A. Mario Castillo
Senior Managing Director
A. Mario Castillo is a dynamic leader and government relations specialist, known for his strategic prowess in navigating complex international and domestic political landscapes. As the founder of The Aegis Group Ltd., in 1990, Castillo has spearheaded successful campaigns that blend media, grassroots activism, and high-level political engagement to achieve his clients’ objectives, enhancing their financial outcomes. His work spans multiple industries, from aviation to food trade, where he has consistently delivered multi-million-dollar results.
Castillo's ability to craft and drive legislative initiatives has positioned him as a trusted advisor to major corporations and government bodies. One of his hallmark achievements was securing Congressional approval for legislation that safeguarded a $110 million annual revenue stream for British Airport Authorities’ subsidiary, World Duty Free Americas. In another pivotal moment, Castillo altered a global trade agreement, expanding market share for a U.S.-Australian food consortium by $10 million.
His career is highlighted by his role in reshaping U.S. foreign relations during the post-Cold War era, including his work with the newly democratic Czechoslovakian government under President Václav Havel. A respected voice on Capitol Hill, Castillo’s diplomatic finesse transformed U.S.-Soviet Bloc relations, fostering economic development and political cooperation.
Referred to, by his clients, as the “patron saint of desperate business cases,” Castillo is celebrated for his ability to craft innovative solutions where others see insurmountable challenges. He has been honored by President Ronald Reagan for his contributions to key legislation and has held influential positions, including Chief of Staff for the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, where his leadership improved the legislative process and secured critical funding for historically black colleges and universities.
As an innovative bilingual elementary school educator in Texas, Castillo earned the prestigious Ford Foundation’s “Washington Internships in Education” award in partnership with George Washington University. In the award year, he stood out as the sole Texas recipient of the $15,000 honor. His leadership and contributions have been nationally recognized, with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus naming him one of the top 25 Hispanic leaders in the United States.
Castillo’s commitment to education extends beyond policy. As the chief patron of the Lake View High School Mariachi Group in Texas, his mentorship has empowered numerous economically disadvantaged students, providing them with opportunities to perform on national stages. His philanthropic work has also included board positions with esteemed institutions like the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, the Texas Historical Commission and the Texas Small Business Industrial Development Corporation.
A native of San Angelo, Texas, Castillo has been recognized by his alma mater, Angelo State University, with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. He continues to impact his community through his role on the board of the Shannon Medical Center which provides health care coverage to twenty Texas counties.
An avid art enthusiast, Castillo’s unique combination of business acumen and cultural diplomacy led a groundbreaking initiative in art-diplomacy, recognized by media outlets across the U.S. In July 2023, Castillo was inducted into the prestigious Cosmos Club of Washington D.C., where he presented a lecture on “Art and Diplomacy” alongside European Union Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis.
He remains a formidable force in the political arena, serving as CEO of a leading pro-democracy, nonpartisan organization with a vast national and international influence, driving initiatives that safeguard democratic values and foster global political collaboration.