Rod Beckstrom

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Rod Beckstrom

Rod Beckstrom
CEO and President of ICANN
Website
beckstrom.com

Rod Beckstrom is an author, high-tech entrepreneur, and Fulbright scholar. He is CEO and President of ICANN.

He previously served as Director of the National Cyber Security Center. Prior to that Beckstrom was Chairman and Chief Catalyst of TWIKI.NET, a company which supports TWiki, an open source wiki. He was also co-founder, Chairman and CEO of CATS Software Inc., a derivatives and risk management software company which went public on NASDAQ and later was sold to Misys PLC.

He is co-author of the best-selling book The Starfish And the Spider, which lays out a new organizational theory for considering all organizations as existing on a continuum between centralized to decentralized, with different implications and strategies for each firm based upon their position on that axis. In interviews with The Washington Post[1] and USA Today[2], Beckstrom explains how, using the 'Starfish' concept illustrated in The Starfish And the Spider, the U.S. Government can take a different approach in their dealings with Al-Qaeda. Mr. Beckstrom is also the formulator of an economic theorem he calls Beckstrom's law, which he suggests is 'a new fundamental law of economics answering the decades old question of "how valuable is a network."' This model values the network by looking from the edge of the network at all of the transactions conducted and the value added to each. It posits that one way to contemplate the value the network adds to each transaction is to imagine the network being shut off and what the additional transactions costs or loss would be.

An active participant in the non-profit arena, Beckstrom serves on the board of trustees of Environmental Defense Fund, an organization involved in designing, advocating and implementing environmental policy solutions such as the Kyoto Protocol and the California Climate Act. He also a trustee of Jamii Bora Trust, a micro-lending group with 170,000 members, based in Nairobi.

Beckstrom, a pioneer in the field of derivatives trading and firm-wide risk management, was coached by Nobel Laureate Dr. William F. Sharpe, which resulted in the first book on a new theory, "Value at Risk."

In August 2007, Beckstrom and Peter Thoeny, author of TWiki co-launched TWIKI.NET, a new Web 2.0 company.

On March 20, 2008, Beckstrom was appointed to run the newly created National Cyber Security Center,[3] a position requiring advanced thought leadership in areas like coordination, collaboration and team work in order to best serve the mission.[4][5][6] On March 5, 2009, he stated that he would resign on Friday, March 13, 2009. He has recommended that the Deputy Director Mary Ellen Seale as his successor. He stated that a lack of cooperation from the NSA and insufficient funding led to his resignation.

Rod received his BA with Honors and Distinction and an MBA from Stanford University, where he served as the Chairman of the Council of Presidents of the Associated Students of Stanford University.

Contents

[edit] Resignation from NCSC

On March 5, 2009, less than a year after the position was created, he stated that he would resign as the Director of the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) on Friday, March 13, 2009.[7]He has recommended that the Deputy Director Mary Ellen Seale as his successor.[7]He stated that a lack of cooperation from the NSA and insufficient funding led to his resignation.[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] He stated that he received $500,000 which funded five weeks of operation.[20][21] He has stated that he supports a more decentralized approach and opposes the NSA's move to try to "rule over" the NCSC.[22][18]

[edit] Appointment to ICANN

On 25 June 2009, at its 35th meeting in Sydney, Australia, the Board of ICANN resolved to appoint Rod Beckstrom as its CEO and President.

The ICANN press release quoted a number of persons about the appointment:

"Rod's extensive technical and commercial expertise is world class, and I can think of no one better positioned to lead ICANN's critical mission as the Internet's role in society continues to increase in scope and importance."
—Eric Schmidt, Google Chairman and CEO.

"Rod Beckstrom is strikingly well-prepared to undertake a new role as CEO of ICANN. His experience in industry and government equip him for this global and very challenging job,"
—Vint Cerf, considered the "Father" of the Internet.

"I am pleased that ICANN elected Rod Beckstrom to serve as its next CEO, and look forward to working with him in the years to come. He is an intelligent and thoughtful individual who will provide the right kind of leadership for the organization."
— Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman of the U.S.House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee

"I can think of no one more prepared to take this role on than Rod Beckstrom."
—David Dorman, Chairman of Motorola Inc.

"Rod has thought deeply about organizations and the Internet. He will bring experience, energy and ideas to a job at the center of the digital revolution."
—James Lewis, Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC

"Rod Beckstrom is an outstanding choice to head ICANN. He understands people, institutions, and technology. He can bring constituencies together and has inspired important collaborations around the world. He recognizes both the potential and the challenges for ICANN. And has stood up for the civil liberties of Internet users with courage and foresight."
— Marc Rotenberg, Executive Director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)

"Rod Beckstrom's unique blend of experience as a high-tech entrepreneur, public servant and leading international thinker are just what ICANN needs as it enters the next phase of its development. VeriSign looks forward to working with Mr. Beckstrom and his staff as they tackle the issues critical to the Internet community and Internet users."
—Mark McLaughlin, President and Chief Operating Officer of VeriSign

"I'd liked to extend my congratulations to Mr. Beckstrom for his appointment as President and CEO of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). His background as an Internet entrepreneur and in cyber security will be an asset for ICANN as it continues to promote competition and enhance the stability and security of the global Internet. I look forward to working with him, as we continue our efforts to make ICANN a more stable, accountable, transparent, and, most importantly, fully independent global organization."
—U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine)[23]

