Carlos S. Lobato, who has served as New Mexico State University’s interim Chief Information Security Officer since July, was named to the permanent position this week. He officially starts on Thursday, Dec. 16.
“I am honored to be offered the opportunity to continue this work as NMSU’s Chief Information Security Officer,” Lobato said. “After serving as interim for several months, I have plans to continue making progress and I am committed to creating an understanding of cyber security protocols for our faculty, staff and students.”
Lobato became NMSU’s first IT compliance officer for the NMSU system in 2012 to ensure information technology compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. In 2017, he was appointed by NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu to the position of chief privacy officer for the NMSU system, where he implemented a privacy program, conducting IT risk assessments, promoting IT and data security-related training and awareness programs and monitoring NMSU systems via auditing and compliance activities prior to taking on duties of interim chief information security officer in July.
A 12-person search committee chaired by Rick Rivas, NMSU interim Chief Audit Executive, met over the last four months, reviewing applicants from across the country during this nation-wide search, Lobato was selected to fill the permanent position this week.
“The committee members took a detailed and thoughtful approach in considering all candidates before recommending a panel of capable finalists for Kielt’s review,” said Rivas. “It was truly an honor to serve as committee chair and work with such a wonderful group of people.”
Lobato has more than 20 years of professional experience in the corporate and banking industry, higher education and local government entities. He received two bachelor’s degrees from NMSU, one in business computer systems and the other in accounting before earning a master’s degree in business administration. He is a current licensed certified public accountant in New Mexico and holds various professional auditing and information security certifications.
In September, Lobato was appointed to the New Mexico Public Accountancy Board by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Earlier this year, Lobato was among those selected for the first cohort of the National Association of College of University Business Officers’ new Emerging Leaders Program.
“We are extraordinarily fortunate to have Carlos in this position,” said interim Chief Information Officer Chris Kielt. “He brings an unusually insightful and proactive approach to cyber security, and compliments it with a depth of institutional knowledge of the university that few others have had the opportunity to experience. He is a great fit for our information technology team, and a wonderful resource to our campus and system.”