Washington, D.C. – The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) today announced that Russell Schrader, Esq., has been appointed interim executive director. Mr. Schrader’s career in privacy, law and security spans more than three decades, including roles with JPMorgan Chase and Visa, Inc., where he served as the first chief privacy officer. He is a noted industry and thought leader on privacy, data protection and other technology policy issues. Currently, Mr. Schrader is general counsel at Commerce Signals, Inc., a privacy-centric provider of data use and insights between trusted parties.

“NCSA oversees essential cybersecurity awareness initiatives across the private-sector, government and nonprofit worlds, and it is an honor to serve as the interim executive director of this much admired cybersecurity organization,” said Mr. Schrader. “I very much look forward to working with NCSA’s Board of Directors and dedicated staff in this role.”

In addition, Mr. Schrader is a member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee and has served on boards including the National Council of Better Business Bureaus.

“I want to thank Michael Kaiser for his dedicated service and contributions to the organization,” said William O’Connell, chairman of the NCSA Board. “Under Michael’s leadership, NCSA and its signature programs – National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Data Privacy Day and the STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™ campaign – have grown to meet the increasing challenges we face in keeping people safer and more secure in the ever-expanding online world. He helped solidify NCSA as the leading public-private partnership and voice on education and awareness in cybersecurity,” Mr. O’Connell continued. “The NCSA Board welcomes Russ to this role and is confident that he has the experience and vision to lead the organization and continue our important mission.”

“I have been proud and honored to lead NCSA for almost 10 years now,” said Michael Kaiser, outgoing NCSA executive director. “NCSA plays a critical role in cybersecurity, and I am confident the organization is well positioned for its next phase of growth and will thrive with the outstanding leadership of the board and dedicated staff. I look forward to watching NCSA continue to positively impact the world with vital information on staying safe online.”

About NCSA

NCSA is the nation’s leading nonprofit, public-private partnership promoting cybersecurity and privacy education and awareness. NCSA works with a broad array of stakeholders in government, industry and civil society. NCSA’s primary partners are the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and NCSA’s Board of Directors, which includes representatives from ADP; Aetna; AT&T Services Inc.; Bank of America; Barclays; CDK Global, LLC; Cisco; Comcast Corporation; ESET North America; Facebook; Google; Intel Corporation; Logical Operations; Marriott International; Mastercard; Microsoft Corporation; NXP Semiconductors; PayPal; Raytheon; RSA, the Security Division of EMC; Salesforce; SANS Security Awareness; Symantec Corporation; TeleSign; Visa and Wells Fargo. NCSA’s core efforts include National Cyber Security Awareness Month (October); Data Privacy Day (Jan. 28) and STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™, the global online safety awareness and education campaign co-founded by NCSA and the Anti Phishing Working Group with federal government leadership from DHS. For more information on NCSA, please visit stagestaysafe.wpengine.com/about-us/overview/.

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