The Chertoff Group, a global security advisory firm that provides consulting, risk management and merger and acquisition (M&A) advisory services, has announced the addition of five new senior advisors to the firm. These new advisors complement The Chertoff Group’s unique expertise and deep subject matter knowledge in homeland security, defense and intelligence, emerging technologies, big data analytics, and cybersecurity.
“The Chertoff Group provides our clients with seasoned advice to help them navigate the emerging threat landscape, mitigate risk and build a competitive advantage for their enterprise,” said Michael Chertoff, Chairman of The Chertoff Group. “Our trusted experience and wide-reaching network enables us to consistently identify key issues for consideration and strategic recommendations to support our clients as they face an increasingly complex security environment.”
Chad Sweet, co-founder of The Chertoff Group, emphasized, “We are pleased to add the experience of these talented professionals to our team as we continue to offer our clients the highest quality of service and most trusted team of advisors to help them grow their enterprises and manage their risk.”
The new senior advisors include:
- The Honorable W. Ross Ashley, III – Mr. Ashley serves as the National Fusion Center Association Executive Director where he represents the interests of Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-recognized fusion centers around the nation. Previously, Mr. Ashley served as Assistant Administrator of the DHS Grants Program Directorate managing more than $10.1 billion each year in federal assistance programs. He brings deep expertise in the areas of homeland security and risk management; intelligence analysis; data integration and information sharing; law enforcement and counterterrorism; capability building and preparedness; and emerging technology solutions for national and public safety.
- Cathy Handford – Ms. Handford brings unique industry knowledge with more than thirty years of experience performing domestic and international market assessments and successful contract capture for key security initiatives involving cyber security and information systems as well as Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) programs. She recently served as Sector Director of Cyber Initiatives Group at Northrup Grumman Corporation. Ms. Handford brings extensive knowledge in domestic and international business development; acquisition, procurement and financial management; and cybersecurity.
- Reginald Hyde – A former intelligence officer, Mr. Hyde has served in senior positions at the U.S. Department of Defense and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) including as the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security and as a senior career CIA National Clandestine Service Operations Officer. He helped stand up In-Q-Tel and later returned as Senior Customer Representative and a member of the Executive Team. Mr. Hyde developed a wide-range of knowledge and subject matter expertise having worked on important national security assignments involving policy, strategy, management, operations and new technologies.
- Allison Boyd Travis – Ms. Travis is a recognized homeland security domain expert with a deep range of experience across the executive and legislative branches as well as within the private sector. Most recently, she was a senior policy analyst for The Tauri Group, LLC. Ms. Travis previously served as Counselor to the Secretary at DHS focusing on critical infrastructure protection, chemical facility security, port security, domestic nuclear detection, and science and technology.
- Mary DeRosa – Ms. DeRosa is a Distinguished Visitor from Practice at Georgetown Law School, where she focuses on national security law and teaches courses on national security and cyber security. Previously, she served as Deputy Assistant and Deputy Counsel to the President and National Security Council Legal Adviser in the Obama Administration. In this role, she advised the most senior Administration officials on a broad range of national security legal and policy issues including crisis prevention and management; executive branch and legislative process; intelligence operations; cyber operations and cyber security matters; domestic authorities and process for electronic surveillance and related intelligence and law enforcement techniques; civil liberties and privacy issues.
