The McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security at Auburn University announced that the former Acting Director of the National Security Agency and Commander of U.S. Cyber Command Lieutenant General Joe Hartman (Ret.) has joined its advisory board.
He joins an impressive group of advisors that includes corporate executives, senior government officials and Auburn University leadership and will undoubtably bring tremendous expertise to the McCrary Institute’s mission to defend the systems that underpin our national and economic security, our communities and our way of life.
Hartman recently retired from the U.S. Army after an impressive 37-year career of military service. He has worked at the highest levels across the U.S. government engaging with allied partners and industry to carry out global cyber and intelligence operations on a continuously evolving digital battleground. He was central to the development of national security policy and advancing cyber, intelligence, and emerging technology capabilities to support America’s national security interests and has been a champion of public-private collaboration in support of our nation’s security.
“We’re honored to welcome Lt. Gen. Joe Hartman (Ret.) to the McCrary Institute’s already impressive advisory board,” said Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Burgess Jr., McCrary Institute Advisory Board chairman and former director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency. “His years of service and leadership at the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command give him unparalleled insight into the rapidly evolving digital threats to our nation and we know he will bring tremendous insight into the Institute’s work defending our critical infrastructure.”
“As a lifelong fan of Auburn University, I am excited about the opportunity to bring more than 37 years of experience — including leadership roles at U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency — to support the McCrary Institute’s efforts to advance U.S. interests in cyber, artificial intelligence, and critical infrastructure security,” said Hartman.
Positioned at the intersection of policy, applied research and public‑private partnerships, the McCrary Institute serves as a trusted convener of national leaders — shaping strategy, aligning priorities and delivering real‑world cybersecurity solutions to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure.
From its policy hub in Washington, D.C., the Institute works closely with federal agencies, Congress and industry leaders to shape actionable public policy in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. In Auburn and Huntsville, its applied research teams develop and deploy practical solutions that help safeguard critical infrastructure systems across the Southeast and the nation.
“Lt. Gen. Joe Hartman is one of the nation’s most respected cyber and intelligence leaders, bringing unmatched operational credibility and strategic insight forged at the highest levels of government,” said Frank Cilluffo, Director of the McCrary Institute. “General Hartman helped shape America’s cyber posture during a period of extraordinary geopolitical and technological change. His experience spanning cyber operations, intelligence, military strategy, and emerging technology will be invaluable as the McCrary Institute continues expanding its national leadership across cyber policy, applied research, and operational collaboration.”
In August, the McCrary Institute welcomed two additional board members: the sixth Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and current President of Lighthouse Strategies Kirstjen Nielsen and Auburn alumnus James Hoskins, a renowned former U.S. Air Force intelligence leader and visionary business executive who grew Scitor Corporation into a mission-critical national intelligence company until its acquisition by SAIC.
Find all members of the McCrary Institute Advisory Board here.
Courtesy of Auburn University.
