Jen Easterly Appointed CEO of RSAC Amid AI and Cybersecurity Integration
The recent announcement from the RSA Conference LLC (RSAC) has made waves in the cybersecurity sector: Jen Easterly, the former Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), is stepping into the role of CEO. This leadership transition comes at a pivotal time as the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity continues to evolve rapidly.
RSAC has undergone significant changes since it became an independent entity from the security vendor RSA in 2022 and subsequently rebranded last year. As CEO, Easterly will oversee the organization’s ambitious growth objectives in an increasingly complex technological landscape.
A Transition in Leadership
Before her new position, Easterly departed from CISA as the U.S. moved into the second Administration of Donald Trump. Her exit from the agency has been closely followed, particularly due to ensuing challenges like staffing reductions, a controversial polygraph policy, and delays in her potential successor, Sean Plankey’s confirmation. Plankey has recently been renominated for the position, further underscoring the ongoing leadership changes within CISA.
A Vision for the Future of Cybersecurity
In her new role, Easterly aims to harness the synergy between AI and cybersecurity, stating in a press release that this convergence is set to influence every element of the global technology landscape. As part of her strategy, she will direct RSAC’s diverse offerings, which encompass the renowned annual cybersecurity conference in San Francisco, international programming, the Innovation Sandbox contest celebrating innovative startups, a professional membership initiative, and educational efforts focused on enhancing AI security and secure software development.
“RSAC is not just a conference—it’s the hub for the global cybersecurity community,” Easterly emphasized. She added that the relationship between cybersecurity and AI is increasingly intertwined, creating a need for a reliable platform where ideas and technologies can converge to define the future of security. She expressed her excitement for leading RSAC into this new chapter, aiming to broaden its international influence and collaborative efforts, ultimately striving for a future where technology is inherently secure.
RSAC’s Year-Round Engagement Strategy
In a LinkedIn post elaborating on her vision, Easterly built on her previous statements, emphasizing RSAC’s 35-year legacy as a gathering point for cybersecurity professionals, innovators, and policymakers. She pointed out the organization’s strategic shift away from being solely focused on the annual conference to becoming a year-round resource for continuous education and collaboration among cybersecurity stakeholders worldwide.
With over three decades of experience, including significant leadership roles at the National Security Agency (NSA)—where she was instrumental in establishing the U.S. Cyber Command—and in senior technology positions at Morgan Stanley, Easterly brings a wealth of knowledge to RSAC. Her reputation as a leading voice in secure technology design and cyber risk reduction through AI is well recognized within the industry.
Looking Ahead: RSAC 2026 Conference Planned
Hugh Thompson, Executive Chairman of RSAC and a longtime figure in its programming, expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative spirit that Easterly brings to the table. He noted the pressing need for collaboration between the cybersecurity and AI communities, especially as they gear up for the RSAC’s upcoming 35th annual flagship event in March 2026. Thompson believes that this conference will not only foster important discussions but could also become the most impactful gathering in the organization’s history.
Set to occur at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from March 23-26, the RSAC 2026 Conference is projected to attract over 40,000 attendees from across the globe, further solidifying RSAC’s role as a critical player in the cybersecurity landscape.
