Bio
Mike Asencio is the Director of the Cyber Policy Program at Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy. In this role, he leads multiple statewide, national, and international initiatives at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and public policy. He oversees the FirstLine Training Initiative, which provides mandated role-based cybersecurity training across Florida’s public sector, and directs the Cybersecurity Leadership and Strategy Professional Education Program (CLS), preparing public leaders to strengthen cyber resiliency. His workforce development efforts also include the Veterans and First Responders Training Initiative (VTI), part of the national CyberSkills2Work™ program, empowering transitioning military personnel and first responders to enter critical infrastructure cybersecurity roles.
Mr. Asencio also oversees and supports community engagement and thought leadership through high-profile convenings such as the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Conference & Expo, the Regional Initiative for Cybersecurity Education and Training (RICET) with the Organization of American States, the Florida AI Policy Summit, and the AI and Democracy Forum. These efforts bring together leaders from government, industry, and academia to foster collaboration, share best practices, and shape the future of cyber and AI policy.
Internationally, Mr. Asencio supports capacity-building efforts by advising governments, universities, and private sector partners on workforce development, national strategy, and curriculum alignment. In addition to his role at FIU, he serves as Vice Chair of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Technology and Innovation Committee. His expertise spans cybersecurity leadership, AI policy, infrastructure resilience, and digital governance, reflecting a career dedicated to preparing institutions and communities to meet the challenges of emerging technologies.