Strong Support for Kirsten Davies to serve as DoW CIO

September 17, 2025 

The Honorable Roger Wicker  Chairman, Senate Armed Services Committee  425 Russell Senate Office Building  Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Senator Jack Reed  Ranking Member, Senate Armed Services Committee  728 Hart Senate Office Building  Washington, DC 20510

Subject: Strong Support for Kirsten Davies to serve as DoW CIO 

Dear Senators Wicker and Reed, 

On behalf of the Operational Technology Cybersecurity Coalition (OTCC), and other concerned cybersecurity organizations, we are writing to express our strong support for Ms. Kirsten Davies to serve as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the U.S. Department of War. The Coalition partners with both industry and government to fortify the resilience of our nation's critical infrastructure, as we believe a collaborative defense is our greatest strength against a growing threat landscape. We believe Ms. Davies' leadership, vision, and expertise make her exceptionally qualified to guide the Department through today’s evolving cyber threat landscape. 

Ms. Davies' career, which includes senior leadership roles at six Global and Fortune 250 companies, has earned her the trust and respect of peers across both the information technology and cybersecurity sectors. In each of these positions, she has demonstrated a consistent ability to modernize complex systems, drive operational efficiency, and uphold rigorous security standards. Her expertise spans both IT and OT systems, and her track record of turning strategic vision into measurable outcomes is precisely the kind of leadership the Department of War requires at this pivotal time. 

Beyond her corporate achievements, Ms. Davies has shown a deep and consistent commitment to advancing the public interest. As the founder and CEO of the Institute for Cyber, she has championed initiatives that improve the safety and digital integrity of technology for all citizens. Her work effectively bridges the gap between business leaders, technical experts, and policymakers, ensuring that cybersecurity solutions are both innovative and practical. 

Ms. Davies' career illustrates not only technical depth and executive leadership but also a strong sense of service. Her unique ability to distill complex, global cyber challenges into actionable strategies will strengthen our national resilience. Her vision, integrity, and operational experience make her uniquely suited to help the Department of War navigate the fast-evolving digital landscape while prioritizing the security of the American people. 

For these reasons, the OTCC strongly urges her swift confirmation as CIO of the U.S. Department of War. 

Respectfully, 

Association of the United States Cyber Forces (AUSCF)

Cyber Threat Alliance 

The Operational Technology Cybersecurity Coalition (OTCC) 

Strategic Cybersecurity Coalition (SCC) 

Cory Simpson, CEO, Gray Space Strategies Inc. (GSS) 

Kate Kuehn, CISO in Residence, NTSC 

Lucian Niemeyer, CEO, Building Cyber Security 

Madison Horn, Founder and CEO, Roserock Advisory Group 

Philip Reiner, CEO, Institute for Security and Technology (IST) 

Philip Niedermair, Chair Board of Advisors, National Cyber Group