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Alejandromayorkas

Alejandro Mayorkas

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), losing out to the private sector, has been working to position itself as the preferred employer for top cybersecurity talent. Secretary of Department of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, announced the establishment of the Cyber Talent Management System that would enable CISA to become a better competitor to the private sector by allowing greater flexibility in terms of pay and hiring. Additionally, CISA announced the formation of the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative as the leading coordinated effort between private and public sectors, with the unified mission of strengthening the nation’s defense against cyber attacks.

Abel Sussman is one example of CISA’s new hiring strategy. He assumed his new role as senior technical advisor in July. His cybersecurity experience has been predominately in the private sector. Prior to joining CISA, Sussman was the business development operations manager for CACI International and director of cybersecurity at Coalfire Systems. Sussman was awarded the Booz Allen Cybersecurity Expert Belt during his time as lead associate at Booz Allen Hamilton.  

Dawn McGuinness was named international capacity building advisor in September. She complements her government background with corporate experience at CSRA Inc. as a senior national security advisor. Since her departure from CSRA, it was acquired by General Dynamics Information Technology. Prior to CISA, she was deputy director of the Department of Homeland Security.

Monique Marshall

Research Analyst, Federal Government