Media Advisory: Department of Homeland Security leadership to visit CSU
Contact for reporters:
Josh Rhoten
Joshua.rhoten@colostate.edu
(720) 480-3660
About: Colorado State University is hosting leadership from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for a launch event in support of the agency’s new Connected Communities Toolkit. This national “how-to” guide aims to help state, local, tribal and territorial officials holistically identify and address future digital technology and infrastructure needs. The toolkit provides best practices such as developing communications plans and identifying accountable officials to address topics like cybersecurity, high-speed internet access and disaster preparedness. The kit becomes publicly available online on Oct. 30 and seeks to encourage coordinated action and address potential policy and technical knowledge gaps around those topics that may exist across government levels. Faculty researchers from Colorado State University’s Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering led work on this project in collaboration with the College of Natural Sciences and the cities of New York, San Jose, Memphis and Chattanooga, as well as DHS officials.
The toolkit addresses many of the emerging challenges that communities of all sizes in our state are facing — giving them a solid foundation and framework as a starting point. This echoes CSU’s mission to work in partnership to co-create actionable solutions to needs and problems in our communities.
To celebrate the launch, DHS Assistant Secretary for Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk and Resilience Iranga Kahangama will deliver a public keynote address at 1 p.m. on Oct. 30 in CSU’s Lory Student Center followed by a panel discussion around the theme of connected communities. That session will be live streamed and is open to media. Additionally, there is brief availability for on-camera interviews with leadership on the morning of the visit and phone interviews can be scheduled if requested.
Connected Communities National Kickoff: Iranga Kahangama Keynote Address
Who: The panel includes CSU faculty and leadership as well as representatives from partner institutions and municipalities. Presenters include former Fort Collins mayor and engineering faculty Wade Troxell and DHS Assistant Secretary Kahangama.
When: 1-2:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30
Where: Lory Student Center, Grand Ballroom D (third floor)
Event registration (requested but not required): https://bit.ly/45NVM3i
Online Zoom Stream (public): https://zoom.us/j/98842906808
On camera availability
When: 8:30 a.m. Oct. 30
Where: Powerhouse Energy Campus, 430 N. College Ave. #425, near Old Town Fort Collins
Parking: Parking is limited on the Powerhouse campus. However, a parking lot that is across the railroad tracks and north of Valvoline Instant Oil Change at 410 N. College Ave. is available after a short walk.
Who: Wiley Barnes, executive director of CSU Office of Defense Engagement.