When I reflect on my career, I see a path shaped not by certainty, but by service. My journey began like many others—standing at the intersection of expectations and uncertainty. There was plenty of advice (especially from my parents), but not much clarity. College was the expected route. I gave it a shot but quickly realized that lectures and degrees weren’t the right fit for me at the time.
I didn’t yet know my dreams or destination. I couldn’t see a future I believed in. So I went to work for Amoco Corporation (formerly Standard Oil of Indiana) in Chicago. After nearly two years—and with the Vietnam crisis escalating—I made a life-changing decision: I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, following in my father’s World War II footsteps.
Finding Belonging in the Marine Corps
At first, I wondered what I had signed up for. But the discipline, the honor, and the unbreakable bond of the Corps quickly became something I deeply valued. I was proud to wear the uniform, proud to serve, and proud to grow—mentally, physically, and spiritually. I worked in a warehouse supporting the Marine Corps Air Wing in Okinawa. That experience began to shape a sense of purpose in me: I didn’t just want a career. I wanted to contribute.
From the Military to the Private Sector
After my service, I returned to Amoco and began my career in Information Technology. I also enrolled at DePaul University, operated by the Vincentian Order—an organization dedicated to serving the poor and vulnerable. That spirit of service resonated with me. I earned my B.S. in Business Administration and later, an MBA in Information Systems.
Over time, I became responsible for more than 100 systems managing $30+ billion in supply and product movement—covering pipelines, trucks, marine, and rail logistics. More importantly, I built and led teams that kept these systems resilient and reliable.
For over a decade, I also served as a University Executive, nurturing Amoco’s recruiting relationship with DePaul. We hired more than 50 students in Computer Science and Accounting. I found myself having the same kinds of conversations with students that once guided me—about direction, about purpose, and about possibilities.
Leading in Energy and Education
My journey next took me to leadership roles with Maytag, DePaul University, and DeVry University. Eventually, I moved to Madison, Wisconsin, to join Alliant Energy as Chief Information and Technology Officer—supporting electric and gas customers across Wisconsin and Iowa.
Then came another pivot.
Serving the State of Wisconsin
In 2012, I was appointed CIO for the State of Wisconsin by the Republican Governor—and reappointed by the Democratic Governor in 2018. I served nearly eight years as State CIO, and it was the capstone of my career.
In that role, I led transformative efforts with 30+ agency CIOs to implement an enterprise ERP (Oracle PeopleSoft), consolidate data centers, and expand broadband connectivity to more than 760 state offices, local governments, 425 K–12 school districts, and 350 libraries. We also helped bring service to underserved communities by partnering with broadband providers across the state.
Cybersecurity has become a growing focus. I worked closely with the Wisconsin National Guard, the National Governors Association, and the Department of Homeland Security (CISA) to safeguard the 16 Critical Infrastructure Sectors. We launched Wisconsin’s first Cyber Response Teams, proactively protecting the systems our residents rely on.
Defending What Matters Most
These experiences taught me how deeply our democracy and way of life depend on the security and resilience of our critical infrastructure. Nation-state actors target these systems every day. We must understand the interdependencies between infrastructure, organizations, and supply chains—and we must act to defend them.
For 10 consecutive years, cybersecurity ranked #1 among the top concerns of state CIOs. The risk landscape has only grown since.
A New Chapter: Championing Cyber Resilience
After retiring from public service in 2020, I transitioned to advisory roles. Today, I serve as a CXO Advisor for Zscaler and as a board member of the Wisconsin Cyber Threat Response Alliance (WICTRA). I help organizations face their cybersecurity challenges, build Zero Trust frameworks, and prepare for what’s next.
And what’s next, above all, must include talent.
We’re experiencing a major cybersecurity talent shortage. We need to inspire new professionals to step up—and help them see the vital role they can play. I often joke that these cyber defenders may become our real-life Guardians of the Galaxy. Think Space Force—but grounded in data, networks, and resilience.
To build that future, we must:
· Reassess cyber defenses before launching digital initiatives
· Recruit diverse and driven talent—especially women and minorities
· Invest in continuous skill development
· Lead with empathy and purpose
Leading Through Service
Whatever success I’ve had, I credit to the teams I’ve led—their passion, their grit, and their commitment to serving others. Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about servant leadership: lifting others up and empowering them to achieve more than they imagined possible.
Even now, I remain committed to mentoring leaders who will carry the torch forward—those who lead with integrity, strive for excellence, and bring positive change to their communities and beyond.
Why Service Matters
Looking back—from the uncertainty of my early years to the honor of serving in the military, leading transformation in the private and public sectors, and mentoring the next generation—one principle stands out: Service.
Service isn’t just about sacrifice. It’s about trust. It’s about building something stronger than you found it. Whether at Amoco, Alliant Energy, or as State CIO, I’ve seen how technology, when aligned with purpose, can profoundly serve people.
That belief mirrors the mission of i.c.stars—developing talent, empowering communities, and creating change through leadership and resilience.
I am proud not of the systems I led or the titles I held—but of the people I served and the leaders I helped grow. Service is not a phase of a career; it’s the highest calling. And it’s one I will continue to answer.
David Cagigal is currently serving as a CXO Advisor for Zscaler as well as a Board Member for the Wisconsin Cyber Threat Response Alliance (WICTRA). He is also advising other organizations regarding cyber security challenges and opportunities in building and sustaining cyber defenses focused on Zero Trust Principles.
David Cagigal was appointed CIO for the State of Wisconsin in November 2012. As the CIO, he also serves as Division Administrator for the Division of Enterprise Technology (DET). DET manages the state’s IT assets and provides technology to state agencies such as computer services, voice-data-video telecommunications, and print and mail services. David retired June 2020. While as the State CIO, he collaborated with more than 30 Agency CIOs to implement an enterprise ERP (Oracle – Peoplesoft), consolidate all agency data centers into a single enterprise data center as well as improve broadband connectivity throughout the state to more than 760 state offices, local government, 425 K-12 School Districts, 350 libraries and influencing providers to connect the citizens of Wisconsin. David was also instrumental in improving cyber defenses in state and local government. He worked extensively with the Wisconsin National Guard, National Governor’s Association (NGA) and the Department of Homeland Security – CISA to protect 16 Critical Infrastructure/Key Resource Sectors. He also initiated the formation of Wisconsin’s Cyber Response Teams to address cyber threats and attacks.
David was also the Chief Information Officer for Alliant Energy from 2004 to 2011 serving electric and gas customers in Wisconsin and Iowa. David has held executive IT positions at DeVry University, DePaul University, Maytag and Amoco.
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