Federal 100: Donna Dodson

Donna Dodson
Chief, Computer Security Division
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Commerce Department

In recent years, NIST has had a big say in how government uses technology and secures its IT, so it’s a testament to Donna Dodson’s quiet leadership that its influence is now even greater.

She has displayed a clear understanding of how to engage with the White House, intelligence agencies and industry on cybersecurity. Dodson became the glue that held all the sides together. In the process, she made NIST’s security policies, best practices and tools more effective.

Many organizations have been vying for leadership of the cybersecurity debate and could have submerged NIST’s more practical sensibility. By speaking authoritatively and carrying a padded stick, Dodson has become one of the most trusted government advisers on cybersecurity.

Read more about the 2011 Federal 100 award winners.