Senate Confirms Harry Coker as Next National Cyber Director

The Senate has confirmed the United States’ next national cyber director after a vote on Tuesday.

Harry Coker, President Joe Biden’s nominee to become the government’s cybersecurity chief, secured the position after a vote of 59-40, putting him permanently in charge of the federal government’s cybersecurity efforts, CyberScoop reported.

Coker’s confirmation is a much-needed development for the Office of the National Cyber Director. The office has been without a leader for 10 months after Chris Inglis, the first official to lead the office, resigned in late February.

While Kemba Walden held the post in an acting capacity until November and Drenan Dudley oversaw the transition, Coker is stepping into the role amid reports of friction among the White House’s top cybersecurity leaders. Reports claim that Inglis vacated the position due to a conflict with Deputy National Security Adviser Anne Neuberger and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Jen Easterly due to overlapping authorities.

Coker is an operating partner at C5 Capital but has spent several years at the CIA, where he was director of open-source enterprise and deputy director of its Office of Public Affairs.

A Potomac Officers Club member, he is also a member of several boards of directors and advisory boards, including JSI, the U.S. Navy Memorial and Dog Tag.