Massachusetts’ defense and space ecosystem supports national security missions spanning air and missile defense, space surveillance, secure communications, and advanced research. Cybersecurity leadership in this sector operates at the highest levels of classification and regulatory scrutiny, requiring deep expertise in federal compliance frameworks, mission assurance, incident response, and operational resilience. The leaders below are responsible for protecting some of the nation’s most sensitive systems and technologies.
Scott J. Mancini — Chief Information Security Officer, MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Scott J. Mancini leads cybersecurity program functions at MIT Lincoln Laboratory in support of national security missions. His responsibilities span cybersecurity assessment and authorization at all classification levels, IT risk management, incident response, forensic analysis, and communications security (COMSEC) operations. With experience across defense and law enforcement sectors, he brings expertise in federal information system authorization, vulnerability management, and compliance with frameworks including NIST 800-53 and 800-171, RMF, JSIG, ICD 503, NISPOM, DFARS, and CMMC. His work supports advanced technology initiatives critical to Department of Defense sponsors and other government agencies.
Kevin Burns — Chief Information Security Officer, Draper
Kevin Burns oversees enterprise information security, compliance, and information assurance at Draper. His scope includes application and network security, penetration testing oversight, DFARS 800-171 and CMMC implementation, and enterprise-wide security awareness. He partners with the FFRDC community, federal agencies including the FBI and DHS, and the Massachusetts Fusion Center to ensure alignment with national security requirements. His leadership integrates security architecture with engineering growth initiatives to support innovation while maintaining regulatory rigor.
Erica Antos — Chief Information Security Officer, Mercury Systems
Erica Antos serves as CISO at Mercury Systems, bringing extensive experience across governance, risk, and compliance functions within regulated technology environments. Her background includes leadership roles in information security, risk management, and compliance across multiple industries. At Mercury Systems, she leads cybersecurity strategy, security operations, supplier risk management, and regulatory alignment in support of mission-critical defense technologies.
Brian Brooks — Director of Cybersecurity, Mayflower Communications Company Inc.
Brian Brooks leads cybersecurity at Mayflower Communications Company Inc., drawing on experience across defense contractors and national security-focused organizations including MITRE and Raytheon. His background spans information system security engineering, certification and accreditation processes, and operational security support in both domestic and overseas environments. His work emphasizes secure system architecture, compliance, and mission assurance for advanced defense communications programs.
Securing National Security Innovation
In Massachusetts’ defense and space sector, cybersecurity is inseparable from mission success. Leaders in this industry operate within complex regulatory environments while defending advanced research, classified systems, and national security infrastructure. Their work reflects a disciplined commitment to resilience, compliance, and operational integrity at the highest levels of risk and responsibility.
To see how cybersecurity leadership applies similar governance and resilience principles within public service environments, explore CISOs to Watch in Massachusetts’ Government Administration.