CGA Team
Ayan Islam, Senior Advisor
Ayan Islam is a recognized cybersecurity leader and strategist with extensive experience in public policy, government affairs, workforce development, and critical infrastructure protection. Most recently, she served as the Director of Cyber Workforce at the White House Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD). In this pivotal role, she was a significant contributor to the development and execution of the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy (NCWES) as well as the several AI, Tech, and Cybersecurity Executive Orders. Her work involved coordinating across the Executive Office of the President and multiple federal agencies to address the national cyber talent deficit, focusing on expanding the cyber ecosystem through public-private partnerships, transforming cyber education, and advancing the federal and private sector cyber/tech/AI workforce.
Ayan’s federal tenure includes high-impact leadership roles at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). As the Critical Infrastructure Portfolio Lead and a Cybersecurity Strategist for the Aviation Cyber Initiative (ACI), she spearheaded cross-sector collaboration to mitigate systemic risks. Her ability to lead in high-pressure environments was further evidenced by her service as the CISA COVID Task Force Tier 0 Project Lead and as a Liaison to Operation Warp Speed, where she ensured the cybersecurity resilience of the nation's vaccine distribution infrastructure. Prior to her federal service, Ayan was the Associate Policy Director for the Cybersecurity and Emerging Threats team at the R Street Institute, providing subject matter expertise in public policy strategy and implementation regarding critical infrastructure protection, emerging technologies, and workforce development.
An academic thought leader, she currently is an Adjunct Lecturer at American University, teaching "Cyber Threats and Security" in the Cybersecurity Policy and Management program.
Ayan holds the following degrees: an LL.M. in Law and Government (National Security Law/Policy) from American University Washington College of Law, a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, an M.A. in Communications and Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University, and a B.S. in Business Administration from American University’s Kogod School of Business.