Ronald Watters – Data Connectors

Ron serves as the Region X (WA, OR, AK, ID) Cybersecurity Advisor for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Based in Seattle, WA, he supports the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mission of strengthening the security and resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructure.

His program coordinates cyber preparedness, risk mitigation and incident response, and provides cyber security resources, including assessments, to the nation’s sixteen critical infrastructure sectors and state, local, tribal, and territorial government entities.

Prior to joining DHS, Ron served 27 years with the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserve as a Submarine Sonar Technician and Diver. Finding not much use for a Submarine Sonar Technician in the Surface reserve Ron utilized his talents as an Intelligence Analyst and was utilized accordingly. Ron retired from the US Navy in 2007.  During his active duty Ron completed his Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration with Criminal Justice emphasis (Cum Laude).  Ron completed his two Master’s Degrees in Education (School Administration and Secondary Education) at Loyola Marymount University.  He continued his education and achieved certification as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Microsoft Certified Trainer, he was hired as the Computer Science Department Chairman at Chaminade College Preparatory High School in West Hills, CA until he was recalled to Active duty following 9/11.  Upon his demobilization he was offered a position as the Deputy, Information Systems Management Officer with the 4th Marine Corps recruiting District in New Cumberland, PA.  He rose to the position of S-6 before leaving in 2009 to take a position as the Chief, Information Assurance Division, Network Enterprise Center Ft Irwin, CA.  Ron remained in that positon until he left to become the Branch Manager of the Cybersecurity Branch of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in March of 2016. Ron interviewed and was hired as the Region X Cybersecurity advisor in June of 2017 and has filled that position presently.

Ron’s computer certifications are numerous to include Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Certified Novell Administrator (CNA), GIAC Security Leadership Certification (GSLC), CompTia Security+ CE, and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT).  In addition to the professional certifications Ron has been awarded numerous Commander’s Coins for excellence and received Two Commander’s Awards for his work at Fort Irwin.