardroom-Certified Technology Leader Award-winning cybersecurity executive and US Navy Commander with over 26 years leading secure enterprise IT and digital transformation across defense, education, and tech sectors. Proven success as a CISO, Head of Security & IT, and Commander of Navy cyber units with TS/SCI clearance. Recognized for driving $30M+ SaaS growth, managing budgets over $20M, and leading 70+ personnel in classified global operations. Digital Directors Network Boardroom Certified Qualified Technology Expert (QTE) and EC-Council C|CISO Hall of Fame inductee. Adept at aligning cybersecurity and enterprise architecture with business outcomes, governance standards, and stakeholder trust. A trusted advisor to boards, CEOs, and regulators.

Why do I coach?

I coach because I believe in potential — the kind of potential that transforms lives, families, and even nations. I’ve lived that transformation myself. I came to this country at 17, with no money and barely speaking English. The U.S. Navy, America, and the values of hard work and opportunity shaped me. Today, as an executive, a leader, and a certified Maxwell Leadership Coach personally mentored by Dr. John C. Maxwell, I’ve not only achieved my dream — I’ve exceeded it. But success isn’t the destination. Significance is. Coaching gives me the chance to help others succeed — school teachers, business leaders, young professionals — and that’s where I find purpose. I’ve traveled the world with Dr. Maxwell, pouring into others, because I know how powerful one word of encouragement or one mindset shift can be. I coach because someone believed in me. Now, it’s my turn to believe in someone else.

Work Experience

Chief Information Security Officer

Santa Clara University

March 2023 - May 2023

Santa Clara University | Santa Clara & Berkley, CA Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Mar 2023 to May 2023 Appointed as the university’s top cybersecurity executive, entrusted to modernize and lead the Information Security Office (ISO) supporting 11,000+ students, faculty, and staff. Oversaw a $20M+ budget and partnered with executive leadership to build a scalable, policy-driven, and risk-aware information security program during a critical institutional transition.  Defined and launched an enterprise-wide cybersecurity roadmap aligned to NIST, FERPA, and GLBA frameworks.  Established executive governance routines with CIO, General Counsel, and academic leadership to align cyber risk strategy with institutional mission and regulatory landscape.  Elevated campus-wide cyber awareness and implemented operational improvements in privacy, access control, and incident response.  Developed policies and practices to protect digital research, instructional systems, and personal data across cloud and on-premise infrastructure.  Successfully transitioned the university into long-term cybersecurity continuity planning prior to returning to active duty under military orders.  Departure due to final involuntary military recall for national service. Ensured smooth transition to interim leadership to preserve institutional continuity and mission readiness.

Head of Information Security & IT

Directly

September 2018 - September 2022

Recruited as the founding security leader at a high-growth AI startup specializing in customer support automation using artificial intelligence. Built and scaled the security and IT functions from the ground up — including compliance, risk management, and security architecture — through the company’s growth, pandemic-era pivot, and eventual acquisition in 2021.  Designed and led the entire security and privacy program, supporting SaaS growth from startup to acquisition readiness.  Drove 15x revenue growth by embedding security into the sales cycle; reduced deal closure time by 39 days through proactive trust enablement.  Achieved and maintained SOC 2 and ISO 27001 attestations, enabling compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and customer expectations.  Managed $2M+ budget and led a cross-functional team of 15 across InfoSec, IT, DevOps, and Engineering.  Released the first chatbot for SaaS security automation, supporting a new line of business.  Saved $500K through vendor consolidation and launched a streamlined procurement and approval workflow.  Automated 50% of audit evidence collection through refined compliance processes.  Served as the internal CISO and primary contact for legal, compliance, engineering, and executive leadership on all cybersecurity, privacy, and governance matters.  Maintained leadership through acquisition; retained post-transaction to lead a six-month transition as part of the integration team.  Role concluded upon successful acquisition and post-merger transition.

Information Warfare Commanding Officer (CDR/Equivalent CEO/CISO/CIO/CTO)

US Navy

October 2004 - Present

United States Navy & Reserve Component | Global Information Warfare Commanding Officer (CDR/Equivalent CEO/CISO/CIO/CTO) Sep 2007 to Present Oct 2004 to Present | Active DoD Top Secret/SCI Clearance Senior cyber executive leading global information warfare and cybersecurity operations in one of the world’s largest enterprises (400,000+ employees). Trusted to command multi-million-dollar missions, oversee cross-functional teams, and drive national-level digital strategy, defense readiness, and information security at scale.  Ranked in the Top 2% of all U.S. Navy Commanders globally; selected to lead the highest-stakes cyber missions across geographies.  Commanded 72 personnel and directed a $6M+ cybersecurity and information operations program (2022–2024), reporting directly to DoD senior leadership.  Oversaw enterprise risk, privacy, and C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) capabilities.  Directed national programs at Navy SPAWAR (now NAVWAR) as Program Manager over 156 personnel and $6M budget; led the foundation of a new cyber defense command.  Served as Executive Officer (Chief of Staff) for a joint cyber command, managing mission-critical readiness, team leadership, and operational execution.  Developed and implemented enterprise cyber strategies, security frameworks, and incident response capabilities for classified global networks.  Built and scaled secure IT infrastructure and cloud systems aligned with DoD cyber strategies and NIST RMF.  Spearheaded cyber innovation and TTPs (tactics, techniques, procedures) to advance digital resilience in complex operational environments.  Prior experiences: Information Technician Seaman/Petty Officer Third Class (DoD Secret; Oct 2004-Sep 2007).