United States Department Of Commerce
Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office
PO Box 46258
Washington, DC 20050-6258

Secretary Daley Appoints Deputy as Director for National Program
To Protect the Nation Against Physical and Cyber Threats

WASHINGTON, DC: Following President Clinton's signing of a new policy designed to protect the nation's critical infrastructures from physical and cyber threats, Secretary of Commerce William Daley named Jeffrey A. Hunker to serve as Director of the national Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office (CIAO). Mr. Hunker and his staff will bring together an integrated national plan to protect the nation's vital systems: telecommunications, transportation, energy, banking and finance, medical, water, and government. In his new position, Mr. Hunker will also coordinate a national education and awareness program as well as develop legislative initiatives.

As Director of the CIAO, Jeffrey Hunker will work closely with our industry and government leaders to develop solutions to insure our national strength, security and economic viability. "Jeffrey Hunker's Commerce Department leadership in policy development, emergency management, and working with the private sector on important national issues, in addition to his private sector experience make him an exceptional choice for this position," said Secretary Daley.

The policy, which designates the Commerce Department as the executive agent to the CIAO, directs the government to serve as a model for infrastructure assurance. It also encourages the government to develop new ways to build partnerships with industry. "The Department of Commerce has the responsibility for establishing policies to assure the economic welfare and security of our country and we have many of the relationships to begin implementation of the President's policy," said Daley.

Prior to joining the CIAO, Mr. Hunker served as Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Commerce, where he was responsible for economic policy development and special initiatives concerning the integration of economic, energy, and environmental issues. In addition, he directed activities regarding China and other developing countries and was a senior Administration official in numerous international negotiations.

Before his public service career, Mr. Hunker was Vice President of Corporate Finance at Kidder, Peabody & Co., Incorporated in New York, where he specialized in capital raising and acquisition advisory work for U.S. and European industrial firms. Previously, he was a consultant and case leader at the Boston Consulting Group. Mr. Hunker has an AB in Engineering and Applied Physics from Harvard College and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. He has written several articles and one book on topics of public policy and corporate strategy.