Robert Peter Silvers is an American lawyer and government official who has served as the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Strategy, Policy, and Plans since 2021.[1]
Education
Silvers received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated summa cum laude and as valedictorian of the International Relations program and his Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law.[2]
Legal and academic career
After law school, he clerked for Judge Kim McLane Wardlaw of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Prior to joining DHS, Silvers was an attorney at the international law firm O'Melveny & Myers, where he handled complex transnational disputes and investigative matters for his clients.[3] Silvers served as the Obama administration's Assistant Secretary for Cyber Policy at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He was responsible for engagement on cyber defense with the private sector, the federal government's response during significant cyber incidents, and building diplomatic coalitions to confront the most challenging issues involving security and digital innovation. Silvers previously served in other positions at DHS, including as Deputy Chief of Staff, managing execution of policy and operational priorities for the Department's 22 agencies and offices. Silvers is an adjunct professor in the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy Program co-offered by New York University School of Law and the New York University Tandon School of Engineering. Silvers is a partner at the law firm Paul Hastings LLP and an experienced leader in national and homeland security. Silvers advises companies and boards of directors on cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and other challenges at the intersection of business and security.[2]
Under Secretary of Homeland Security
In January 2021, Silvers name was suggested for a Department of Homeland Security position.[4] On April 12, 2021, President Joe Biden announced Silvers as the nominee to be the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Strategy, Policy, and Plans.[2] On April 27, 2021, his nomination was sent to the United States Senate.[5] His nomination is pending before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. On May 27, 2021, a hearing on his nomination was held before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.[6] He was confirmed by the US Senate on August 5, 2021, by Unanimous Consent.[7] He was sworn in on August 10, 2021.[8]
Personal life
A native of New York City, as of April 2021 Silvers lived in Washington, D.C.[2]
References
- ^ "PN456 - Nomination of Robert Peter Silvers for Department of Homeland Security, 117th Congress (2021-2022)". www.congress.gov. June 9, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
- ^ a b c d "President Biden Announces His Intent to Nominate Key Members for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security", White House, April 12, 2021
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ "Robert Silvers". Department of Homeland Security. October 17, 2016. Retrieved June 4, 2021. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ "White House plans to select Rob Silvers, a Mayorkas ally, to lead DHS's cyber outfit". CyberScoop. January 22, 2021. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
- ^ "Nominations Sent to the Senate", White House, April 27, 2021
- ^ "Nominations of John K. Tien to be Deputy Secretary, DHS; Robert P. Silvers to be Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans, DHS; and Jonathan E. Meyer to be General Counsel, DHS", Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, May 27, 2021
- ^ "PN456 - Nomination of Robert Peter Silvers for Department of Homeland Security, 117th Congress (2021-2022)". www.congress.gov. June 9, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
- ^ "Rob Silvers Sworn in as DHS Under Secretary for the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans". Homeland Security Today. August 11, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.