Castillo Brings Diverse Experience To Managing Director Role

The Austin Forum on Technology & Society is delighted to announce that Derek Castillo has joined our team as Managing Director. He came on board a month ago and has already been instrumental in enhancing our communications, events, and outreach initiatives.

Derek brings over 30 years of diverse experience as a journalist, corporate storyteller, and communications professional. Prior to his role with the Austin Forum, Derek was a strategic communications leader at IBM, where he collaborated closely with marketing and software vice presidents to develop internal communication strategies and organize impactful events. Notably, he helped establish IBM’s first internal case studies team.

Before IBM, Derek served as the business development director and senior producer at Castleview Productions, an Austin-based agency, driving new business and producing corporate videos for clients like EY, Cirrus Logic, The Austin Business Journal, and The University of Texas at Austin.

His background in development began at his alma mater, UT Austin, where he was the Assistant Director of Development for the Moody College of Communication, securing funding for the Belo Center for New Media and cultivating relationships with alumni nationwide.

Derek’s primary career was in broadcast journalism, serving as a news and sports anchor and reporter in major markets including Dallas, Philadelphia, San Diego, Portland, and Austin. He earned two Emmy Awards and several local honors for his exceptional reporting and on-air work.

An Austin native and proud Longhorn, Derek enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, and crafting cocktails in his free time. He and his wife, Veronica, live downtown and are proud parents to their son, Jared.

We are thrilled to welcome Derek to the Austin Forum team and look forward to his contributions in advancing our mission.