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 provides 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.

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.


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.

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  

Meet the Team

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

Contact the Team

  • 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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NGA Resources

Governors Issue Statement on National Guard Assets

Governors Issue Statement on National Guard Assets

WASHINGTON – Today, National Governors Association Chair Governor Spencer Cox of Utah and Vice Chair Governor Jared Polis of Colorado released the following statement on the erosion of Governor authorities ...
2024 GHSAC Winter Meeting

2024 GHSAC Winter Meeting

The Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council (GHSAC) met January 30 - February 1, 2024, in Washington, D.C., for its annual Winter Meeting. The GHSAC regularly brings together Governors’ homeland security ...
Council of Governors Holds 28th Plenary Meeting

Council of Governors Holds 28th Plenary Meeting

The Council of Governors met February 22, 2024, in Washington, D.C., for its 28th Plenary Meeting. The Council serves as a forum for 10 presidentially appointed, bipartisan Governors to engage ...
Council of Governors’ Budget Priorities for FY25-27 Budget Process

Council of Governors’ Budget Priorities for FY25-27 Budget Process

In accordance with the Council of Governors (Council) Consultative Budget Agreement, the Council engages with the Department of Defense as representatives of the states, territories and District of Columbia to ...
Bipartisan Governors Stand Together to Condemn Violence in Israel

Bipartisan Governors Stand Together to Condemn Violence in Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, National Governors Association Chair Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Vice Chair Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued the following statement condemning the recent terrorist attacks in Israel ...
2023 Cybersecurity Policy Advisors Network In-Person Convening

2023 Cybersecurity Policy Advisors Network In-Person Convening

The 2023 Cybersecurity Policy Advisors Network In-Person Convening was held on September 27-28th in Washington, DC. Hosted by the National Governors Association (NGA), the event convened the Cybersecurity Policy Advisors ...
Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023

In today's digital world, cybersecurity is more important than ever. As our society relies increasingly on technology, we become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. It is important to implement strong cybersecurity ...
2023 Energy Cybersecurity Resources For Governors’ Advisors

2023 Energy Cybersecurity Resources For Governors’ Advisors

This resource guide provides an overview of federal and state cybersecurity standards for the energy sector as well as a collection of energy cybersecurity resources from NGA, the federal government, ...
2023 GHSAC Summer Meeting

2023 GHSAC Summer Meeting

The Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council (GHSAC) met August 15-17, 2023, in Boise, Idaho, for its annual Summer Meeting. The GHSAC acts as a forum to bring together Governors’ homeland ...