An interdisciplinary state cybersecurity organization with a high-level mission is seeking a top executive who can “cultivate” the group by “directing the development of policies and processes” that enable its success.
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) is looking for a “dynamic, innovative and collaboratively minded leader” to serve as commander of the California Cybersecurity Integration Center (Cal-CSIC), an official confirmed to Techwire. The position has been vacant since November, when Commander Keith Tresh — previously CIO for the California High-Speed Rail Authority — departed for the private sector. Among the takeaways:
• Created by executive order in 2015, Cal-CSIC is an interdisciplinary and interdepartmental organization tasked with improving coordination and strategy while reducing the likelihood and severity of cyberattacks. Its next leader will “serve as the state’s principal cybersecurity liaison” across state agencies; to local and federal government; and to non-governmental and private-sector entities, CalOES said in the job listing. He or she will work with the State Threat Assessment Center commander and agencies including the California Department of Technology, the Military Department and the Attorney General’s Office to guide deployment of technology solutions aimed at enhancing dissemination of threat intelligence. The candidate will also “further define” the Cal-CSIC’s role through expanding its capabilities, developing “organizational structures” and adding staff.
• The ideal candidate will have experience “as a cybersecurity intelligence manager or supervisor”; a “strong knowledge of law enforcement and homeland security disciplines”; and be “well-versed in the technical aspects of threat assessment,” according to the listing. High-level interpersonal and diplomatic skills; integrity; a professional demeanor; and being collaboration-minded are also vital.
The position requires any “qualifying” combination of education, training and experience that provides the “required knowledge, skills and abilities.” Brian Ferguson, CalOES deputy director for crisis communication and public affairs, compared the job search to that for new DMV Director Steve Gordon, in the sense that casting a wide net yielded a successful candidate who, as Gov. Gavin Newsom pointed out, “went on our website and applied,” adding: “I love that.”
“Whoever can bring the best set of qualifications to the table, no matter where they come from, we’d strongly consider them for this,” Ferguson said.
• The position’s annual salary range isn’t specified; rather, CalOES indicates it will depend on candidates’ qualifications and experience. The successful candidate’s California Public Employees’ Retirement System retirement formula will be determined by his or her “incumbent status with CalPERS.”
• While CalOES is charged with safeguarding California against all threats and hazards, and it oversees the state’s public safety communications infrastructure — and its homeland security grants unit — the position won’t be filled by the agency. Instead, the Cal-CSIC commander is a gubernatorial appointee.
The exact timing of that appointment is unclear; Ferguson said CalOES hopes “to move expeditiously to find a really qualified person.”
