IBM security executive emerges as possible contender to lead CISA

Tom Parker, a security services lead at IBM with some two decades of experience in the cybersecurity industry, has emerged as a potential contender to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency after the most recent nominee withdrew himself from consideration for the role, according to five people familiar with the matter. 

Parker does not have prior government experience. As of now, he is the preferred choice for the Trump administration, one of the people said. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has been favoring a CISA director with only private sector experience, another one of the people said.

All sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to publicly communicate details concerning the administration’s thinking. Some of the people cautioned that the process is fluid and that the White House may go in a different direction. 

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