NASA HIRES A SENIOR ADVISOR FOR CYBERSECURITY
The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) has selected Robert W. Powell as the Senior Advisor for Cybersecurity. Powell starts his new role on January 24, 2016. Prior to this role, he served in the position of Security Services Oversight and Planning Lead for OCIO’s IT Security Division. Powell also led the joint-cyber initiative between NASA and Department of Homeland Security which leverages non-signature based technologies for threat prediction and detection.
Powell has a lengthy and accomplished career as a cyber-professional and technology executive. Prior to joining NASA’s OCIO, he led the vision and establishment of the Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Information Assurance Range which is a component of the President¹s Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative. Powell has also spent time working with Silicon Valley startups focused on network virtualization and cyber-attack simulation.
Throughout Powell’s career, he has demonstrated an ability to lead complex technology programs, foster collaboration amongst cyber professionals, and execute initiatives with passion, energy, and tenacity.
Powell is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. He is a runner-up recipient of NSA’s Frank B. Rowlett Award, and holds numerous industry certifications in cybersecurity.
This is a key advisory position which provides technical guidance on IT Security, reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and NASA Administrator, Charlie Bolden. Powell will serve as the subject matter expert for cybersecurity and overall protection of the Agency’s information and information systems. This position also provides guidance on NASA’s Risk Management Framework, in accordance with Federal requirements such as Federal Information Security Management Act, NIST standards, and Continuous Diagnostics and Monitoring requirements and fosters cooperative relationships with other Agencies, U.S. and international communities, industry, academia, research establishments, Administration Officials and Congress.
Powell joined OCIO on April 1, 2014 where he served as Security Services Oversight and Planning Lead for OCIO’s IT Security Division. Powell also led the joint-cyber initiative between NASA and DHS which leverages non-signature based technologies for threat prediction and detection.
Powell has a lengthy and accomplished career as a cyber-professional and technology executive. Prior to joining NASA’s OCIO, he led the vision and establishment of the DoD Cyber IA Range which is a component of the President¹s Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative. Powell also spent time working with Silicon Valley startups focused on network virtualization and cyber-attack simulation.
Throughout his career, Powell has demonstrated an ability to lead complex technology programs, foster collaboration amongst cyber professionals, and execute initiatives with passion, energy, and tenacity.
Powell is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. He is a runner-up recipient of NSA’s Frank B. Rowlett Award, and holds numerous industry certifications in cybersecurity.