Ernest Cordova, Managing Director and Vice President of Security Operations for Accenture Federal Services

Ernest Cordova, chief security officer and managing director for Accenture Federal Services

Ernest Cordova, chief security officer and managing director for Accenture Federal Services (AFS), was named Hispanic Tech Leader by the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GWHCC) June 12.

The award was announced at the GWHCC 39th Annual Gala celebrating the best of the Hispanic business community. Cordova was one of three award recipients in the technology sector. Also awarded were Lynette Spano, CEO of SCI Consulting (awarded The Government Contractor) and Thomas Sanchez, Founder and CEO of Social Driver (awarded The Innovator).

In his role of chief security officer and managing director, Cordova supports a broad range of government clients and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of security, including Information, Physical, Personnel, and Intelligence Security. He sets the strategy and provides direction for all AFS security and intelligence operations activities supporting our internal capabilities as well as our consulting, technology, and outsourcing clients.

In addition, he is active in Accenture’s Inclusion and Diversity initiatives and serves as the Executive Sponsor for Accenture’s Washington DC Office Hispanic American Employee Resource Group and LGBT Employee Resource Group.

Cordova is involved with the Hispanic IT Executive Council (HITEC) serving as a Mentor in the HITEC Emerging Executive Program and is recognized as part of the HITEC 100, which represents the top 100 most influential and notable Hispanic Professionals in the IT Industry. In addition, he represents Accenture as a member of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and is a volunteer for Food & Friends.

“The best part of my job is the informal interaction I have with many of our employees, every day,” says Cordova. “As the executive sponsor of our Hispanic American Employee Resource Group, I get to informally interact and mentor the best and brightest that Accenture has to offer. By partnering with organizations like the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, more of our people are able to give back to the community.

According to Angela Franco, GWHCC President and CEO, awarding these Hispanic leaders in the technology industry serves as an inspiration for current members, the community, and the next generation of Hispanic professionals “They are all incredible role models for future generations,” says Franco, “and the Chamber feels very proud that our Hispanic business community is so well represented in the technology sector.”

“I came to Accenture with an idea to bring people together to build a security organization that adds value and protects our resources, technology and information. Accenture recognized this value and invested in me,” says Cordova. “This in itself is the business lesson I share with other entrepreneurs. Take chances – make your ideas heard, plan ahead for the future and, perhaps most important, remember to always pay it forward.”