ITAA hires DHS' Franz to focus on security policy

Liesyl Franz was deputy director for outreach and awareness at the National Cyber Security Division of the Homeland Security Department.

The Information Technology Association of America says Liesyl Franz will become vice president for information security programs and policy at ITAA on Jan. 16.

Franz joins ITAA from the Department of Homeland Security, where she was deputy director for outreach and awareness at the National Cyber Security Division.

At ITAA, she will manage the information security initiatives, working with industry and government leaders on such issues as national critical infrastructure protection, privacy and data security.

“Liesyl will offer our members an exceptional mix of direct experience with these issues in both government and industry,” said Phil Bond, ITAA’s president and  chief executive officer, announcing her appointment. “ITAA’s Information Security Committee has compiled an unrivaled record in policy and business development. Liesyl is precisely the right person to help our members continue that important work.”

Michael Aisenberg, co-chairman of ITAA’s Information Security Committee and director of government relations at VeriSign, agreed. “Liesyl is uniquely qualified to help continue the progress that industry and government have made together. There is important work to be done to secure America’s critical infrastructure and to help individuals and enterprises protect themselves in cyberspace,” he said in a statement.

While at DHS, Franz also served as director of international affairs and public policy at NCSD. She led programs on global affairs, public policy, communications and messaging as well as stakeholder outreach.

Before joining DHS, Franz worked as director for global government affairs at EDS.

Franz holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s from George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs.