Homeland Security & Cybersecurity

Governors play a critical role in homeland security and are responsible for protecting people, property, and businesses within their respective states and territories. Governors are confronted with a range of events—from natural and man-made disasters, disease outbreaks, acts of terrorism, along with the significant and continued growth of cyber-attacks against the United States.

To support Governors’ priorities, the Homeland Security & Cybersecurity Program convenes and provides research and technical assistance to Governors and their staffs on a range of national security policy issues, including cybersecurity policies and practices, targeted violence and terrorism prevention, energy assurance, public health emergency preparedness, and emergency management, including disaster response, recovery and resilience.

NGA Homeland Security and Cybersecurity Networks

Governor’s Homeland Security Advisors Council (GHSAC): The GHSAC is comprised of Governors’ appointed homeland security advisors for each state and territory and serves as a forum to share information and expertise, discuss priorities setting and collaborate on strategic planning to address all hazards and threats facing states and territories. The top priorities for members of the GHSAC include cybersecurity, school safety, critical infrastructure protection, natural disaster and extreme weather response, and preventing targeted violence. In support of addressing these priorities, NGA coordinates monthly plenary calls, twice annual in-person convenings, writes policy memos and provides ongoing support and technical assistance. Learn more about the GHSAC here.  

Cybersecurity Policy Advisors Network (CPAN): The Cybersecurity Policy Advisors Network is comprised of advisors identified by the Governor and serves as a forum to share ideas and troubleshoot challenges with colleagues from other states, connect advisors with valuable resources and materials, and provide opportunities to engage with subject-matter experts. NGA coordinates monthly network calls, an annual in-person convening, and provides technical assistance, memos and other support as needed. Learn more about NGA’s cybersecurity efforts here.  

Council of Governors (COG): The Council of Governors is comprised of 10 Governors – five from each party – appointed by the President to two-year terms. The Council serves as a forum for Governors and key federal officials to improve and maximize state-federal partnerships to address matters pertaining to the National Guard, homeland defense, and civil support activity. NGA works to support Governor’s offices in this mission as well as sharing information and facilitating input from all Governor’s offices. Learn more about the Council of Governors here

Meet the Team

  • Jessica Davenport, Program Director
  • Phil Nichols, Senior Policy Analyst
  • Michelle Blakeslee, Policy Analyst
  • Aisley Wallace Harper, Policy Coordinator

Contact the Team


Focus Areas

  • Critical Infrastructure Protection
  • Cybersecurity
  • Disaster Response, Recovery and Resilience
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Energy Security
  • Homeland Security
  • Nation-State Threats
  • National Guard
  • Preventing Targeted Violence
  • Public Health Emergency Preparedness
  • School Safety  

Governor’s Guide To Homeland Security

This guide covers fundamentals in homeland security best practices ranging from emergency management, fusion centers, grant management, the national guard, emergency declarations, critical infrastructure and other areas of homeland security that a governor and their policy staff would need awareness on.

The Governor’s Guide To Public Health Preparedness

This guide serves as a primer on public health preparedness, detailing current strategies, available resources and existing partnerships that may help policymakers bridge the gap between the disciplines of public safety and public health. By doing so, governors can develop a stronger cooperative network for emergency response and provide their states with a safe and healthy future.

Governor’s Roadmap to Preventing Targeted Violence

This roadmap distills the latest research and draws from elements of public-health interventions to provide guidance to governors, state and local leaders, and other stakeholders on how to prevent ideologically inspired violence—whether political, gender-based, or religious. By taking a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to preventing such violence, states can build safer and more resilient communities.


NGA Resources

Retreat on Energy Resilience Coordination and Planning in Oregon and Washington

January 31, 2018 | Portland, OR With the increased prevalence of large-scale natural disasters and the threat of a future Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami, regional energy resilience coordination ...

Council of Governors Letter Regarding Annual Report on the Non-Federalize National Guard

General Joseph Lengyel Chief, National Guard Bureau 1636 Defense Pentagon Ste 1E169 Washington, DC 20301-0001 Dear General Lengyel: As you know, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 National Defense Authorization Act ...

Co-Chairs Welcome Letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Nielsen

The Honorable Kirstjen M. Nielsen Secretary of Homeland Security Washington, D.C. 20528 Dear Secretary Nielsen: Congratulations on your confirmation to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security. Since its creation, the ...

Governors Respond to FY 18 NDAA Conference Report

WASHINGTON—Today the co-chairs of the Council of Governors, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy, released a statement on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report ...
Reducing Burdensome Cyber Regulations

Reducing Burdensome Cyber Regulations

Mick Mulvaney Director Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 725 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20503 Dear Director Mulvaney, On behalf of the Nation’s governors and state chief information officers, ...

NGA Works to Prevent Violent Extremism in States

WASHINGTON—As recent incidents have shown, violent extremism remains a multifaceted and complex threat at the state, local and federal levels. The National Governors Association (NGA), through a two-year grant provided ...

Council of Governors Ask Appropriators to Consider National Guard Efforts in Supplemental Appropriation Bills

The Honorable Patrick Leahy Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriations S-128, The Capitol Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Nita Lowey Ranking Member House Appropriations Committee H-305, The Capitol Washington, DC ...

FY18 NDAA Conference – Military Technician Conversion

The Honorable John McCain Chairman Senate Armed Services Committee 218 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Jack Reed Ranking Member Senate Armed Services Committee 218 Russell Senate ...

Co-Chair Welcome Letter to Deputy Secretary of Defense Shanahan

The Honorable Patrick Shanahan Deputy Secretary of Defense 1010 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20301-1010 Dear Deputy Secretary Shanahan: Congratulations on your confirmation to serve as Deputy Secretary of Defense. Since ...

  • Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council

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  • Resource Center for State Cybersecurity

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  • Technical Assistance

    We provide complimentary consultation to states as they design and implement new programs and policies.

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  • Public Safety & Legal Counsels Program

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  • Defense/National Guard Resources

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  • Resilience Resources

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