James_Sept-Oct_2025_web - Flipbook - Page 70
and private sector partners reminded me
exactly why this mission matters. It was a
proud moment not just as a public servant,
but as someone who deeply loves Georgia
and this great nation.
That visit wasn’t just symbolic. It was
a real-time demonstration of how CISA
operates: quietly, effectively, and in partnership with others. Whether it’s protecting a major sporting event, responding to
a cyber incident, or helping a small town
secure its critical infrastructure, CISA is
there working behind the scenes to keep
America safe. And I get to tell that story
via @CISAMarci.
THE CISA REGION 3 TEAM GATHERS AT THE LIBERTY BELL
As Director of Public Affairs, I’m responsible for shaping how the American
people understand CISA’s mission. That means managI’ve spent much of my career advocating for cybering crisis communications, engaging with the media,
security awareness and civic engagement, especially
and ensuring that our messages provide meaningful
in Georgia. I’ve worked with schools, nonprofits, and
information with actionable intelligence as we embark
industry leaders to promote digital literacy and encouron our journey to achieve our core mission which is
age young people especially young women to pursue
protect the America’s infrastructure and advance our
careers in cybersecurity. That work continues at CISA,
national resilience. From cyber threats to physical risks,
where we’re not only defending against today’s threats
CISA protects what matters most— ensuring trust in the
but also building the workforce of tomorrow.
systems that power American life.
The threats we face are real and evolving. From
state-sponsored cyber actors to ransomware attacks on
hospitals and pipelines, the landscape is complex. But I
remain optimistic because I’ve seen the people behind
the mission. The men and women of CISA are some of
the most dedicated professionals I’ve ever worked with.
They don’t seek the spotlight, but they deserve it. They
are patriots, innovators, and problem-solvers. And they
inspire me every day.
I also believe in the power of partnerships. CISA
doesn’t do this work alone. We rely on collaboration
with state, local, tribal and territorial governments,
interagency partners, the private sector, and our international partners. My job is to help build those bridges and
ensure that our message reaches the right people at the
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6,000 GEORGIANS EMPLOYED
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70
SEPTE M B E R /O C TO B E R 2 0 2 5
garailroadassociation@gmail.com
JAMES
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Marci McCarthy is the Director of Public Affairs, Cybersecurity and
Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) based in Washington, D.C.
