History of Jen Easterly in Timeline

Jen Easterly is a prominent American cybersecurity expert and government official. She currently serves as the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within the Biden administration. Her confirmation in the Senate occurred on July 12, 2021. Easterly's role is pivotal in safeguarding U.S. infrastructure against cyber threats, underscoring her expertise and leadership in the field of cybersecurity.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1986: Graduation as Valedictorian

In 1986, Jen Easterly graduated as valedictorian from Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland.

1990: Graduation from United States Military Academy

In 1990, Jen Easterly earned a bachelor's degree from the United States Military Academy.

2000: Approved for Promotion to Major

In 2000, Jen Easterly was approved for promotion to the rank of major in the United States Army.

2002: Executive Assistant to the National Security Advisor

From 2002 to 2004, Jen Easterly served as the executive assistant to the National Security Advisor.

April 3, 2004: Marriage to Jason Tighe Easterly

On April 3, 2004, Jen Easterly married attorney Jason Tighe Easterly in Potomac, Maryland.

2004: Battalion Executive Officer and Brigade Operations Officer

From 2004 to 2006, Jen Easterly was a battalion executive officer and brigade operations officer in the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade.

2006: Battalion Executive Officer and Brigade Operations Officer

From 2004 to 2006, Jen Easterly was a battalion executive officer and brigade operations officer in the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade.

2006: Approved for Promotion to Lieutenant Colonel

In 2006, Jen Easterly was approved for promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the United States Army.

2009: Service on United States Cyber Command

From 2009 to 2010, Jen Easterly served on the United States Cyber Command, which she helped establish.

2010: Cyber Advisor for the NSA stationed in Kabul

From 2010 to 2011, Jen Easterly was a cyber advisor for the NSA stationed in Kabul.

May 2011: Deputy Director of the NSA for Counterterrorism

From May 2011 to October 2013, after retiring from the Army as a lieutenant colonel, Jen Easterly served as deputy director of the NSA for counterterrorism.

2012: Approved for Promotion to Colonel

In 2012, Jen Easterly was approved for promotion to the rank of colonel in the United States Army.

October 2013: Special Assistant to President Obama

From October 2013 to February 2016, Jen Easterly was a special assistant to President Barack Obama and senior director for counterterrorism on the National Security Council.

October 2013: Departure as Deputy Director of the NSA for Counterterrorism

Jen Easterly's time as the Deputy Director of the NSA for Counterterrorism ended in October 2013.

February 2016: Joins Morgan Stanley

In February 2016, after the end of the Obama administration, Jen Easterly joined Morgan Stanley as global head of the company's cybersecurity division.

April 2021: Nomination as Director of CISA

In April 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Jen Easterly to serve as the second Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

July 12, 2021: Senate Confirmation

On July 12, 2021, Jen Easterly was confirmed by a voice vote in the Senate to serve as the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in the Biden administration.

July 13, 2021: Sworn into Office

On July 13, 2021, Jen Easterly was sworn into office as the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

2022: Intelligence Sharing Efforts with Ukrainian Government

In 2022, as director, Jen Easterly argued that U.S. intelligence sharing efforts with Ukrainian government officials ahead of the 2022 Russian invasion should be a model for combating China-based hacking groups.

2023: Cybersecurity Threats Posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI)

In 2023, Jen Easterly stated that potential cybersecurity threats posed by artificial intelligence (AI) development meant that the government should implement systemic safeguards.

2023: CISA Scrutinized for Censorship Work

In 2023, while Jen Easterly led CISA, it came under significant scrutiny for censorship work from members of Congress who claimed CISA was involved in an attempted cover up, with accusations of colluding with big tech companies to censor Americans.

2025: Stepped down from her position at CISA

Jen Easterly stepped down from her position on January 20, 2025 and signed as an exclusive speaker with the Washington Speakers Bureau to share insights on cybersecurity and national security.