Equipping the Federal Workforce for the Cyber Age: Ruby DeMesme, Senior Adviser, Deloitte

For decades from the inside, and now from the outside, Ruby DeMesme has seen the role of the federal government worker evolve over the years. The former Air Force assistant secretary for manpower, reserve affairs, installation and environment sees information technology as shaping the way government workers perform their jobs. No longer are jobs aligned with a predefined assignment, but are dynamic, requiring critical thinking and the ability to navigate technology to determine how best to perform a variety of tasks. Now, a senior adviser to the consultancy Deloitte, DeMesme has written a paper entitled "Equipping the Federal Workforce for the Cyber Age," in which IT security plays a critical factor. In the interview, DeMesme explains the: Meaning of the word equipping in content to the Internet-age federal workforce. Synergy between cybersecurity and an IT-savvy workforce. Commitment the federal government must make to create a 21st century workforce. GovInfoSecurity.com's Eric Chabrow interviewed DeMesme. DeMesme was named Air Force assistant secretary in 1998, where she directed and managed Air Force human resources management policies and programs for more than 2 million active and reserve members, civilians and families. She oversaw strategic planning on issues including recruitment, training, retention and separation policies and programs. During her 22-year tenure with the Department of Defense, DeMesme regularly testified before Congress and worked with lawmakers and other government officials to secure funding for military benefits programs. She also served as a senior adviser on military matters to former Sen. John Glenn, D.-Ohio. DeMesme graduated magna cum laude from St. Augustine's College and was awarded a master of social work degree from the University of North Carolina.