Charleston Leader

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, hosted Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Jen Easterly in Huntington, W.Va., to observe the impact of Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security and the National Center of Excellence for Cyber Security in Critical Infrastructure (NCOE). The visit aimed to highlight efforts in cybersecurity and workforce development in West Virginia.

During their visit, Senator Capito and Director Easterly met with administrators, faculty, and students from Marshall University and West Virginia University. They also engaged with partners across the governmental spectrum, including Joint Force Headquarters - Department of Defense Information Network (JFHQ-DODIN), to foster collaboration between NCOE and CISA. Additionally, Senator Capito moderated a Women in Cyber panel discussion featuring Director Easterly alongside leaders in cyber education, training, and critical infrastructure protection.

“When I first came to the U.S. Senate, I met with leaders at Marshall University to discuss areas that their institution could focus on, and cyber security was an area of great interest. For years, I have worked as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee to direct resources toward Marshall to help this emphasis grow, and I was thrilled to have Director Easterly, at my invitation, here in Huntington with me to see its impact. The Institute for Cyber Security and National Center of Excellence for Cyber Security in Critical Infrastructure will bolster our cyber security workforce both now and in the future and will make West Virginia a hub for cyber security protection of our country’s most critical assets. I’m proud to have played a role in making this possible,” Senator Capito said.

“I was honored to join Senator Capito on today’s visit to Marshall University. The Institute for Cyber Security and National Center of Excellence for Cyber Security in Critical Infrastructure is emblematic of the innovation we need to inspire our next generation of cyber professionals and advance the cutting-edge research necessary to keep our nation secure and resilient. I am particularly excited to strengthen the collaboration between CISA and NCOE given the foundational importance of cultivating a talented and diverse cyber workforce to protect the critical infrastructure Americans rely on every day,” Director Easterly said.

The NCOE brings together academic, government, and industry partners in active collaboration to educate, train, and certify current and future generations of cyber professionals.

BACKGROUND:

The creation of Marshall’s Institute for Cyber Security resulted from Senator Capito’s advocacy. She has consistently pushed for establishing both the institute and JFHQ-DODIN’s NCOE while working with university leadership, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), among other federal agencies.

In October 2021, Senator Capito visited Marshall University for launching its new Institute for Cyber Security.

In May 2023, she applauded establishing a National Center of Excellence for Cyber Security in Critical Infrastructure in West Virginia.

In May 2024, she participated in groundbreaking ceremonies at Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security along with JFHQ-DODIN's NCOE.

In June 2024, she penned an op-ed about cyber threats highlighting NCOE's role contributing towards national security published across various platforms including Defense News.

As part of her work on appropriations committees—including former Chairman roles—Senator Capito has championed funding these projects:

- In March 2022: Secured $1.5 million towards technology/equipment at Marshall's Institute.

- In June 2023: Secured $1 million supporting research/education within cybersecurity.

- For FY23/FY24 respectively secured $5 million/$14 million through legislative appropriations towards JFHQ-DODIN's NCOE specifically.

Photos from today's events include presentations/discussions held by Sen.Capito & Dir.Easterly engaging students/faculty around topics relating directly towards enhancing cybersecurity infrastructures nationwide within Huntington,W.Va premises dated August19th'24.