Jen Easterly, former Director of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Special Assistant to President Barack Obama, joins the Blavatnik School as a Visiting Fellow of Practice with the Oxford Programme for Cyber and Technology Policy (OxCTP), as part of its expanded drive to tackle the major challenges of the digital age.
A decorated military veteran, cyber security pioneer, and former Wall Street technology executive, Jen brings deep expertise at the intersection of technology, policy, and public service. She is renowned as one of the most effective communicators of complex tech security issues and has already contributed to classes, seminars, and public events at the Blavatnik School, including the inaugural Oxford Cyber Forum. In her new role, she will contribute to research and teaching on cyber resilience, AI security, and leadership in government.
“It’s a great honor to join the Blavatnik School of Government as a Visiting Fellow", said Jen. "In an era defined by profound technological disruption, democratic societies urgently need principled, pragmatic leadership to navigate the intersection of cyber, AI, and public policy. I’m excited to contribute to the School’s vital mission—preparing the next generation of leaders to shape a more secure and resilient digital future.”
Ngaire Woods, Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government noted that Jen Easterly’s appointment brings a "wealth of real-world expertise to the School". “Her outstanding record in public service and cyber policy will enrich our understanding of one of today’s most critical global challenges", she added.
“Jen is one the most important and effective government leaders in cyber security of our time”, said Ciaran Martin, co-Director of OxCTP and former head of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, the UK’s equivalent of CISA. “She has already proved a smash hit with our students, and we can’t wait to work with her on some of the most difficult and significant public policy issues facing the online world.”
Jen’s career spans more than three decades, including multiple combat deployments in the U.S. Army, where she played a pivotal role in the creation of U.S. Cyber Command and built and led the Army’s first cyber battalion. Jen served twice at the White House, including as Special Assistant to President Barack Obama and Senior Director for Counterterrorism and earlier as Senior Policy Advisor to National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. She also served as the Deputy for Counterterrorism at the National Security Agency and as a senior leader in Tailored Access Operations, NSA’s elite hacking team.
A distinguished graduate of West Point and Rhodes Scholar, Jen is a two-time recipient of the Bronze Star as well as numerous awards, including the George C. Marshall Award in Ethical Leadership, the Girls Who Code Sisterhood Award, the Champion of Internet Freedom Award, the Admiral Grace Hopper Award, and the James W. Foley American Hostage Freedom Award. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Jen is the recipient of the Aspen Institute Finance Leaders Fellowship, the New America Foundation Senior International Security Fellowship, and the Director, National Security Agency Fellowship.
