Department of Homeland Security
Director, Cyber Joint Program Management Office, National Protection and Program Directorate, US Department of Homeland Security
Michael Echols is the Director, Cyber Joint Program Management Office (JPMO) within the Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C) component at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In this role, he leads two unique cybersecurity information sharing programs, Enhanced Cybersecurity Services (ECS) and Cybersecurity Information Sharing Collaboration Program (CISCP).
Mr. Echols is developing and implementing cybersecurity strategies to assist DHS’ to meet its cyber mission by identifying opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of information sharing operations, technology and policy. He has led several White House national security initiatives. In his current role, he is the point person for the rollout of Presidential Executive Order 13691 – Promoting Private Sector Cyber Information Sharing.
Mr. Echols is the former Chief of the Government-Industry Planning and Management Branch, NCS from 2009 – 2013. He chaired the Communications Sector’s Communications Government Coordinating Council (CGCC), and the Network Security Information Exchange (NSIE). Additionally, Mr. Echols managed the stand-up of the Joint Program Office under Executive Order 13618 supporting national security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) communications. He managed the Committee of Principals (COP), 24 senior executive members of the NCS, and the President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC), 30 chief executive level NSTAC members representing IT, Defense and Communications companies that provide policy recommendations to the President.
Mr. Echols has over 23 years of technology management experience that includes rolling out major optical networks nationally, research into the protection of critical networks, and cost-benefit analysis of capital projects. Mr. Echols has served as the DHS representative to the NATO CCPC in Brussels and consultant on matters related to CBRNE and cyber.
Mr. Echols is a graduate of the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative – Harvard Kennedy School of Public Health and the Federal Executive Institute. He holds a Masters of Business Administration, a Master of Science in Biotechnology, a Graduate Certificate in Technology Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; all from the University of Maryland.
Mr. Echols is also the Chair of the U of MD Black Male Alumni Initiative and Expert in Residence programs.