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Follow the Leader, or Think Like a Starfish?". The Washington Post: pp. A11. 2007-01-01. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/31/AR2006123100832.html. 
  2. ^ "Can small businesses help win the war?". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/money/2007-01-02-terror-war-business-usat_x.htm. 
  3. ^ "Outsider to Run Cyber-Security Initiative". The Wall Street Journal: pp. A8. 2008-03-20. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120595975180949553.html?mod=googlenews_wsj. 
  4. ^ "White House Taps Tech Entrepreneur For Cyber Defense Post". The Washington Post. 2008-03-27. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/19/AR2008031903125.html. 
  5. ^ Naraine, Ryan (2008-03-21). "Tech Exec Picked for Top Cyber-Security Post". Security. Eweek. http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Security/Tech-Exec-Picked-for-Top-Cyber-Security-Post/. Retrieved on 2009-03-10. 
  6. ^ Shachtman, Noah (March 21, 2008). "Military Surrenders Cyber Security to the Starfish". Info War, Paper Pushers & Powerpoint Rangers. Wired Blog. http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/03/military-surren.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-10. 
  7. ^ a b Beckstrom, Rod (March 5, 2009). "Beckstrom Resignation". Resignation Letter. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/BeckstromResignation.pdf. Retrieved on 2009-03-09. 
  8. ^ GORMAN, SIOBHAN (Sunday MARCH 7, 2009). "Cybersecurity Chief Resigns". Politics. The Wall Street Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123638468860758145.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-09. 
  9. ^ "Federal Cybersecurity Chief Quits, Blasts National Security Agency". Scitech. The Wall Street Journal. Sunday, March 08, 2009. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,506830,00.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-09. 
  10. ^ Claburn, Thomas (March 9, 2009 07:08 PM). "U.S. Cybersecurity Director Resigns, Blames NSA". Rod Beckstrom criticizes the NSA's dominance of most of the nation's cybersecurity initiatives.. InformationWeek. http://www.informationweek.com/news/security/government/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=215801375. Retrieved on 2009-03-09. 
  11. ^ Acohido, Byron. "National cybersecurity director resigns; cites roadblocks". USA Today. http://blogs.usatoday.com/technologylive/2009/03/national-cybers.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-10. 
  12. ^ Mark, Roy (2009-03-09). "http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Security/After-Only-12-Months-Another-US-Cyber-Chief-Resigns/". Security. Eweek. http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Security/After-Only-12-Months-Another-US-Cyber-Chief-Resigns/. Retrieved on 2009-03-10. 
  13. ^ Zetter, Kim (March 09, 2009 2:06:05 PM). "NSA Chief Continues Bid to Take Over Cybersecurity". Cybersecurity. Wired Blog. http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2009/03/nsa-continues-b.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-10. 
  14. ^ Shachtman, Noah (March 06, 2009). "Cyber-Security Czar Quits Amid Fears of NSA Takeover". Homeland Security. Wired Blog. http://blog.wired.com/defense/2009/03/breaking-cyber.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-10. 
  15. ^ McCullagh, Declan (March 6, 2009 7:42 PM PST). "Cybersecurity official quits, blasts NSA power grab". Politics and Law. Cnet News. http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10191170-38.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-10. 
  16. ^ "Top US cybersecurity official quits". AFP Google. March 07, 2009. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hNqCqxlylTswpXjgksC9y1V8Y9zQ. Retrieved on 2009-03-10. 
  17. ^ Holmes, Allan (03/09/09 06:09 pm ET). "Cyber an NSA, Not a DHS, Thing". Tech insider. nextgov. http://techinsider.nextgov.com/2009/03/cyber_an_nsa_not_a_dhs_thing.php. Retrieved on 2009-03-10. 
  18. ^ a b Resende, Patricia (March 9, 2009 2:02PM). "Cybersecurity Chief Resigns Amid Power Struggle". newsfactor.com. http://www.newsfactor.com/news/Federal-Cybersecurity-Chief-Resigns/story.xhtml?story_id=021000Q2J1ML&full_skip=1. Retrieved on 2009-03-10. 
  19. ^ San Miguel, Renay (03/09/09 12:05 PM PT). "Political Turf Wars Drive Out US Cybersecurity Chief". Security. TechNewsWorld. http://www.technewsworld.com/story/Political-Turf-Wars-Drive-Out-US-Cybersecurity-Chief-66431.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-10. 
  20. ^ Greenberg, Andy (03.09.09, 07:00 PM EDT). "Top Cyber Official Sounds Off". Cyber Security. Forbes.com. http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/09/rod-beckstrom-security-technology-security-beckstrom.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-10. 
  21. ^ C. BALDOR, LOLITA; Eileen Sullivan (March 07, 2009). "Cybersecurity director resigns amid turf battles". Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jS0ZQTLpeZoyy1MtWIcs9dyHv_NAD96OSIBO0. Retrieved on 2009-03-10. 
  22. ^ Zetter, Kim (March 09, 2009). "Outgoing DHS Cyber Chief Expands on Why He Resigned". Cybersecurity. Wired Blog. http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2009/03/outgoing-dhs-cy.html. Retrieved on 2009-03-10. 
  23. ^ ICANN (June 26, 2009). "Internet Security Expert Named ICANN CEO". ICANN. ICANN. http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/release-26jun09-en.pdf. Retrieved on 2009-06-26. 

[edit] External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_Beckstrom"
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