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February 11, 2009
Leadership
With the departure of former Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Michael Balboni, Governor Paterson announced that Denise O’Donnell will succeed him in that position. Ms. O’Donnell will also retain her current position as the Commissioner of the Division Criminal Justice Services. Additionally, Governor Paterson has nominated Thomas Donlon for the position of Director of the Office of Homeland Security. The Senate Veterans, Military Affairs & Homeland Security Committee under the chairmanship of State Senator Eric Adams will take up the nomination Tuesday morning, followed by the Senate Finance Committee’s review. Mr. Donlon will likely be confirmed Tuesday, February 10th, when the full Senate convenes.
Cyber Security
The White House plans to announce as early as today that Melissa Hathaway, top cyber security adviser to the director of national intelligence, will oversee a 60-day review of federal cyber security efforts, after which she will likely be offered the position of cyber czar, a position President Obama promised to create during his campaign. Hathaway, who was senior adviser to former Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell, will leave the office for 60 days to conduct the review of overall cyber organization and strategy in the federal government. Hathaway will lead the review with the National Security Council. Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano is running a parallel review at that department outlining the state of cyber security in government.
The Business Council supports Governor Paterson’s budget proposal to create a separate not-for-profit entity for cyber security efforts in New York State and will be working with legislative leaders to help them understand the critical role such a not-for-profit can play in building better bridges with the private sector.
In a performance audit conducted March 2008-January 2009, the GAO concludes that significant weaknesses existed within the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (part of the Department of Treasury) that impaired their ability to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of these information and systems.
Border Security
The GAO reported to Congress its findings on the costs associated with the construction of a border fence along the southern border as part of the Secure Border Initiative.
Policy Directives from DHS
Giving credence to the headline which accompanied a New York Times article on Secretary Napolitano’s management style, she has issued a series of policy directives on first responder health surge capacity, FEMA state and local integration, and immigration and border security.
Biosecurity
In the closing days of the Bush Administration, the President issued an executive order establishing within the Department of Defense a Working Group on Strengthening the Biosecurity of the United States.
Business Council News
Thanks to all who shared their time and expertise at the recent Homeland Security Conference. Presentations can be found on the website. Members indicated a desire to have more information and meetings around the issue of critical infrastructure and the Steering Committee will be planning those opportunities in the near future.
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