Pell Center fellow appointed to R.I. Cybersecurity Commission

Francesca Spidalieri, senior fellow for cyber leadership at the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy, has been appointed to the newly established Rhode Island Cybersecurity Commission by Gov. Gina Raimondo.

The new commission is tasked with developing a clear strategy to make Rhode Island more secure and resilient to cyber threats while simultaneously fostering innovation and economic development opportunities in the state. The executive order establishing the commission was signed in May, and its members met in June to set goals and a timeline for their work.

“I am honored to be a part of the governor’s cybersecurity commission,” Spidalieri said. “Working with colleagues in both the public and private sector from across Rhode Island gives us a great opportunity to help position Rhode Island as cybersecurity leader. I hope our recommendations to Gov. Raimondo will serve as an example for other states to follow.”

Spidalieri’s first task for the commission will be to brief members during its first public summit July 16 at the Naval War College in Newport. Her presentation will review examples of how other state governments have structured and organized their responses to cyber threats.

In addition, Spidalieri will provide input and expertise for the commission’s working group on workforce development and skills training. The group is charged with assessing the current cybersecurity workforce development and education activities in Rhode Island and developing a set of recommendations that address both gaps and opportunities. Several of Spidalieri’s studies at the Pell Center explore similar issues, giving her and the commission a body of knowledge from which to draw.