Administration selects experienced military and intelligence veteran for role as national cybersecurity director
U.S. National Cyber Director Harry Coker Jr. Steps Down, White House Plans New Nomination
Harry Coker Jr., the second-ever U.S. National Cyber Director, has announced his resignation from the position, effective June 30, 2025. Coker's tenure saw significant strides in shaping national cybersecurity strategy, with a focus on collaboration, prevention, and secure technology design.
Coker's departure follows the unveiling of the White House's implementation plans for the national cybersecurity strategy, which emphasizes the need for a strong, permanent leader in the Office of the National Cyber Director (NCD). Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, and Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., have highlighted the importance of this role, stating that it serves as the coach of the U.S. cybersecurity team.
The White House has already announced its intention to nominate a successor for Coker. The nominee is expected to be Harry Coker Jr., who previously served as the executive director of the National Security Agency from 2017 to 2019.
Before his tenure as National Cyber Director, Coker worked as the director of Open Source Enterprise at the CIA's Directorate of Digital Innovation. He is currently a senior fellow at Auburn University's McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security.
Kemba Walden, who served as the acting national cyber director following Chris Inglis's departure earlier this year, is expected to remain in her position during the Senate confirmation process for Coker. Walden has been praised for her work in guiding the nation's cybersecurity policy and developing the implementation plan.
Corporate stakeholders are expressing a desire for a better understanding of the risk calculus of their technology stacks, highlighting the lingering question among them: Are we a target? The Software Alliance (BSA) looks forward to a White House nomination for the national cyber director post before August.
As the nation moves forward with the nomination process, the importance of strong, permanent leadership in the NCD cannot be overstated. The role is crucial in driving cybersecurity collaboration between government and the private sector, with a focus on preventing ransomware attacks through initiatives such as stopransomware.gov.
Meanwhile, Kemba Walden is hoped to continue as part of the national dialogue on cybersecurity policy. Her departure from the acting national cyber director position is reportedly in connection to a personal debt issue. Despite this, her work in guiding the nation's cybersecurity policy has been widely appreciated, with officials expressing their deepest appreciation and gratitude to her for her service.
- The departure of Harry Coker Jr., the U.S. National Cyber Director, has sparked discussions about the significance of strong, permanent leadership in shaping national cybersecurity policy and strategy, a role that emphasizes collaboration and prevents cyber threats like ransomware attacks.
- As the White House moves ahead with the nomination process for a new National Cyber Director, corporate stakeholders are eager for a clear understanding of the risk calculus of their technology stacks, raising questions about potential threats they may face, such as being targeted.
- Politics, policy-and-legislation, and technology all intertwine in the context of cybersecurity, as evidenced by the ongoing nomination process for a new National Cyber Director, a role that bridges the gap between government and the private sector.
