Michele Robinson Appointed California's Information Security Chief

California Gov. Jerry Brown announced on May 30 his appointment of Michele Robinson as the director of the Office of Information Security (OIS) within the California Technology Agency.

In an interview with Techwire.net, Robinson said that her main goals in the position are to protect sensitive data and mission critical systems, with several initiatives underway that she is working to complete.

As the director of OIS, Robinson, pictured at left, will continue her work with the California Cybersecurity Task Force, a state-led collaboration between the public and the private sector to improve cyber security for the state. The task force started on May 13 in order to make an overall framework for cyber security in California.

“My overall goal with the task force is to bring those with a strong desire and willingness to collaborate and improve our effectiveness overall as a state in cyber security,” Robinson said. “That launch will facilitate information sharing and awareness raising among the entire community of stakeholders.”

Robinson joined OIS in 2007 and has been the acting director since February 2013 after the departure of Keith Tresh.

“We are very pleased with the Governor’s selection of Michele Robinson to lead OIS,” said Technology Agency Secretary Carlos Ramos in a statement. “Throughout her career, she has taken a pro-active approach to keep California’s information assets safe and built alliances to strengthen its cybersecurity defense.”

Prior to being the acting director, Robinson was the deputy chief information security officer, managing daily operations and the statewide information security program.

The OIS is charged with ensuring the protection of state government data, systems and applications. The office also serves as a liaison to federal, state and local government on cyber security.

This story was originally published by Techwire.net. Photo of Michele Robinson courtesy of Techblog.ca.gov.