Microsoft Official to Assume Leading Role at the National Cyber Director’s Office

From government to industry and back again, Kemba Walden will serve as the first principal deputy national cyber director, according to a White House announcement Tuesday.

Walden, assistant general counsel for Microsoft’s digital crimes unit, will assume her new role “in the coming weeks,” joining Neal Higgins and Robert Knake who have already been filling roles as deputy national cyber directors. 

Higgins most recently served as associate deputy director for digital innovation at the CIA. Knake was a senior fellow at think tanks like the Council on Foreign Relations and the Harvard Belfer Center. 

The three have all also held other positions in government during previous administrations, with Walden serving for years at what has now become the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Walden was also appointed to CISA’s Cyber Safety Review Board, which was included in a May executive order. 

“As we continue to build this new office, the additions of Kemba, Neal, and Rob will accelerate our efforts to protect Americans in cyberspace,” said National Cyber Director Chris Inglis. “Each of these leaders brings impressive experience in cybersecurity policy making to our team, and their diverse perspectives will be invaluable as we strengthen our collective defense.”