Tennessee co-op leader to testify to House Committee on Homeland Security

This week Chris Jones, CEO of Middle Tennessee Electric, will provide testimony during a hearing of the House Committee on Homeland Security focused on America’s cyber workforce shortage. The hearing entitled “Preparing the Pipeline: Examining the State of America’s Cyber Workforce” will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Rep. Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, invited Jones to join a panel of experts that include Robert Rashotte, vice president of Fortinet; David Russomanno, Provost of the University of Memphis; and Max Stier, CEO of the Partnership for Public Service.

“As our government and critical infrastructure sectors face increasingly sophisticated cyber intrusions from adversaries like China, Congress must prioritize the root of the problem: a significant cybersecurity workforce gap,” Chairman Green said. “Time and time again, public and private sector partners have highlighted the need for a fresh perspective on attracting, training and retaining cyber defenders. We will examine this growing challenge with witnesses who work every day to equip and empower skilled professionals. I look forward to continuing my work to ensure all levels of government have the best and brightest on the frontlines of America’s cyber border.”

“We appreciate Chris’s willingness to represent Tennessee co-ops in this important conversation,” Mike Knotts, CEO of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, said. “Cyber security is essential to reliability and the stability of the grid. It is prudent to ensure that our our co-ops have access to skilled talent, something that is often in short supply in the rural and suburban communities we serve.”