The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced today that cybersecurity veteran Kiersten Todt will be the agency’s next chief of staff.
In her new role, Todt will be responsible for planning, allocating resources, and developing long-term objectives in support of CISA’s goals. She’ll also be responsible for helping develop the agency’s strategic vision and empowering its workforce.
“I am thrilled to welcome Kiersten as our new chief of staff and my close partner in continuing the transformation of CISA as the nation’s cyber and infrastructure defense agency. Her experiences in the private sector and in government make her extraordinarily well-qualified for this critical role,” CISA Director Jen Easterly said in the announcement. “I am particularly excited to be able to draw upon Kiersten’s leadership ability and her deep partnerships with industry, to include the small business community – a key element of our nation’s economy.”
Todt previously served as executive director for President Obama’s Presidential Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity in 2016. Since then, Todt has been the president and managing director of the Cyber Readiness Institute, a non-profit which she also co-founded.
“I am honored to serve and to join Jen and the tremendous team at CISA to help protect our nation’s critical infrastructure,” Todt said. “I look forward to shaping CISA’s long-term planning and working with industry, Federal agencies, and state, local, tribal, and territorial government partners to chart the path forward for a more secure and resilient nation.”
Before joining the presidential commission team, Todt was the president and managing partner at Liberty Group Ventures for four years handling cybersecurity and risk management, as well as crisis management training.
Todt will replace Acting Chief of Staff Kate Nichols, who has served in the post since January 2021.
