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

Federal Agency Representatives Join 2024 NGA Summer Meeting

Federal Agency Representatives Join 2024 NGA Summer Meeting

At the 2024 NGA Summer Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, representatives from multiple federal agencies held meetings with Governors’ staff members to focus on coordination between state and federal ...
Public Health Emergency Playbook

Public Health Emergency Playbook

(Download) The Public Health Emergency Playbook is a guide designed for Governors and their staff, offering a comprehensive resource to effectively prepare for, manage, and recover from health crises across ...
Energy Cyber Workforce Policy Brief

Energy Cyber Workforce Policy Brief

Governors play a critical role in creating pathways for cybersecurity professionals, through workforce development programs, reskilling efforts, public outreach, and raising awareness of cybersecurity job opportunities in the energy sector ...
State and Local Government Leaders Urge Congress to Preserve the State and Local Cyber Security Grant Program

State and Local Government Leaders Urge Congress to Preserve the State and Local Cyber Security Grant Program

The Honorable Patty MurrayChairSenate Committee on AppropriationsCapitol Building S-146AWashington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Susan CollinsVice ChairSenate Committee on AppropriationsCapitol Building S-128Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Tom ColeChairHouse Committee on AppropriationsCapitol ...
Governors Commend House Action to Maintain Governors’ Authority Over the National Guard

Governors Commend House Action to Maintain Governors’ Authority Over the National Guard

Washington, D.C. – National Governors Association (NGA) Chair Governor Spencer Cox of Utah and Vice Chair Governor Jared Polis of Colorado today expressed their support of the Wilson Amendment in ...
Congressional Briefing on Building Readiness and Strengthening Resiliency to Combat Disasters and Emerging Threats

Congressional Briefing on Building Readiness and Strengthening Resiliency to Combat Disasters and Emerging Threats

On May 7, 2024, the NGA Public Health and Disaster Response Task Force held a congressional briefing on building readiness and resiliency to combat disasters and emerging threats including cyber, ...
Governors Respond to Discussion with Air Force Secretary Kendall on National Guard Proposal

Governors Respond to Discussion with Air Force Secretary Kendall on National Guard Proposal

Washington, D.C.– National Governors Association (NGA) Chair Governor Spencer Cox of Utah and Vice Chair Governor Jared Polis of Colorado released the following statement after a discussion on Wednesday with ...
Letter to DOD on Maintaining Governor Authority of National Guard

Letter to DOD on Maintaining Governor Authority of National Guard

"National Guard assets are critical components of states’ and territories’ responses to crises. Governors must maintain full authority as Commanders in Chief of these assets to effectively protect operational readiness ...
Nation’s Governors Call for Discontinuation of Legislative Proposals Denying Governor Authority over National Guard

Nation’s Governors Call for Discontinuation of Legislative Proposals Denying Governor Authority over National Guard

WASHINGTON – Today, 53 Governors from U.S. States, Commonwealths and Territories sent a letter to Secretary of Defense (DOD) Lloyd Austin calling for the discontinuation of legislative proposal (LP480) that ...

  • Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council

    Learn More
  • Resource Center for State Cybersecurity

    Learn more
  • Technical Assistance

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

    Contact Us Now
  • Public Safety & Legal Counsels Program

    Learn more
  • Defense/National Guard Resources

    Learn More
  • Resilience Resources

    Learn More
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Please see our privacy policy for more information.