On April 2, the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) announced that General Keith Alexander USA (Ret.), the longest-serving director in the history of the National Security Agency (NSA) and the first commander of the U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), has been selected to receive the alliance’s 35th William Oliver Baker Award. Established in 1984, the Baker Award recognizes extraordinary contributions to the intelligence and national security affairs of the United States.
A retired four-star general, Alexander’s 40-year military career was capped by an unprecedented 8-1/2-year stint as Director, NSA. While serving in this capacity, he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the first commander of the U.S. Cyber Command, holding this role from 2010-2014. He retired from public service in March 2014.
INSA Chairman Letitia Long notes Alexander
led U.S. cybersecurity efforts during a pivotal time in our nation’s history,
when both the advantages and dangers of a more connected world were becoming
increasingly apparent. “General Alexander envisioned the potential threats, as
well as the required new capabilities before most other pioneers in this new
domain. He led the development of new intelligence tools and skills and
sharpened our focus on the threat of cyberattacks against the U.S. and its
interests —including the vulnerability of our critical infrastructure. His
vision, technical expertise, and outstanding leadership were instrumental in
raising awareness of cyber threats and greatly improving the security of our
nation.”
As Commander, USCYBERCOM, GEN Alexander
was responsible for planning, coordinating and conducting operations and
defense of DOD computer networks as well as the defense of the Nation in
cybersecurity. As Director of NSA and Chief of the Central Security Service, he
was responsible for a Department of Defense agency with national foreign
intelligence, combat support, and U.S. national security information system
protection responsibilities.
Prior to leading USCYBERCOM and the
NSA/CSS, GEN Alexander served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, G-2,
Department of the Army; Commanding General of the U.S. Army Intelligence and
Security Command at Fort Belvoir, VA; and the Director of Intelligence, United
States Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, FL, and Commander, 525th Military
Intelligence Brigade, Fort Bragg, NC, among many other command and staff
positions.
Currently, GEN Alexander is the founder, chairman and co-CEO of IronNet Cybersecurity, headquartered in Fulton, MD.
“It’s an incredible honor to be selected to receive this award and to join the distinguished ranks of those who preceded me,” said Alexander. “To be recognized by my friends and colleagues in this increasingly complex and difficult mission space in especially rewarding. The real reward, however, is the amazing people I have had the opportunity to work with over the years – their dedication and commitment to the security of our nation is what most inspired me during my time in government.”
Source: INSA
By Loren Blinde
April 3, 2019
