TL;DR
Jen Easterly, who led the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for more than three years, has been appointed CEO of the RSA Conference (RSAC). She called her new role an opportunity at an “inflection point” for technology and broader global issues.
What happened
Jen Easterly, a veteran cybersecurity professional with experience in both public and private sectors, has been appointed chief executive of the RSA Conference, often referred to as RSAC. Easterly previously headed the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for more than three years. The announcement frames the move as a leadership change at a longstanding security organization; Easterly characterized the moment as an “inflection point” for technology and for the world beyond tech. The appointment was reported by WIRED on January 15, 2026, in a piece by Lily Hay Newman. Beyond the core facts of the hiring and Easterly’s background leading CISA, the source does not provide details about transition timing, specific plans for the conference, or RSA Conference’s internal strategy under her leadership.
Why it matters
- A high-profile government cyber leader moving to run a major industry conference could shape the intersection of public- and private-sector cybersecurity dialogue.
- RSA Conference is a long-established convening platform; a new CEO with government experience may influence agenda-setting and priorities in the security community.
- The appointment comes at a moment characterized in the source as an “inflection point,” suggesting potential shifts in how the sector confronts emerging risks and policy questions.
Key facts
- Jen Easterly has been named CEO of RSA Conference (RSAC).
- Easterly led the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for more than three years.
- The source describes her as a longtime practitioner in both public- and private-sector cybersecurity.
- Easterly said she is taking the role at an “inflection point” for technology and the broader world.
- The hiring was reported by WIRED on January 15, 2026; the story was written by Lily Hay Newman.
- The RSA Conference is referred to in the source as a legacy security organization.
- The article includes a photograph credited to Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images.
What to watch next
- Whether Easterly will outline strategic changes to RSA Conference programming or focus areas after taking the role — not confirmed in the source.
- The timetable for her official start date at RSAC and any announcements about her successor at CISA — not confirmed in the source.
- How RSA Conference’s agenda and industry partnerships might shift under Easterly’s leadership, especially on topics tied to public‑private collaboration — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- RSA Conference (RSAC): A long-running security industry organization and conference that brings together professionals, vendors, and policymakers to discuss cybersecurity trends and best practices.
- CISA: The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, a federal agency focused on protecting the nation's critical infrastructure and improving cybersecurity across government and industry.
- CEO: Chief Executive Officer — the highest-ranking executive responsible for setting strategy and overseeing operations at an organization.
- Cybersecurity practitioner: A professional who works in roles related to protecting systems, networks, and data from digital threats, in either the public or private sector.
Reader FAQ
Who is Jen Easterly?
She is a cybersecurity professional who led the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for more than three years and has worked in both public and private sectors.
What role did she receive?
She was appointed chief executive officer of the RSA Conference (RSAC).
When was this reported?
The appointment was reported by WIRED on January 15, 2026.
When does she start and who did she replace?
Not confirmed in the source.
LILY HAY NEWMAN SECURITY JAN 15, 2026 8:00 AM Former CISA Director Jen Easterly Will Lead RSA Conference The longtime cybersecurity professional says she’s taking the helm of the legacy…
Sources
- Former CISA Director Jen Easterly Will Lead RSA Conference
- Jen Easterly Named CEO of RSAC, the World's Leading …
- Jen Easterly
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