FBI names new cyber chief

James Finch will be the FBI’s new point person for cybersecurity, bureau officials announced today.

Finch will be assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division and will take the place of Louis Reigel, who retired from the bureau in February.

“Finch was selected based on a combination of his experience and knowledge of computers and technology, as well as management and leadership skills,” FBI spokesman Paul Bresson said. Finch created and managed the first squad of cybersecurity experts for the Houston Division, Bresson said.

Finch will take the reins from Steve Martinez, acting assistant director, who will become the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division, Bresson said. The change is expected in the next few weeks.

Before taking this new position, Finch served as the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Milwaukee field office. He has worked in the bureau’s Indianapolis, Cleveland, Houston and Knoxville, Tenn., divisions and at FBI headquarters.