TURBULENT TIMES — Winds of change are sweeping through White House halls now that we’ve learned the era of Kemba Walden as ONCD acting director is soon to be over. While the announcement itself Friday was not a surprise, it does come at a tricky time for the Office of the National Cyber Director – which is in the middle of a nomination hearing for the future permanent director and facing the impacts of a maybe-maybe not government shutdown on Friday night. That means there is a very real possibility that between Walden’s departure on Friday and Harry Coker’s anticipated confirmation — which could happen in a flash or take weeks — there will be a director-sized hole in the White House’s cyber chambers. So what does that mean for the office? — Delays on delays: One of the more consequential issues that come with being director-less is the delayed implementation of the nation’s cyber initiatives. The ONCD is responsible for overseeing a slew of plans including the national cyber strategy, the national workforce strategy and the education strategy. The office also plays a key role in coordinating the federal government’s response to cyber threats — which are prone to amp up as we enter an election year and as geopolitical tensions escalate in the Middle East. — Coker (could be) on ice: The committee vote for Coker is set for Wednesday, and there is a very real possibility it swings right through unanimous consent on the floor and he gets confirmed later in the week. That was the case for the ONCD’s first director, Chris Inglis, who was confirmed unanimously by the Senate the day after the committee vote. But there’s a chance the floor vote won’t be held for several weeks, and that could be further delayed if a government shutdown costs lawmakers more time, which spells even further trouble for the White House’s cyber moves. But the longer the confirmation process drags on, “the less focus and thus less consistency and success the office will have,” Mark Montgomery, the executive director of the influential Cyberspace Solarium Commission 2.0., tells MC. — Job well done: Walden was a fan favorite during her time leading the office, from rolling out the Biden administration’s first national cybersecurity strategy, to spearheading the follow-up cyber implementation plan and unveiling a cyber workforce and education strategy. That’s not to mention her sterling reputation with the cyber industry, which MC witnessed as Walden effortlessly mingled with hacking aficionados and industry leaders in the crowds and various villages at DEFCON. Once thought the top choice for the role, earning endorsements from across the public and private sector, Walden wasn’t tapped by the Biden administration over concerns about her personal debt — which some believe are unfounded. — Who could fill in?: That’s a question we at MC have been asking ourselves and the White House. When asked for more details about a potential fill-in, an ONCD spokesperson referred MC to the Federal Vacancies Reserve Act — which describes an appointment that can last for up to 210 days. Jake Braun, the acting principal deputy national cyber director, isn’t eligible since he’s a detail from the Department of Homeland Security. The smart move, Montgomery says, is to call deputy national cyber director Drenan Dudley to the plate. “[Dudley] is deeply involved in the implementation plan and runs the critical budget review they are conducting with the [Office of Management and Budget],” Montgomery said. “She is a well-respected and liked team player.” The White House’s Presidential Personnel Office didn’t respond to questions for comment on who it would consider to fill the acting director spot.
| 
Comments
Post a Comment