By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 11, 2022 — The Office of the National Cyber Director on Tuesday, May 10, announced Kemba Walden as the first Principal Deputy National Cyber Director and Neal Higgins and Rob Knake as Deputy National Cyber Directors.
“These key personnel will join Deputy National Cyber Director for Federal Cybersecurity and Federal Chief Information Security Officer Chris DeRusha in fulfilling ONCD’s mission to ensure every American can share in the full benefits of our digital ecosystem,” the White House announced in a statement.
“As we continue to build this new office, the additions of Kemba, Neal, and Rob will accelerate our efforts to protect Americans in cyberspace,” said National Cyber Director Chris Inglis. “Each of these leaders brings impressive experience in cybersecurity policy making to our team, and their diverse perspectives will be invaluable as we strengthen our collective defense”
In an article on the announcement, CNN noted, “Walden will be the ‘linchpin’ for the office and will work closely with National Cyber Director Chris Inglis, a source familiar with the announcement told CNN.”
Kemba Eneas Walden has strong family ties in The Bahamas. She is the daughter the late Dr. Judson Frazier Eneas, a renowned Bahamian physician; the granddaughter of the late Dr. Cleveland Eneas Sr., a noted Bahamian dentist; and niece of the late Dr. Cleveland Eneas Jr., who was also a noted Bahamian dentist.
In its statement, the White House noted:
“Principal Deputy National Cyber Director Kemba Eneas Walden is an attorney with extensive experience in government and the private sector. She comes to ONCD from Microsoft, where she served as an Assistant General Counsel in Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit (DCU) responsible for launching and leading DCU’s Ransomware Program.
“Prior to joining Microsoft, Kemba spent a decade in government service at the Department of Homeland Security, most recently at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. She was appointed to the Cyber Safety Review Board and holds a J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center, Master’s in Public Affairs from Princeton University, and B.A. from Hampton University.”
