Senate appoints Harry Coker, Jr. as new national cyber director

The United States Senate confirmed attorney and national security expert, Harry Coker Jr., as the new national cyber director. Once sworn in, Coker will be the second person to lead the office, which was established in 2021 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The person in charge of fulfilling the position, will be the principal advisor to the president on cybersecurity policy and strategy.

Coker's confirmation came with 59 votes in favor and 40 against. The new director has experience in the CIA and the National Security Agency. He has also worked in the venture capital industry.

Drenan Dudley, the current acting national cyber director, welcomed the Senate's decision and said he hopes Coker will continue the work that has been done in the office. Coker's nomination was a surprise to both Republicans and Democrats, since Dudley was expected to repeat the position.

"His four decades of experience in the public and private sector will further ONCD’s success. We look forward to his leadership and advancing the work currently underway to implement President Biden’s National Cybersecurity Strategy. On behalf of the entire team, we welcome Mr. Coker’s stewardship in this next chapter for ONCD," Dudley said in a statement published on the White House website.