Earlier this year, (ISC)² honored Brigadier General (retired) and Deputy Assistant Secretary Gregory Touhill, CISSP, CISM, with a Government Information Security Leadership Award (GISLA®) for demonstrating exceptional leadership in securing federal civilian networks, helping the private sector manage cyber risk, coordinating interagency response to cyber incidents of national significance, and engaging with Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) international partners. In that role, DAS Touhill transformed DHS’ processes for working with critical partners across the country and around the world.
Yesterday, the White House validated DAS Touhill’s exceptional leadership skills, experience and distinguished career by naming him the first-ever Federal Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), a much anticipated and necessary call-of-duty. In his new role, DAS Touhill will lead those at OMB who drive policy and implement leading cyber practices across federal agencies.
The (ISC)² organization views this announcement as a significant day in U.S. government history and certainly for those of us in the cybersecurity profession. We are honored that an (ISC)² member and fellow CISSP has been given the opportunity and responsibility to demonstrate the core cybersecurity principles that (ISC)² and its members have been establishing worldwide for over two decades. We are proud that one of our own will now be representing the CISO community among the highest rankings of federal decision makers.
During an uncertain presidential transition, (ISC)² and its members are committed to being a stabilizing force and to bridging the gap between the cyber practitioner and the boardroom. As we watch to see how the new presidential administration prioritizes cybersecurity, we stand committed to nurturing existing and potential talent and to supporting those responsible for building the government’s pipeline of cybersecurity professionals.
From Dan Waddell, CISSP, CAP, PMP, (ISC)² managing director, North America region and director, U.S. Government Affairs:
"I would like to congratulate Brigadier General (retired) Greg Touhill on his new role. I'm fortunate to know Brig. Gen. (ret) Touhill personally as a fellow CISSP and have seen firsthand the great work that his team has accomplished at DHS under his guidance. He will be the first to tell you that he had nothing to do with these accomplishments, which is a testament to both his humility and his tremendous leadership skills. To all those in the federal cybersecurity community, be assured that you are getting someone who has dedicated his life to serving and protecting our country in both the Air Force and at DHS. He understands both the challenges and rewards of coming up through the ranks. The combination of his technical and management expertise is exactly what this position requires. With great respect, and on behalf of his fellow (ISC)² members, I wish Brig. Gen. (ret) Touhill the best of luck in this important endeavor."
Related reading: New Federal CISO: History in the making?