Leading the National Effort to Manage Cyber and Physical Risk
Dec 10, 2020
Jason Osleson & Ronald Watters
Leading the National Effort to Manage Cyber and Physical Risk

Ron serves as the Region X (WA, OR, AK, ID) Cybersecurity Advisor for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Based in Seattle, WA, he supports the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mission of strengthening the security and resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructure. His program coordinates cyber preparedness, risk mitigation and incident response, and provides cyber security resources, including assessments, to the nation’s sixteen critical infrastructure sectors and state, local, tribal, and territorial government entities.

Prior to joining DHS, Ron served 27 years with the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserve as a Submarine Sonar Technician and Diver. Finding not much use for a Submarine Sonar Technician in the Surface reserve Ron utilized his talents as an Intelligence Analyst and was utilized accordingly. Ron retired from the US Navy in 2007.  During his active duty Ron completed his Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration with Criminal Justice emphasis (Cum Laude).  Ron completed his two Master’s Degrees in Education (School Administration and Secondary Education) at Loyola Marymount University.  He continued his education and achieved certification as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Microsoft Certified Trainer, he was hired as the Computer Science Department Chairman at Chaminade College Preparatory High School in West Hills, CA until he was recalled to Active duty following 9/11.   Ron interviewed and was hired as the Region X Cybersecurity advisor in June of 2017 and has filled that position presently.

Jason is a career intelligence professional with over 20 years experience as a Geospatial and All-source analyst. Currently serving as the Regional Operations Manager within the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Integrated Operations Division Region 10 (AK, ID, OR, WA) in Seattle, WA.

He excelled in a variety of all-source intelligence positions in areas such as Space & Counterspace Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (JIPOE), overhead system collection management, Counter-Insurgent targeting in Iraq, and leading a coalition team responsible for directing all ISR missions within the CENTCOM AOR. Expertise in fusing HUMINT, SIGINT, IMINT, etc. into a coherent picture of adversary capabilities, intent, and courses of action. Extensive, long-term collaborative relationships with Intelligence Community subject matter experts in the fields of Geospatial analysis, Air, Air Defense, Ballistic Missiles, Electronic Warfare, C4ISR, and Space & Counterspace.