Ex-CISA Chief Jen Easterly to Lead RSA Conference

Jen Easterly, the former director of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of RSA Conference, the organization behind one of the world’s most significant annual cybersecurity gatherings. Her appointment signals a major leadership shift for the conference, which has grown from a niche cryptography event into a global institution for security professionals. Easterly brings a unique perspective forged through decades of service in both government and the private sector, positioning her to guide RSAC through a period of rapid technological and geopolitical change.

The RSA Conference, often abbreviated as RSAC, operates as an independent company today, though its origins trace back to the security firm RSA. Its flagship event in San Francisco each spring draws tens of thousands of experts, vendors, and researchers. Under Easterly’s leadership, the organization aims to broaden its influence beyond the annual conference. “We are a year-round global membership entity for cyber professionals,” Easterly explained. She expressed particular excitement about expanding initiatives like the innovation sandbox and early-stage expo, which are designed to nurture the next wave of startups focused on AI-driven cybersecurity and secure software design. “In many ways we are living through an inflection point,” she noted.

This inflection point is characterized by the dual-edged impact of artificial intelligence, which is empowering both cyber attackers and defenders, and by shifting political landscapes that may affect international cooperation on security. Easterly’s career, which includes multiple Army deployments, roles at the National Security Agency and US Cyber Command, and leading global cybersecurity at Morgan Stanley, has been built on fostering trust and collaboration across sectors. She describes herself as a lifelong political independent, emphasizing that cybersecurity transcends administrations and borders. “Cybersecurity is not a political endeavor, RSAC is certainly not a political organization, and I am not a political person,” she stated firmly.

Her departure from CISA was not by her own choice; the Trump administration did not ask her to remain during the transition. The administration had been critical of the agency’s election security work. Additionally, the Army recently rescinded an offer for her to join West Point’s faculty. Despite these professional transitions, Easterly approaches her new role with a focus on community and optimism. “I don’t approach this leadership opportunity at RSAC through the lens of fear and speculation,” she said.

Looking ahead, Easterly is committed to maintaining RSAC as a neutral forum for global dialogue. The conference will continue to seek insights from officials across all governments to bolster international collaboration. She believes there is a unique “magic” in creating supportive spaces where the security community can unite. “Security and resilience are issues that affect every country, every industry, every citizen,” Easterly added. The core strength of RSAC, in her view, is its ability to convene operators, technologists, innovators, and policymakers from around the world, united by technical expertise and a shared mission rather than political affiliation.

(Source: Wired)