Luis Zaragoza brings a passion for cybersecurity, leadership, and service to his role as an Information Systems Security Manager supporting the CIO at CPE ST3. In his position, Luis helps lead cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance efforts for one of the organization’s key mission networks, ensuring security remains aligned with operational objectives.
His responsibilities include supporting Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities, security controls, vulnerability management, compliance documentation, and providing cybersecurity guidance to both technical teams and leadership. For Luis, cybersecurity is about more than compliance.
“I see my role as more than just checking compliance boxes,” he said. “It is about helping teams understand risk, make informed decisions, and keep cybersecurity aligned with the mission.”
One of Luis’s greatest strengths is his adaptability. He believes effective leadership requires understanding the unique needs of every team, mission, and situation rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. By considering people, processes, technology, and lessons learned, he helps teams navigate challenges and find practical solutions.
Supporting Culture and Innovation
Luis describes himself as having an entrepreneurial mindset and a natural curiosity about emerging technologies. He enjoys exploring new tools, understanding the problems they solve, and identifying practical ways technology can help organizations operate more effectively.
In addition to his cybersecurity responsibilities, Luis serves as the ACE representative for the Orlando area, helping strengthen employee engagement and workplace culture. Through team-building activities and creative events, he works to create opportunities for employees to connect.
He says, “At the core, I want to keep growing, keep building, and keep finding ways to make a positive impact through leadership, service, innovation, and culture.”
A Foundation Built on Service
Luis’s professional journey began in the U.S. Army, where he developed the values of discipline, teamwork, leadership, and service that continue to guide him today. Over the years, he has built extensive experience supporting cybersecurity, compliance, risk management, and mission-focused organizations.
His commitment to continuous growth is reflected in both his education and professional credentials. Luis holds a Master’s degree in Information Management Systems, recently completed his Executive MBA at the University of Central Florida, and maintains his Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.
“I believe in continuous growth, so I try to keep learning, improving, and finding ways to bring more value to the teams and missions I support,” he said.
Why COLSA?
For Luis, COLSA stood out long before he joined the company.
As a fellow Puerto Rican and Army veteran, he felt an immediate connection to COLSA founder Francisco J. Collazo and the company’s roots in military service, dedication, and purpose.
“What first attracted me to COLSA was the story behind the company,” said Luis. “Learning that Mr. Collazo, a native of Puerto Rico and Army veteran, founded the company after a long career of service made COLSA stand out to me right away.”
That connection, combined with COLSA’s leadership, mission focus, and commitment to employee development, convinced Luis that COLSA was the right place to continue growing both professionally and personally.
He says, “The company’s support for education and professional growth has meant a lot to me. It showed me that COLSA does not just bring people in to do the work, but also gives them room to grow, lead, and keep improving.”
Beyond Cybersecurity
Outside of work, Luis enjoys connecting with people, exploring different cultures, and giving back to the veteran community through mentorship and service. He is passionate about helping fellow veterans while continuing to grow through the guidance of mentors in his own life.
When he is not working, you can often find him enjoying a great cup of coffee, traveling, trying new restaurants, or spending time outdoors. Whether it is the mountains, the beach, or following sports such as basketball, golf, Formula 1, boxing, and baseball, Luis embraces opportunities to stay active and engaged.
He also enjoys the creativity and experiences associated with Disney and appreciates the way it brings people together.
