White House Appoints Howard Schmidt as First Cyber-Security Coordinator

by Russell Nichols on December 22, 2009

For the first-ever White House cyber-security coordinator, President Barack Obama appointed a man who has played on both the public- and private-sector sides of the security fence.

In the George W. Bush administration, Howard Schmidt was the vice chairman of the president's Critical Infrastructure Protection Board and a special adviser for cyber-space security. He also served as a security executive at eBay and Microsoft.

In his new role as the nation's cyber-security chief, Schmidt will have "regular access to the president and serve as a key member of his National Security Staff," John Brennan, assistant to the president for homeland security and counter terrorism, said in the statement. Other duties include strengthening computer security for various agencies, developing new technology and conducting national campaigns for cyber-security awareness.

"The enormous challenge our nation faces requires a comprehensive, coordinated response directed by one of the most experienced leaders our nation has to offer," said Gen. Harry Raduege, chairman of the Deloitte Center for Cyber Innovation and the former director of the Defense Information Systems Agency and manager of the National Communications System. "With 40 years of experience in government, industry, law enforcement and international involvement, Howard brings the right credentials, background and enthusiasm to the White House."

Go to Government Technology’s Web site to learn more about the first-ever White House cyber-security coordinator.