NDIA, PSC endorse Kirstjen Nielsen as the next Homeland Security Secretary

Nov. 7, 2017

Arlington, VA (Nov. 7, 2017) – Kirstjen Nielsen’s breadth of experience and qualifications make her ideally suited to be the next Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary, the National Defense Industrial Association and Professional Services Council said in their Nov. 1 letter to the Senate, recommending prompt approval of Nielsen’s nomination. 

“We are pleased the administration has nominated such a highly qualified candidate, with the wealth of policy and leadership experience in the department and expertise in cybersecurity needed at this time,” said the letter from the two Arlington, Va., based groups. It was signed by retired Air Force Gen. Herbert J. “Hawk” Carlisle, NDIA’s president and CEO, and David J. Berteau, PSC’s president and CEO.

Nielsen’s experiences “will ensure strong government-industry collaboration and enable her to address chronic management challenges that DHS has faced since its creation in 2002,” the letter said.
  
“Our memberships play a crucial role in homeland security as a component of our nation’s critical infrastructure and as providers of goods and services supporting DHS’ missions,” said the letter to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. NDIA’s membership includes more than 1,600 companies and more than 80,000 people; PSC’s membership includes more than 400 companies. 

Because threats and challenges have emerged and evolved over the last decade, “we are heartened by Ms. Nielsen’s expertise in cybersecurity, and consider her nomination a strong commitment from the administration to improving the resiliency of private and federal cyber infrastructure,” the associations’ executives stated.  

President Trump nominated Nielsen Oct. 12 for the position, citing her immense experience in homeland security policy and emergency management. She is currently principal deputy chief of staff to White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, and had served as DHS Chief of Staff during Kelly’s tenure as Homeland Security secretary. Nielsen’s confirmation hearing with the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is set for Nov. 8.

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Media Contact: 
Ashlei Stevens
Director, Media Relations
703.875.8974 
stevens@pscouncil.org 
About NDIA: The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) is America's leading defense industry association promoting national security. NDIA provides a legal and ethical forum for the exchange of information between industry and government on national security issues. NDIA and its members foster the development of the most innovative and superior equipment, training, and support for warfighters and first responders through its divisions, local chapters, affiliated associations, and events. For more information, visit www.ndia.org.

About PSC: PSC is the voice of the government technology and professional services industry. PSC’s more than 400 member companies represent small, medium and large businesses that provide federal agencies with services of all kinds, including information technology, engineering, logistics, facilities management, operations and maintenance, consulting, international development, scientific, social, environmental services, and more. Together, the trade association’s members employ hundreds of thousands of Americans in all 50 states. Follow PSC on Twitter @PSCSpeaks. To learn more, visit www.pscouncil.org.