Compass - Ohio's Washington Forum Talks Cyber Security while Connecting Alumni, University

News Article

By Amista Lipot

Just over 60 Ohio University alumni attended the Washington Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, May 14 at the Capitol Visitor Center. The event, focusing on cyber security and homeland defense, was the 2nd in a series aimed at reconnecting alumni in the nation's capital to Ohio University.

Congressman Steve Stivers (R-OH) opened the event by saying "I think [Cyber security] is one of our greatest threats on our country, our wealth, and our intellectual property. These attacks cost Americans between $200 and $400 billion dollars per year." He went on to mention he was looking forward to listening to what the panelists had to say.

Panel moderator Ray Locker, a 1984 Ohio graduate and White House & Politics Editor for USA Today, challenged the panelists to address cyber threats, increasing security against such threats, and the policy and legislation being created to protect against such threats.

Panelists included M. Peter Adler, a 1978 OHIO graduate, vice president of the Health and Cyber Security Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer and Government Affairs for SRA International, Inc.; Christopher Barnett, a 1994 alumnus and lead, Cyber Innovation and Solutions at General Dynamics Information Technology; John Gilliom, professor of political science and associate dean at Ohio University; Jimmy Goodrich, a 2007 alumnus and director of Global Policy at the Information Technology Industry Council; and Sandra Stanar-Johnson, a 1977 alumna and senior representative to the Department of Homeland Security at the National Security Agency.

The audience had questions including: what is desired in the cyber security industry? how do you encourage innovation while protecting security? and, how do you differentiate between various cyber attacks?

Doug Dziak, who earned degrees from OHIO in 1993 and 1995, attended the Policy Forum. "It was really great to see another successful Ohio University panel," said Dziak, counsel at Nixon Peabody, LLP. "There are so many accomplished Bobcats in this area. These panels provide a great forum to learn about the interesting things our people are doing, connect those activities with Ohio's Congressional delegation and provide a great networking opportunity for the DC alumni."

At a reception immediately following the panel, alumni networked with fellow Bobcats and University representatives, allowing them the opportunity to learn more about projects and research impacting policy in Ohio and at Ohio University.

The Washington Policy Forum was sponsored by Ohio University's College of Arts and Sciences, Scripps College of Communications and the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs.

The Forum is held three times a year. The next Forum will take place in conjunction with the Ohio University Federal Government Alumni Luncheon, which is scheduled for September 12, 2013.

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