WASHINGTON—The Heritage Foundation announced today that Bridget Bean, former executive director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), has joined Heritage as a visiting fellow within the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy.
Heritage released the following statement from Bean:
“I’m excited and honored to join The Heritage Foundation. Cyber and homeland security challenges are only growing more complex, and Heritage’s commitment to advancing smart, accountable policy is exactly what’s needed to keep pace. Together, we can chart a course that safeguards America’s infrastructure, strengthens our preparedness, and preserves the freedom we’re defending.”
In this role, Bean will focus on solutions that strengthen America’s cybersecurity, protect critical infrastructure, and improve emergency management—while advancing effective and accountable Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies.
Victoria Coates, vice president of National Security and Foreign Policy, welcomed Bean’s addition to the Davis Institute:
“Bridget has devoted her career to making our federal government more effective and our national security stronger—we could not be luckier to have her expertise at Heritage. Her deep understanding of DHS operations and cybersecurity challenges will be invaluable as Heritage continues to shape policies that keep Americans safe and our systems strong.”
With more than three decades of distinguished federal service, Bean has demonstrated a record of leading mission-critical initiatives and modernizing government operations. As executive director of CISA, she oversaw efforts to modernize the nation’s cyber defenses and improve coordination between the government and private sector to counter emerging threats.
Lora Ries, director of Heritage’s Border Security and Immigration Center, added:
“I am thrilled to welcome Bridget to Heritage. She has long been a respected leader at the Department of Homeland Security, where they called upon her talents at both the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. She will be a real asset to Heritage and the American public as she educates and communicates critical infrastructure, emergency management, and general homeland security issues.”
At the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Bridget managed a workforce of 1,600 and directed the strategic allocation of Homeland Security funds to strengthen disaster preparedness and response capabilities nationwide.
Earlier in her career at the Small Business Administration (SBA), she served as a senior executive overseeing contracts, grants, facilities, and records management—advancing operational efficiency and accountability across the agency.
