Biden to Nominate Michael Sulmeyer as Pentagon Cyber Policy Chief

President Joe Biden is set to nominate Michael Sulmeyer as the first assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy, a newly established role, the White House revealed Thursday.

The position, mandated by the fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, will oversee the Department of Defense’s cyber policies. Formerly, the highest-ranking cyber position at the Pentagon was the deputy assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy, FedScoop reported.

Sulmeyer currently serves as the principal cyber adviser to the Army secretary. He previously held key roles at U.S. Cyber Command and the Office of the Secretary of Defense and directed the Cyber Security Project at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center.

If confirmed by the Senate, Sulmeyer will advise the defense secretary on cyber-related affairs, including readiness and strategy.

The establishment of the new office, reportedly scheduled for March 18, faced delays, causing frustration among lawmakers.