As I understand it, there will be more of a function of combining functions and staff rather than hiring an entirely new staff.
SUBJECT: National Protection and Programs Directorate Update
Critical Infrastructure Partners,
On July 31, at the Department of Homeland Security’s first National Cybersecurity Summit in New York, Secretary Nielsen announced the National Risk Management Center within the Department’s National Program and Programs Directorate (NPPD). The Center establishes an organizational approach to integrate risk management activities, perform joint strategic planning, and most importantly, develop collaborative solutions to reduce risk to critical infrastructure. Risk no longer exists in silos, and this better integrated systemic risk management will help make collective defense a reality.
I have asked Deputy Assistant Secretary Bob Kolasky to serve as Director of the Center. Bob is uniquely qualified to lead this significant undertaking and ready for the challenge. In addition, Mark Kneidinger will join the Center as Deputy Director, bringing his experience as Director of Federal Network Resilience for our Cyber Security and Communications (CS&C) component.
Since the Center was announced, it has initiated work streams to define and identify national critical functions; create the frameworks by which government and industry collectively manage risk; and initiate specific cross-sector activities to address known threats. The Center looks forward to working with industry as these efforts are launched.
Until the Administration selects an Assistant Secretary for the Office of Infrastructure Protection, I have asked Steven Harris to serve as acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Scott Breor to serve as acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Infrastructure Protection. Both Steve and Scott bring a wealth of senior leadership expertise, from both DHS and the Department of Defense.
Many of you may know Steven from his recent tenure as acting Director for our Office of Cyber and Infrastructure Analysis, where he oversaw NPPD’s integrated analysis of cyber and physical risks to the Nation’s critical infrastructure. He has also served as NPPD’s Deputy Chief of Staff, working closely with the Directorate’s senior leadership to help manage day-to-day operations. Scott has held several senior executive positions with NPPD, most recently as the Director of the Protective Security Coordination Division where he helped spearhead our efforts to establish a regional structure and capability. Scott brings over 30 years of senior leadership experience within the U.S. government on both the military and civilian sides.
Finally, there are two additional leadership movements of note: Enrique Matheu will be stepping into the role of acting Director for the Sector Outreach and Programs Division, while Linda Solheim leads an internal effort to enhance the Office of Infrastructure Protection’s activities around the mission of securing the nation’s soft target and crowded places.
Please join me in congratulating Bob, Mark, Steve, Scott, Linda, and Enrique on their new positions. I have utmost confidence in their expertise and leadership capabilities and thank each of them for their continued commitment to the Department.
Sincerely,
Christopher C. Krebs
Under Secretary, National Protection and Programs Directorate
Department of Homeland Security
