Karen Evans, the White House’s nominee to head a new cybersecurity office at the Energy Department, has said she plans to address the cyber skills gap at DOE once confirmed, Federal News Radio reported Tuesday.
“If I’m confirmed, DoE could really lead the way through a lot of innovative approaches to identifying talent,†she told lawmakers Tuesday at a hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Evans, who serves as national director of the U.S. Cyber Challenge, said she would collaborate with Chris Krebs, undersecretary of the Department of Homeland Security’s national protection and programs directorate, and guide DOE as it advances a multi-year roadmap for cybersecurity if confirmed for the post.
“It’s my understanding that in this new role, with the aspect of energy security, that I would be partnering directly with the Department of Homeland Security as it relates to my responsibilities as a sector-specific agency,†she added.