Cybersecurity Leadership in California’s Community Colleges

California’s community college districts cater to diverse populations, handling extensive administrative, academic, and technological landscapes. The cybersecurity leaders featured in this article navigate complex district systems where reliability, access, and operational resilience are critical. Their rich backgrounds in security leadership and enterprise technology management showcase the multifaceted nature of protecting educational institutions at scale.

Patrick Luce — Chief Information Security Officer, Los Angeles Community College District

Patrick Luce has served as the Chief Information Security Officer at Los Angeles Community College District since June 2019. His career reflects a blend of district-level security leadership and a substantial consulting background, particularly in technology. Prior to his current role, Luce was the Director of Consultative Services at VectorUSA for over eleven years and held leadership positions at Los Angeles Unified School District, serving as both Deputy Chief Information Officer and Director of Information Technology Security.

Luce’s extensive experience encompasses information security, IT management, infrastructure, and risk management, equipping him with the skills necessary for strategic planning in large educational environments.

Steven Domingo — Director, Information Security, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

Steven Domingo took on the role of Director of Information Security at Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District in March 2024. His career spans higher education, healthcare, managed services, and technology roles in the financial sector. Prior to his current position, he was the manager of campus PC services at San Diego Community College District and has held various other leadership roles.

His broad experience in infrastructure, service delivery, and networking helps him oversee the district’s security operations effectively. Domingo’s past positions at companies like Takeda and Wheelhouse Credit Union add depth to his capabilities in maintaining technology continuity.

Danny Gorman — Director of Information Security, South Orange County Community College District

Danny Gorman became the Director of Information Security at South Orange County Community College District in October 2024, after a remarkable 20-year tenure with Coast Community College District. His responsibilities included overseeing district information systems security and infrastructure engineering, providing him with extensive institutional knowledge.

With experience in firewalls, infrastructure operations, and network security, Gorman is well-equipped to plan and enforce network security measures. His previous role as a security analyst at Integralis further honed his skills in managing network health and addressing security concerns.

Lee Ann Herron — Director of Information Technology Security, Kern Community College District

Lee Ann Herron has been the Director of Information Technology Security at Kern Community College District since February 2022. Before joining, she served as the Information Security Officer for Kern County for eight years, bringing a wealth of public sector experience.

Her background includes critical roles at Teledyne Technologies and Telos Corporation, where she specialized in security auditing and compliance in defense environments. Herron’s extensive operational discipline and compliance familiarity enhance her capabilities in managing secure systems.

Hsiawen Hull — Executive Director of Infrastructure and Information Security, College of the Canyons

Hsiawen Hull is the Executive Director of Infrastructure and Information Security at College of the Canyons. His leadership role integrates infrastructure management with cybersecurity, a vital linkage as educational institutions strive to achieve operational reliability alongside robust security measures.

Hull’s responsibility spans across technology systems and the overall security posture of the institution, marking him as a key figure in the college’s operational landscape.

Community College Security Leadership: A Practical Approach

The emphasis among these cybersecurity leaders is how deeply integrated their roles are with institutional operations. These aren’t abstract positions; they are intricately linked to the daily requirements of supporting students, faculty, and staff while securing complex systems within the public education framework.

For more insights and profiles of influential leaders in cybersecurity across various sectors, explore our CISOs to Watch collection.

By recognizing the crucial roles these cybersecurity professionals play, we can appreciate their contribution to safeguarding the educational landscape in California’s community colleges.