Persichetti joins Chamber & EDC with focus on cybersecurity
The Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce & EDC announced that Vinnie Persichetti has joined the organization as its director of cybersecurity programs. The position was developed in support of the work the Chamber & EDC is performing as a sub-recipient of a Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment grant received this year by Pikes Peak Community College to create the Pikes Peak Regional Defense Assistance Program.
“Cybersecurity is a growing industry and represents an opportunity for Colorado Springs to emerge as a leader in preparing, combating and recovering from cyber attacks and threats,” said Hannah Parsons, chief economic development officer for the Chamber & EDC. “Bringing together our community’s cyber resources through the Regional Defense Assistance Program will ensure that we leverage our collective assets into a comprehensive and collaborative strategic plan.”
Persichetti will work alongside Pikes Peak Community College and oversee the development of a Military Separation Skills Inventory and Analysis, which will feed into a Regional Cybersecurity Strategic Plan. He will also coordinate the creation of a cybersecurity strategy website to track these efforts and keep key stakeholders in our region informed of ongoing progress.
“It is an honor to serve our local community, businesses and military installations. We are fortunate to have leaders with the foresight and vision to position Colorado Springs as a cybersecurity powerhouse,” said Persichetti. “Through our work, we will strengthen our position as a cybersecurity hub for years to come.”
Persichetti (Chief Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, Retired) served 30 years in the U.S. Air Force. He moved to Colorado Springs in January 2006 through an assignment to the HQ Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base. Apart from an assignment in Qatar from 2010 to 2011, Persichetti has been assigned at various units across Peterson Air Force Base until his retirement in 2017.
Persichetti’s final assignment was with the 21st Space Wing, serving as the 21st Mission Support Group Superintendent. A key element of that role involved being a senior advisor to the commander on installation support across a diverse area including communications, civil engineering, contracting, logistics, security forces and force support. Prior to his final assignment, he was the 21st Communications Squadron Superintendent, charged with advising the commander on all aspects of personnel and mission execution across the spectrum of communications and cyber support.