David Virgil Dafinoiu, MSc, CCSA, CCRM, FSO, ILO, TCO
AI Expert | Cybersecurity Leader | Deputy CISO | Security Architect | University Board Member | Naval Intelligence Officer | Counter Terrorism Certified
AT&T•New York City Metropolitan Area, United States
View LinkedIn ProfileExecutive Overview
Servant Leader | Positive Attitude | Continuous Learner. Recipient of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Outstanding Unit Award, the U.S. Coast Guard Unit Commendation, and the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation. Appointed by the President of the United States as Vice-Chair of the Selective Service System Board. Currently serves as Vice-Commander of a Search & Rescue at Sea Unit, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to national security and maritime safety. Multi-award-winning Technology and Cybersecurity Executive with a proven record of securing complex environments and driving growth across Fortune 10 companies, startups, and federal agencies. Recognized for critical, interdisciplinary thinking and strategic leadership. Entrepreneurial and results-driven, with deep expertise in enterprise cybersecurity optimization, risk and cost reduction, and AI-driven security program development. Skilled at transforming complex data into actionable defense strategies and aligning people, processes, and technology for proactive security. Bringing a unique blend of private and public sector experience, I accelerate security frameworks and methodologies, leveraging AI to deliver transformational programs that address evolving threats and organizational goals. Certified and licensed security and risk expert with extensive experience in enhancing enterprise security maturity and aligning solutions with leading frameworks such as NIST, ISO, and MITRE ATT&CK. I lead global teams and programs, managing multi-million-dollar budgets to advance strategic cybersecurity and critical infrastructure initiatives. In addition to my leadership role at AT&T, I serve in key advisory and governance positions: • Chair, Technology Research Task Force – Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) • Committee Member, Critical Infrastructure – New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness • Vice President & IT Sector Chief – FBI Infragard Program, New Jersey Chapter • Cybersecurity Senior Industry Advisor & Board Member – Pace University and Seton Hall University Disclaimer: everything in my postings, including comments, images, videos, opinions or likes represents my personal and humble opinion, and is not affiliated with, nor approved by any of my employers.
Career Timeline
- Seton Hall UniversityCurrentJun 2024–Present· 2 yrs 4 mos
- Cybersecurity Senior Industry Advisor and Board MemberCurrentJun 2024–Present
- 2022–Present· 4 yrs 9 mos
- Officer & NJ state IT Sector Chief appointed by the FBI Liaison. Former chapter Vice-President Current2022–Present
- AT&TCurrentDec 2021–Present· 4 yrs 10 mos
- Chief Security Officer, CybersecurityCurrentDec 2021–Present
- NJOHSPCurrent2021–Present· 5 yrs 9 mos
- Infrastructure Advisory Committee MemberCurrent2021–Present
- May 2018–Present· 8 yrs 5 mos
- Cybersecurity Senior Industry Advisor and Board MemberCurrentMay 2018–Present
- 2024–2025· 1 yr
- Homeland Security Advisor & Industry Lead on 5G Technology2024–2025
- Mar 2020–Dec 2021· 1 yr 9 mos
- Deputy Chief Information Security OfficerMar 2020–Dec 2021
- May 2017–Mar 2020· 2 yrs 10 mos
- Head of Global NextGen & IoT Cybersecurity Architecture - Corporate SecurityMay 2017–Mar 2020
- Apr 2017–Feb 2020· 2 yrs 10 mos
- Cybersecurity Senior Industry Advisor and Board MemberApr 2017–Feb 2020
- Oct 2014–May 2017· 2 yrs 7 mos
- Cybersecurity Product Development LeadOct 2014–May 2017
Education
Internet of Things (IoT) Security - FEMA AWR-428
Cybersecurity
Norwich UniversityCombating Transnational Crime & Terrorism Financing (CTCTF)
Transnational Crime & Terrorism Financing
National White Collar Crime Center - NW3CBusiness Continuity Planning
The Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC)
NorthWest Arkansas Community CollegeBUSINESS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT RECOVERY
Finance and Financial Management Services
Columbia UniversityCounter-Terrorist Site Protection (DD)
Louisiana State UniversityLeading with Distingtion Program
Organizational Leadership
AT&TMaster's of Science
Computer Engineering
Universitatea Politehnica din TimişoaraEngineer’s Degree
Signal & Geospatial Intelligence
Israeli Naval AcademyDivision Officer
Communications. Logistics/Materials
US Coast Guard AcademyAdvisory Board Member
Cybersecurity
Rutgers University