André Florence was recently named the new Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) in the Information Security Branch within the Enterprise Services Center (ESC). André comes to the FAA after working as an Information Systems Security Manager for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. André started his career with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) where he performed duties as an Airborne Communications and Electronics Engineer and served in this capacity for 21 years. He operated and configured secure video, data, and voice communications systems aboard specifically configured aircraft. André notes that one of the highlights of his USAF career was when he was able to perform such duties aboard Air Force One, and other VIP aircraft, responsible for transporting high ranking U.S. Government Officials such as the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, the U.S. Vice-President, the National Security Director, the CIA Director, the FBI Director and other DOD Senior Executives.
Already seven months into his new FAA job, André has a strong interest in strengthening current processes, policies, and procedures to ensure confidentiality and integrity for the Center’s information systems. “There is hardly a day which passes, when there isn’t discussion in the news related to some sort of organizational data breach. My goal is to ensure that the Aeronautical Center and the Enterprise Services Center do not fall victim to these data breaches,” explains André.
One of the exciting challenges for André in his new role is his ability to expand his knowledge with regard to Information Security through exposure to the Center’s ESC Datacenter operations. André remains steadfast in the agency’s vigilance toward Cybersecurity, hoping to use his gained experience from the Department of Defense and Industry to further protect vulnerabilities.
André notes that one of the biggest challenges he’s faced in his career was being deployed to various warzones in the world and being away from his family for a total time of five years. André is the father of five daughters, ages 4, 5, 11, 13 and 22. He enjoys reading, jogging, doing cross fit exercise, and relishes in the home theatre experience. André says that the traits he admires most in others are “Integrity, honesty, and empathy; I believe these traits are essential to being a good leader.”
As a child, André thought he wanted to be a lawyer when he grew up, while his very first job tasked him with taking customers’ orders at a seafood restaurant in Williamsburg, Virginia. Destined for public service and protecting the rights of others, André was asked, “What is the best advice you ever received?” André responds, “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” The Aeronautical Center is proud to welcome André!
