R.I. appoints first cybersecurity officer, Mike Steinmetz

PROVIDENCE –  Mike Steinmetz has been named the state’s first cybersecurity officer. Gov. Gina M. Raimondo made the announcement Tuesday. She said Steinmetz will advise her and guide implementation of a state-wide cybersecurity strategy.

Steinmetz recently worked as director of strategy and planning, and director of governance and compliance within the Digital Risk and Security Division of National Grid, and formerly served as a director of computer network operations at the U.S. Department of Defense. He brings 25 years of military experience, and more than a decade of private cybersecurity knowledge. Steinmetz started April 17 and will be paid $176,419 a year, according to David Ortiz, a spokesman for the governor’s office.

“I appreciate Governor Raimondo’s foresight and leadership in the area of homeland and cybersecurity,” Steinmetz said. “Enhancing our capacity to work together in a dynamic public-private partnership will provide a stronger, more resilient approach to our common security concerns, while supporting innovation and economic growth.”

Chris Bergenheim is a PBN staff writer

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