Auburn University Welcomes New Members to Cybersecurity Advisory Board
Auburn University’s McClary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security is enhancing its advisory board with two prominent figures in national security.
Kirstjen Nielsen, the former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump—and now the president of Lighthouse Strategy—joins alongside James Hoskins, an Auburn alumnus and former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer. Hoskins previously worked with a mission-critical intelligence reporting office that was later acquired by SAIC.
According to the Institute, both Nielsen and Hoskins will act as senior advisors, bringing significant experience from top levels of national security and private sector leadership.
They’re already part of a diverse lineup of advisors that includes corporate executives, government officials, and Auburn University leaders.
The Institute operates from its policy hub in Washington, D.C., collaborating closely with federal agencies, Congress, and industry leaders to craft practical public policies amidst our rapidly changing digital landscape. In Auburn and Huntsville, their research teams aim to develop effective solutions for safeguarding critical infrastructure throughout the southeast and beyond.
“It’s exciting to welcome former Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and our esteemed engineer James Hoskins to our advisory board,” noted Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Burgess Jr., who chairs the McClary Institute Advisory Board and formerly directed the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency. “Having such renowned leaders enhances our capacity to help the McClary Institute make a tangible impact on our nation.”
Nielsen expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I’m honored to join the McClary Institute, which not only drives innovation in cybersecurity and education but also serves as a national resource shaping future policy, research, and resilience.” She highlighted the Institute’s approach of marrying theory with practical realities in cyber policy, thus ensuring the research addresses the day-to-day challenges faced by critical infrastructure operators.
“Serving the McClary Institute at Auburn University is a true honor,” said Hoskins, who is a former chairman and CEO of Scitor Corporation. He emphasized that the Institute’s cybersecurity mission is expansive and essential for America’s future, complimenting the capabilities and resources they are assembling.
Frank Ciluffo, director of the McClary Institute, praised the new additions, believing their collective experience will further strengthen the Institute’s mission and bolster its roster of national security experts. “We are excited to have Kirstjen and James on board. They offer deep insights into national security and cybersecurity, greatly benefiting our collective efforts to safeguard critical infrastructure that underpins our national security and communities.”
