We are thrilled to announce that Mr. Robert Grillo, a distinguished figure in the realm of information technology, will be joining us as a panel member at the prestigious SCIO’24 conference.
With a career spanning over two decades, Mr. Grillo brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this year’s event, offering invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of IT and cybersecurity.
Mr. Grillo’s journey in the field of information technology is marked by significant achievements and contributions, especially in his role as the Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Florida International University since June 2011. Under his leadership, the division has grown to encompass over 250 dedicated IT professionals, driving innovation and excellence across the board.
Before ascending to his current position, Mr. Grillo honed his skills and leadership within FIU, initially managing the Financial Management Systems implementation and then taking charge of the Student Administration system in 2004. His expertise, however, extends beyond the academic arena. Mr. Grillo’s professional background includes leading the consulting division for PeopleSoft in Latin America and the Caribbean and serving as a senior consultant for Fortune 500 companies at Andersen Consulting LLP (now Accenture).
Mr. Grillo’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. He is a recipient of the Education category of the South Florida Digital Alliance Awards in 2013, and under his guidance, FIU’s Division of Information Technology clinched the Center for Digital Government’s Cybersecurity Leadership and Innovation Award in 2014. His influence and innovative approach to Business Intelligence and mobile technologies have been recognized in publications such as Hispanic Executive. In 2017, Mr. Grillo was a finalist in the South Florida Business Journal’s Technology Awards CIO category and was honored as the CIO of the year for Miami Dade by South Florida Business & Wealth Magazine’s Apogee Awards. Furthermore, his impact on the Hispanic IT community has been acknowledged by the Hispanic IT Executive Council (HITEC), listing him among the top 100 most influential and notable Hispanic Professionals in the Information Technology Industry in 2017 and 2018.
During his tenure at FIU, Mr. Grillo has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have significantly enhanced the technology experience for students, faculty, and staff. Among these initiatives are the Graduation Success Initiative, the expansion of cloud computing capabilities, the development and enhancement of the University’s mobile apps, and the inauguration of Panther TECH. His efforts in cybersecurity, including the implementation of two-factor authentication and his role in securing a $1.25 million award from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to host the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE), have fortified the institution’s digital infrastructure.
Aside from his responsibilities at FIU, Mr. Grillo actively contributes to the broader IT community through his roles as Vice Chair of the Florida LambdaRail (FLR), Senior Fellow of the FIU – New America Cybersecurity Capacity Building Partnership, and member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Cybersecurity Leadership Council.
Mr. Grillo’s participation in SCIO’24 as a panel member is a testament to his enduring commitment to advancing the field of information technology and cybersecurity. His insights and expertise are sure to enrich the discussions at the conference, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the digital domain.
We look forward to Mr. Grillo’s contributions to SCIO’24 and the profound impact his presence will have on this year’s conference. His extensive experience and leadership in information technology services are bound to inspire and influence all those in attendance.
For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, visit the State of the CIO 2024: https://ciocouncilsouthflorida.org/scio-2024/