RSA Conference LLC has appointed former CISA Director Jen Easterly as its new Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity increasingly converge. Easterly will oversee the global portfolio of the premier cybersecurity platform, including its flagship San Francisco event and its expanding international and professional programs.
The RSA Conference has officially named Jen Easterly as its Chief Executive Officer, a move that places a prominent national security veteran at the helm of the industry's most influential platform. Easterly, who previously served as the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, takes over at a time when the industry is facing a massive shift due to the rapid integration of artificial intelligence. Her leadership is expected to focus on navigating this technological convergence while managing the organization’s extensive lineup of global events, educational initiatives, and startup competitions.
In her new role, Easterly emphasized that the organization serves as the primary home for the global cybersecurity community. She noted that the current era requires a trusted space where experts can collaborate on technologies that will define the next decade of digital safety. Her vision for the future involves expanding the organization's international presence and championing the concept of technology that is secure by design. This approach aims to build a more resilient digital infrastructure by ensuring security is integrated into products from the beginning.
Easterly’s professional background spans over three decades of high-level service in both the public and private sectors. Before leading CISA, she held senior roles at the National Security Agency and was a key figure in the establishment of U.S. Cyber Command. Her experience also extends to the financial sector, where she served as a senior technology leader at Morgan Stanley. This diverse resume provides her with a unique perspective on how national security interests and corporate technology needs overlap in the modern world.
Board members and industry leaders have expressed strong support for the appointment, citing Easterly’s deep expertise in cyber operations and global resilience. They believe her background is perfectly suited for an era where AI is rewriting the rules of the technological landscape. By leveraging her reputation for fostering collaboration and trust, the organization hopes to strengthen its position as a central hub for innovation and risk reduction.
As the organization prepares for its 35th annual flagship event in March, the leadership transition marks a significant milestone in its history. Executive Chairman Dr. Hugh Thompson highlighted that the upcoming conference will likely be the most impactful yet, given the urgent need for the AI and cybersecurity communities to address emerging risks together. With Easterly at the lead, the group intends to remain the primary venue for the world's most critical conversations regarding digital safety and innovation.
Source: Jen Easterly Named CEO Of RSAC Cybersecurity Community Platform