MichaelEchols

 

Michael Echols

Director, Cyber Joint Program Management Office

National Protection and Program Directorate

 

Michael Echols is the Director, Cyber Joint Program Management Office (JPMO) within the Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C) component at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  In this role, he manages two unique cybersecurity information sharing programs, Enhanced Cybersecurity Services (ECS) and Cybersecurity Information Sharing Collaboration Program (CISCP). 

Mr. Echols is developing and implementing cybersecurity strategies to assist DHS’ to meet its cyber mission by identifying opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of information sharing operations, technology and policy.  In his current role, he is also the point person for the rollout of Presidential Executive Order 13691 – Promoting Private Sector Information Sharing.

Mr. Echols is the former Chief of the Government-Industry Planning and Management Branch, National Communications System (NCS) from 2009 – 2013.  He chaired the Communications Sector’s Communications Government Coordinating Council (CGCC), and the Network Security Information Exchange (NSIE).  Additionally, Mr. Echols managed the stand-up of the Joint Program Office under Executive Order 13618 supporting for national security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) communications.  His day-to-day activities included leading teams managing the Committee of Principals (COP), 24 senior executive members of the NCS, and the President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC), 30 chief executive level NSTAC members representing IT, Defense and Communications companies that provide policy recommendations to the President.

Mr. Echols previously advised and served DHS as a consultant on matters related to disaster response, national response policy and exercise management. As a Researcher for the Homeland Security Institute, he contributed to national studies on U.S. Air Marshal risk, biological restoration and network vulnerabilities.

Mr. Echols is a graduate of the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative – Harvard Kennedy School of Public Health and the Federal Executive Institute.  He holds a Masters of Business Administration, a Master of Science in Biotechnology, a Graduate Certificate in Technology Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; all from the University of Maryland