Zephrin Augustine, Jr. is a mission-driven cybersecurity executive, leadership strategist, and community advocate whose remarkable career journey is shaped by a singular purpose: helping people and organizations rise to their highest potential. With over 15 years of experience across public safety, higher education, corporate enterprise, and nonprofit sectors, Augustine has forged a path defined not just by technical expertise, but by an unwavering belief in human capacity and transformational leadership. His personal mantra, “Stand Tall Through It All,” speaks to the strength of character and resolve that underpins every role he undertakes.

Born with a calling to lead and inspire, Zephrin’s early passion for personal development and discipline found an initial outlet in athletics. As a student-athlete at the University of Florida, he walked on to the Division I football team as a Safety, ultimately becoming a three-year letterman and a model of determination and tenacity. The lessons of strategic vigilance, team unity, and grit that he internalized on the field would later shape his approach to organizational leadership and cyber defense. These early experiences cultivated a mindset of protection—of both people and systems—that would define his future in public service and information security.

Zephrin’s first major leadership endeavor came with the founding of Next Level Sports & Fitness, an athletic and mentorship organization he launched in 2010. Rooted in faith, discipline, and community uplift, the organization offered youth development programs, boot camps, and sports training, reaching hundreds of underserved youth and adults. Through this work, he refined his coaching philosophy: transform the body, sharpen the mind, and elevate the spirit. The venture became a living blueprint of Augustine’s belief in leading through service and empowering others through intentional action.

While deeply immersed in community-focused entrepreneurship, Zephrin sensed a higher call to expand his impact in the realm of digital infrastructure and information integrity. This pivot into cybersecurity was both calculated and inspired. Recognizing the growing importance of data security in a digitally interconnected world, he transitioned to the University of Florida’s Information Security Office, where he served in multiple risk and compliance roles over nearly a decade. There, he became a linchpin in advancing the university’s GRC (governance, risk, and compliance) strategy, translating complex security requirements into practical policies and inclusive training programs.

His time in academia provided Zephrin with a deep understanding of how values-driven institutions can align security initiatives with their educational mission. At UF, he was known not just for his technical acumen, but for his ability to communicate clearly, engage respectfully, and lead with empathy. Whether briefing administrators, mentoring interns, or coordinating security assessments, he built bridges between compliance frameworks and operational needs—always with a people-first perspective. His role as an OPS Supervisor overseeing security awareness programs further solidified his position as a trusted educator and strategic advisor.

Seeking broader industry impact, Zephrin brought his expertise to NeoGenomics Laboratories as a GRC Risk Manager, where he conducted policy evaluations, managed audit readiness, and guided leadership through the labyrinth of healthcare compliance. His strategic oversight enabled smoother integrations of HIPAA and GDPR requirements, and his collaborative style fostered alignment between IT security and laboratory operations. His seamless navigation between risk mitigation and operational continuity became a hallmark of his leadership.

At Murphy USA, Zephrin further expanded his executive reach, serving as a Cybersecurity Engineer responsible for developing enterprise-wide compliance programs and leading critical initiatives like vendor risk management and security awareness training. Under his leadership, the organization achieved a notable improvement in its BitSight security rating—rising from 690 to an advanced score of over 800. These outcomes not only reflected technical progress but demonstrated Zephrin’s ability to motivate teams, drive cross-departmental collaboration, and instill a culture of accountability.

What sets Zephrin apart in the cybersecurity field is his rare blend of systems thinking, public service ethics, and motivational leadership. As a former Public Safety Officer with the Florida Department of Corrections and a member of the Rapid Response Team, he brings crisis-tested perspective to cybersecurity strategy and incident response. His background in managing facility security and emergency protocols continues to inform his holistic approach to digital defense and operational resilience.

Outside the boardroom and beyond firewalls, Zephrin remains a tireless advocate for youth mentorship and educational equity. As a motivational speaker, he has addressed countless high school students, nonprofit groups, and college-bound youth—especially from underrepresented communities. His keynote at South Florida State College’s male mentorship summit inspired over 200 students, proving the power of lived experience to ignite belief and aspiration in others. His community involvement includes roles as a semi-pro football coach, church ministry leader, and educational strategist.

Today, Zephrin continues to serve as a key contributor to the Wounded Warrior Project’s IT Security and Compliance team. Here, he applies his expertise to safeguard sensitive data for a deeply mission-driven organization. Whether in academic institutions, healthcare labs, correctional facilities, or corporate environments, Zephrin Augustine leads with conviction, vision, and a deeply human understanding of what true security means.

Character:
Zephrin embodies integrity, compassion, and a service-first mindset in every endeavor. His lifelong dedication to mentoring youth and uplifting underserved communities speaks to a moral compass grounded in empathy and action.

Knowledge:
Armed with an MBA focused on Information Security and over 15 years of cross-sector experience, Zephrin possesses an unparalleled depth of expertise in cybersecurity, risk management, and compliance frameworks. He is also a continual learner, always sharpening his understanding of evolving threats and regulatory landscapes.

Strategic:
Zephrin aligns security initiatives with long-term business goals, ensuring that governance is not just a box to check but a driver of operational excellence. He approaches every challenge with a blend of analytical precision and visionary thinking, creating strategies that are sustainable and scalable.

Communication:
With experience in public speaking and team leadership, Zephrin connects with audiences from board members to students with clarity and authenticity. His message is always clear: progress is possible when people are protected, informed, and inspired.