Home > Weekly Updated Topic

"Overall were seeing leaders with executive experience, thoughtful approaches to complex security issues, and understanding of the need for collaboration and cooperation between the public and private sectors.  We are optimistic about the president-elect’s choices and look forward to his selections for the Office of National Intelligence and those to lead our cyber security efforts," said Marc Pearl, President & CEO of the Council.

 Each of the appointments -- Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as Secretary of State, Robert Gates to continue as Secretary of Defense, General James Jones as National Security Adviser, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and Susan Rice as U.N. Ambassador -- signal a desire to develop a strong, vetted security policy moving forward. 

"We believe that the appointment of strong-willed, experienced, intelligent leaders allows the administration to come to the best solutions and directions for future policy.  The president-elect has made it clear that he is open to differing views, and that ultimately he will make the final decisions.  This team faces numerous domestic and international threats and challenges and we look forward to working with them to assure the safety and security of our nation and our citizens."

The Council has advocated for appointments that reflect executive experience and an understanding of the private sector and its role in all aspects of homeland security.  "It is critical for the administration to engage and involve the private sector -- owners of 85% of the nations infrastructure -- in the responsibility to secure our nation.  As indicated for the last six years, seamless collaboration is the key component to successful prevention, preparedness and response.  We see these appointments as a continuation of some of the improvement made in that area, and the new approach necessary to make more ambitious progress," Pearl concluded.