Miguel ‘Mike’ Asencio, M.S., is Director of the Cyber Policy Program at FIU’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy. He leads the FirstLine Training Initiative, the Cybersecurity Leadership and Strategy Program, and the Veterans and First Responders Training Initiative. His work spans workforce development, AI policy, and international capacity building, with a focus on cybersecurity leadership and resilience. He also chairs the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Technology & Innovation Committee.
In his current role, Mr. Asencio manages the statewide CyberSecureFlorida Training Initiative, funded by Cyber Florida. His expertise spans AI, cybersecurity, cyber infrastructure resiliency, cyber safety, and public policy in the cyber domain, demonstrating his commitment to protecting digital landscapes.
Prior to assuming his current post, Mr. Asencio was program manager at the Office of Engagement and director of the Digital Library of the Caribbean (dLOC) at the FIU Libraries. In the latter capacity, he oversaw the premier digital library of Caribbean content in the world, a cooperative of more than ninety regional partners. dLOC contains content relating to the Caribbean and circum-Caribbean, and provides users with access to Caribbean cultural, historical, and research materials held in archives, libraries, and private collections which have garnered over 287 million views since 2006. Mr. Asencio proposed, planned, and helped design the creation of a collaborative mass digitization lab at FIU, which has been supported by grants and institutional awards in excess of $2 million in funding.
Mr. Asencio holds an M.S. in curriculum and instruction and a B.A. from FIU. His career highlights his extensive expertise in working with government entities and private sector companies to develop innovative solutions for complex challenges. His work in cybersecurity resiliency and policy-making has been instrumental in shaping robust cybersecurity strategies and public policies. His dedication to public policy, cybersecurity, and community engagement continues to shape the future for a safer cyberspace.