Karen Evans has been announced as the new Executive Assistant Director (EAD) for Cybersecurity at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), bringing with her a wealth of experience and expertise in federal cyber policy, critical infrastructure protection, and government IT modernization. Prior to assuming this role at CISA, Evans held various leadership positions in both the public and private sectors, establishing herself as a seasoned professional in the field of cybersecurity.
In her most recent position as a senior advisor within CISA’s cybersecurity division, Evans played a key role in enhancing the cybersecurity posture of federal civilian networks and critical infrastructure. She advised on cybersecurity strategies and shared insights on emerging threats and best practices for federal agencies. Additionally, her tenure as the Managing Director at the Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI) focused on improving the cybersecurity resilience of small and medium-sized businesses, highlighting her understanding of the connection between private sector cybersecurity and national security.
Evans also co-founded SafeGov, an advisory firm that assisted U.S. government agencies in navigating secure cloud computing strategies. This experience equipped her with a deep understanding of cybersecurity challenges and solutions in the cloud era, a crucial area as more government agencies and businesses transition to cloud environments.
Throughout her federal career, Evans has held senior roles at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Energy (DOE). She served as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at DHS, overseeing IT modernization efforts, cybersecurity strategies, and technology investments across the department. As the Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response at the DOE, Evans played a vital role in securing the nation’s energy infrastructure and addressing cyber threats to the power grid.
During the George W. Bush administration, Evans served as the Administrator of the Office of Electronic Government and Information Technology at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), where she managed $71 billion in annual IT investments. Her expertise in managing large-scale IT projects and understanding the intersection of technology, policy, and national security showcased her leadership in the field.
Evans’ appointment as Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity comes at a pivotal time for CISA as the agency undergoes a leadership transition. With the agency refocusing its mission on cybersecurity efforts, Evans is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing CISA’s cybersecurity capabilities and supporting federal agencies and critical infrastructure sectors.
With a Ph.D. in Business Administration, a Master of Arts in Public History, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from West Virginia University, Evans’ educational and professional credentials underscore her qualifications to lead CISA’s cybersecurity initiatives. Her diverse background in the public and private sectors, combined with her expertise in cybersecurity and technology, positions her as an ideal candidate to protect the nation from cyber threats.
As Evans takes on her new role, CISA looks forward to leveraging her leadership to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity posture and safeguard critical infrastructure from sophisticated cyber adversaries. With Evans at the helm, CISA is poised to play a central role in securing federal networks and defending the nation’s cyber ecosystem against evolving threats.
Ari Schwartz, Coordinator of the Center for Cybersecurity Policy and Law, commended Evans’ appointment, noting her knowledge and commitment to cybersecurity. He expressed confidence in Evans’ ability to guide CISA’s cybersecurity efforts and protect federal civilian networks and critical infrastructure from adversarial attacks.
In conclusion, Karen Evans’ appointment as the Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity at CISA signals a new chapter in the agency’s commitment to cybersecurity and national defense. Her vast experience, leadership, and dedication to cybersecurity make her a valuable asset in securing the nation’s digital infrastructure and combating cyber threats.