#WeLeadComms: James Villalobos

Florida-based communication leader James Villalobos is today’s #WeLeadComms recipient.

As a broadcast journalist, James Villalobos built a career on quickly learning complex topics and translating them into stories audiences could understand. Those same skills would later help him pivot into an entirely new field: cybersecurity communications.

Growing up, James always knew he wanted to work in broadcast journalism. In high school, he was involved in community organizations and participated in his school’s morning news program. During college, he invested thousands of dollars of his own money to gain real-world reporting experience, traveling across the country to cover major events including protests in Ferguson and Baltimore, the 2016 Republican National Convention, and even reporting at the White House.

After earning his degree, James spent nearly three years working at television stations in Northern California and his hometown in Western Massachusetts. After earning an Emmy, and fulfilling his childhood dream, James was ready to try something new.

That opportunity came in the form of a cybersecurity communications role—despite having no background in cybersecurity. But he still took a chance and applied.

During his interview, when asked what he knew about cybersecurity, he joked, “On a good day, I might be able to spell it correctly!”

Somehow it worked! The hiring manager laughed, and told him, “As long as you’re willing to learn, we’re here to support you!”

Over the next several years, James translated complex cybersecurity concepts into actionable communications that helped employees reduce risk for themselves at home and at work. He later expanded into executive communications, planning/leading cybersecurity town halls and advising senior leaders on their communications strategy and professional presence on LinkedIn.

Today, as a Cybersecurity Communications Lead at CVS Health, James has helped establish and grow the company’s cybersecurity communications program. By combining communications expertise with cybersecurity knowledge gained through his time at MassMutual, he develops strategies that help employees understand cyber risks and strengthen organizational resilience.

He also advises cybersecurity and technology program leaders on strategic communications that support successful security tool launches and positive colleague experiences.

James works remotely from his home in Miami Beach, where he lives with his wife and their one-year-old Yorkie, Maya. When not working, he and his wife enjoy traveling (particularly on cruises), enjoying an evening walk on the beach, or binge-watching Netflix with some take out!

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