Appointed by President Clinton in 1998 to serve as the nations first national coordinator for security, infrastructure protection and counter-terrorism, Clarke has remained at that post under President Bush.
One of the nations foremost experts on cybersecurity, Clarke has repeatedly warned that the United States could face an "electronic Pearl Harbor" unless its electronic defenses are bolstered.
"[Clarke will] work in close coordination and partnership with the private sector, which owns and operates the vast majority of Americas critical infrastructure," the White House said in a press release today.
Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) Vice President Bob Cohen today applauded the Bush administrations choice of Clarke.
"Weve worked with him quite a bit in the past and have every confidence that hes going to do a great job," Cohen said.
In his new post, Clarke will report to National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice and to newly appointed Director of Homeland Defense Tom Ridge, White House spokesperson Jimmy Orr said today.
Clarke will also act as the chairman of a soon-to-be-formed "government-wide board that will coordinate the protection of critical information systems," the White House said in its statement.
Bush plans to sign an executive order establishing the board.
David McGuire, Newsbytes
