WASHINGTON– The Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology (ICIT), a Washington D.C. based 501(c)3 think tank, is honored to announce the appointment of national security executive Cory Simpson as its new Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. As one of the nation’s foremost experts on national security, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and policy, Mr. Simpson solidifies ICIT leadership as it prepares for its 10th anniversary and the next decade of its work.
Mr. Simpson brings over 20 years of experience to ICIT, having served in leadership roles at organizations and institutions including the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Ankara, Resolute Strategic Services, and U.S. Cyberspace Solarium Commission. He currently serves in the Army Reserves as a legal advisor to the U.S. Army Cyber Command, an adjunct professor at Clemson University, and CEO and Founder of Gray Space Strategies.
Mr. Simpson said, “I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to lead such an extraordinary organization. At the heart of any meaningful national security strategy lies the well-being of people. Ensuring that basic needs—such as food, water, shelter, and healthcare—are met is not merely a moral imperative; it is a cornerstone of stability and resilience. I can think of no better way to do this than to focus on critical infrastructure, the technology stacks that enable it, and helping to ensure the security and resiliency of both—through a people-focused lens—our mission at ICIT. I’m excited to get to work.”
ICIT’s current CEO and Founder, Parham Eftekhari, will transition to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and ICIT Executive Director Joyce Hunter will remain in her current role. Together, Mr. Eftekhari, Mr. Simpson, and Ms. Hunter will realize a vision for ICIT that places emphasis on the human impact of critical infrastructure security and resiliency.
“Cory is a true patriot whose convictions, values, and ethos make him an ideal candidate to usher ICIT into its second decade of operations,” said Mr. Eftekhari. “His vision of putting people at the center of critical infrastructure discussions will humanize the work that we do and help attract non-technical and national security experts and supporters to our mission.”
Mr. Simpson was formally introduced on November 9, 2023, at the annual ICIT Gala and Benefit held at the St. Regis in Washington, D.C. The event also honored four national security leaders for their contributions to the Nation: Venice Goodwine (2023 ICIT Pioneer), Undersecretary Rob Silvers (2023 ICIT Impact Award), Edna Conway (2023 ICIT Pinnacle Award), and Harry Krejsa (2023 ICIT Excellence in Action Award).
