Tom Ridge, the first secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, announced Monday the launch of Ridge Global Cybersecurity Institute. Ridge founded the D.C.-based institute as a source for all cybersecurity-related services with an aim of creating global resiliency to cyberattacks that threaten economic security.
The former Pennsylvania governor has tapped Ann Beauchesne as the institute’s CEO. Beauchesne was formerly an executive with the United States Chamber of Commerce, where she was responsible for developing national security policy strategies. Beauchesne was also an active spokesperson on national security and emergency preparedness issues.
The institute’s mission is to advise and educate business leaders on navigating cybersecurity threats. As CEO, Beauchesne will offer a variety cybersecurity services, including consulting, education and training to associations, businesses and enterprises.
The Ridge Global Cybersecurity Institute is a spin-off of Ridge Global Education, a business unit of Ridge Global that produced a partnership with the National Association of Corporate Directors and Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute that helps prepare corporate directors on cyber risk oversight.
Ridge was appointed to the Homeland Security post by President George W. Bush following the Sept. 11 attacks, where he was charged with protecting the security of the United States against threats, both physical and cyber. He founded this institute in the interest of fending off ever-advancing cyber threats.
