WASHINGTON — Auburn University’s McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security added retired Lt. Gen. Joe Hartman, the former acting director of the National Security Agency and commander of U.S. Cyber Command, to its advisory board on Thursday.
Hartman joins a 15-member board that advises the institute on its mission to craft cybersecurity strategies and priorities to protect the nation’s infrastructure.
He recently retired from the U.S. Army after nearly 40 years of service, during which he helped develop national security policy and advanced cyber, intelligence, and emerging technology capabilities.
“As a lifelong fan of Auburn University, I am excited about the opportunity to bring more than 37 years of experience — including leadership roles at U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency — to support the McCrary Institute’s efforts to advance U.S. interests in cyber, artificial intelligence, and critical infrastructure security,” Hartman said in a statement.
With its policy hub in Washington, the McCrary Institute collaborates with federal agencies, Congress and industry leaders to shape public policy around cybersecurity solutions. It also has research teams in Auburn and Huntsville to develop and deploy cybersecurity solutions to bolster infrastructure in the Southeast and across the country.
Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Burgess Jr., McCrary Institute advisory board chair and former director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, praised Hartman as a welcome addition to the board, which consists of senior government officials, corporate executives and Auburn leaders.
“His years of service and leadership at the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command give him unparalleled insight into the rapidly evolving digital threats to our nation and we know he will bring tremendous insight into the Institute’s work defending our critical infrastructure,” Burgess said.
McCrary Institute’s Director Frank Cilluffo said Hartman will bring “unmatched operational credibility and strategic insight” to the organization.
In August, Kirstjen Nielsen, a former Homeland Security secretary, and Auburn alumnus James Hoskins also joined the board.