In the wake of the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States faced a fundamental question: how do we secure the homeland against evolving threats? The answer was the creation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—a bold reorganization that brought together 22 agencies under one mission: to safeguard the American people.
Now, more than two decades later, DHS continues to adapt in a world of shifting challenges—terrorism, cybersecurity, disinformation, disasters, pandemics and much more face the nation. This webinar featured some of the early leaders and architects present at the founding and early evolution of DHS—to reflect on the policy decisions made, the hard lessons of 9/11, and how the mission of the department must continue to evolve.
SPEAKERS INCLUDED:
- The Honorable Michael Chertoff, Former Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Federal Prosecutor investigating the 9/11 attacks; Senior DOJ Official on duty at FBI Command Center after 9/11
- The Honorable Elaine Duke, Former Acting Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Undersecretary for Management, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Admiral Thad Allen, Former Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard
- The Honorable Francis X. Taylor, Former Counterterrorism Coordinator and Undersecretary for Intelligence & Analysis, DHS; Brigadier General, U.S. Air Force (ret.)
- The Honorable Asa Hutchinson, Former Governor, State of Arkansas and Former & First Undersecretary, DHS; former Director, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and U.S. Representative representing Arkansas
- The Honorable John Pistole, Former Administrator, U.S. Transportation Security Administration and Deputy Director, FBI