AUGUST 7, 2023 – The Institute for Security and Technology announced today the addition of Steve Kelly as its first Chief Trust Officer. At IST, Steve will establish a new effort to advance the trust, safety, and security of artificial intelligence and help lead other aspects of the organization’s work. A retired FBI supervisory special agent, Steve comes to IST having most recently served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technology on the National Security Council (NSC) staff.
“Today’s technology risks are no longer limited to data breach and espionage, they now implicate our very way of life—including availability of essential services, U.S. economic competitiveness, and global security,” said Steve Kelly. “I’m excited to have an opportunity to confront these challenges and advance solutions alongside IST’s trusted team and our committed stakeholders.”
Steve brings more than 22 years of experience in cybercrime and counterintelligence investigations, cyber defense, critical infrastructure security and resilience, cyber incident management, and relevant emerging technologies. While at the White House, he served as chair of the U.S. government’s cyber response group, vulnerabilities equities process, and the cyber interagency policy committee. Steve also contributed to the 2023 U.S. National Cybersecurity Strategy and facilitated the successful launch of the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark security labeling program for consumer technology. He previously served on the NSC staff in 2013-15, during which time he was instrumental in developing Presidential Policy Directive 41 on United States Cyber Incident Coordination.
Steve joined the FBI as a special agent soon after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and served within the Bureau’s cyber program in various field and headquarters roles. His last FBI role was as Chief of Cyber Policy.
“We are thrilled to welcome Steve to the IST leadership team to help drive the success of our expanding efforts. His decades of experience developing and leading U.S. government technology and cyber policy will bring invaluable insight and expertise to our work. We look forward to his leadership on our ongoing efforts to advance the trust, safety and security of emerging technologies,” said Chief Executive Officer Philip Reiner.