Cynthia (Cindy) Anne Castillo is Chief Executive Officer of CSSI, Inc., a successful engineering, information technology, and applied research company headquartered in Washington, DC.

Ms. Castillo began her career at the Hughes Aircraft Company in California, where, from 1987 to 1993, she served in the Radar Systems Group and then in the Corporate Offices, with key responsibilities in their respective finance and business organizations.

In 1993, Ms. Castillo was appointed CEO of CSSI, quickly establishing the company as a premier small woman-owned business. Founded in 1990 as an air traffic management technical services provider, Ms. Castillo led the company through successful graduation from 8(a) status with continued growth and diversification into new markets. In an industry where women and minorities are scarce, Ms. Castillo secured major contracts with civilian agencies and military services, both domestic and international, including the Federal Aviation Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of Defense, NAV CANADA, and the International Air Transport Association.

Ms. Castillo continually invests in talent, infrastructure, and resources, strengthening CSSI’s operational efficiencies and its core competencies to better serve its customers and its employees. Under her leadership, CSSI has earned a solid reputation for quality, integrity, and loyalty—from customers, partners, and employees alike.

Ms. Castillo and CSSI have been recognized by many government, industry, professional, and peer organizations for leadership, growth, employee satisfaction, quality services, and contributions to the industry. Awards have included the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) Small and Disadvantaged Business Award an unprecedented three years in a row (1998, 1999, and 2000), ATCA’s Small Business Award two years in row (2005 and 2006), the Hispanic Business 500 Largest Hispanic-Owned Companies for three years in a row (1998, 1999, and 2000), and the Washington Business Journal’s 2005 Best Places to Work.

Ms. Castillo is actively involved in many professional organizations, including ATCA, the Small and Emerging Contractor Advisory Forum (SECAF), the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), Women in Technology (WIT), Women in Aviation (WIA), the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), and the Tower Club. She serves on the board of directors of several of these organizations, including SECAF, the Tower Club, and ATCA, where she also serves on the Scholarship Fund Board. A passionate advocate of both professional and personal growth, Ms. Castillo participates in several executive roundtables, such as Vistage International and WAvNet (Women Aviation Network), and serves as a mentor for women and minorities in her own company as well as other start-up and emerging companies.

Ms. Castillo earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of California at Los Angeles, where she majored in Mathematics and Applied Science.