October 27, 2020
Virtual Fireside Chat with John Felker and Marene Allison: Solving the Nation’s Cybersecurity Talent Shortage with Cyber Scholarship for Service Programs
John Felker, recently retired as Assistant Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), joined the National Technology Security Coalition’s (NTSC) Advisory Council on September 28, 2020. To welcome John to the NTSC, we are featuring him in a virtual “fireside” chat—moderated by Marene Allison, CISO of Johnson and Johnson—to talk about why he joined the NTSC and discuss the importance of cyber scholarship for service programs as a way to help cybersecurity workforce development.
High demand exists for experienced cybersecurity professionals, but not so much for inexperienced professionals. Additionally, the public sector is currently experiencing a critical shortage of cybersecurity talent. Our industry deals with systemic issues with the overall cybersecurity talent pipeline, the reality that it takes a long time for inexperienced professionals to provide value to companies, and a looming retirement wave.
Drawing upon his distinguished cybersecurity career and deep involvement in cyber education, John will talk about how focusing on cyber scholarship for service programs may work as a possible solution to these serious challenges for both the public and private sectors. During the fireside chat, John will explain the logic and rationale of a cyber scholarship for service program, possible time commitments and expectations for candidates, and what we need to do to scale this program nationally.
SPEAKERS
John Felker, former Assistant Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
At CISA, Felker led the Integrated Operations Division (IOD), which focuses integrated operations across the Agency extending to Regional CISA elements, intelligence, operational planning and mission execution with a focus on risk mitigation and response efforts. He was the Director of the NCCIC from August 2015 to June 2019. Prior to joining CISA, Felker served as Director of Cyber and Intelligence Strategy for HP Enterprise Services. He co-authored several papers on cyber intelligence under the auspices of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance and served on the cyber committee of AFCEA. He currently serves as an advisor to the Military Cyber Professionals Association and the Cyber Security Forum Initiative, and he is a Senior Fellow at the McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical infrastructure Security at Auburn University.
Marene Allison, VP & CISO, Johnson & Johnson
Allison is responsible for protecting the company’s Information Technology (IT) systems and data worldwide through elimination and mitigation of cybersecurity risk. This includes ensuring that the J&J information security posture supports business growth objectives, protects public trust in the J&J brand, and meets legal/regulatory requirements. With 265 companies in 60+ countries, J&J is a leader in consumer health, pharmaceutical products, and medical devices worldwide. Prior to 2010, Marene was Chief Security Officer and Vice President for Medco, where she oversaw all aspects of security and regulatory compliance. As head of Global Security at Avaya, Marene secured the World Cup network in Korea and Japan in 2002. She also worked as Vice President of Loss Prevention and Safety for the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. Before that, Marene was an FBI Special Agent, working on undercover drug operations, terrorist bombings, and a mock nuclear terrorism exercise.
TIME
1 p.m. to 2 p.m. EST
Interested in attending?
If you are a CISO or senior technology security executive interested in attending, register here.
There is no cost to attend.