Issue link: https://resources.twc.edu/i/1518937
The Washington Center • Cybersecurity Accelerator Program | Program Schedule Melissa Santa Ana IT Specialist, CISA Melissa Santa Ana is a Senior Advisor for Strategy at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). CISA's Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans (SPP) is responsible for implementing CISA's Strategic Plan, facilitating Policy discussions within CISA and across the U.S. Government, and facilitating CISA's governance processes. As an Senior Advisor for Strategy, Ms. Santa Ana manages the Agency's efforts implement the CISA Strategic Plan, including the designing of plans, managing reporting, and developing reporting dashboards to support senior leadership decision-making. Ms. Santa Ana has been with CISA Office of Strategy, Policy and Plans since May 2022. Her prior experience includes working at Guidehouse as a Senior Consultant supporting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) with project management, strategic engagement, communications, SharePoint solutions, and business process improvement. Ms. Santa Ana has a B.A. in Government and History from the University of Virginia (UVA). Michael Echols CEO and Founder, Max Cybersecurity Michael A. Echols is the founder on Max Cybersecurity LLC, a Washington DC 8a company with clients including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Homeland Security, APTA, and Transportation Security Administration. Mr. Echols is a senior cybersecurity executive and critical infrastructure protection strategist working with senior corporate leaders and government officials to make the nation more resilient. He offers cybersecurity consultation through Max Cybersecurity LLC. He is leading a revolution to stand up and support leading security practices, enhance threat Information Sharing, meet CMMC requirements and expand cyber domain control for the Education, Health, Transportation, and Government Sectors. As such, Mr. Echols leads a global effort to holistically harmonize cyber management. Previously, Mr. Echols managed cyber resiliency programs for the Department of Homeland Security while assisting in the advancement of national risk reduction practices. As the point person for the rollout of President Obama's EO 13691, he developed a national program for risk management and cyber education. Mr. Echols Chaired the Communications Sector GCC and the Network Security Information Exchange. At DHS, Mr. Echols chaired activities optimizing national programs, cybersecurity strategy, interagency coordination, public safety and counterterrorism across federal agencies and the private sector. Mr. Echols Chaired the Communications Sector, IT Sector and managed the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee. Today, he leads the APTA CCSWG, is designing cyber requirements for autonomous vehicle and helping U.S. Government agencies to become more secure.