By Amista Lipot
More than 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 second in a series aimed at reconnecting alumni in the nation’s capital to Ohio University.
“I think [Cyber security] is one of our greatest threats on our country, our wealth, and our intellectual property,” said Congressman Steve Stivers (R-OH), who opened the event. “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 ’84, 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 ’78, Vice President of the Health and Cyber Security Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer and Government Affairs for SRA International Inc.; Christopher Barnett ’94, lead for Cyber Innovation and Solutions at General Dynamics Information Technology; Dr. John Gilliom, Professor of Political Science and Associate Dean for the College of Arts & Sciences; Jimmy Goodrich ’07, Director of Global Policy at the Information Technology Industry Council; and Sandra Stanar-Johnson ’77, senior representative to the U.S. 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? How do you differentiate between various cyber attacks?
“It was really great to see another successful Ohio University panel,” said Doug Dziak ’93 and ’95, 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 D.C. 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 & Sciences, Scripps College of Communications, and 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 Sept. 12, 2013.
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