Former USCYBERCOM and DIA Director Emphasizes Dealing with the 'When' Not the 'If' of the Next Threat

Retired USMC Commander, former USCYBERCOM Commander and Defense Intelligence Agency Director Vincent Stewart certainly has more than enough laurels to rest on. But he's not sitting down, or spending too much time looking back - he's still moving forward, with a lot of expertise and insights to give. But he is ready for a bit of celebration - and that's what many in the intelligence community plan to do at this year's 2023 William Oliver Baker Award Dinner, taking place June 9.The Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) noted Stewart's extensive career and deep commitment to service and sacrifice in announcing Stewart's selection for the prestigious award. Stewart has been a trailblazer in many of his roles, and was the first Jamaican-American and Marine to head-up the DIA. As a first-generation immigrant, he was also the first in his family to join the military."I wanted to do something to give back to my newly adopted country," said Stewart. "When I came here I found that I had significant opportunities...warts and blemishes of this country - there is no other country on this earth where the opportunities are present."Stewart went from tank commander with USMC, to helping USCYBERCOM with some of the most complex technological challenges and upgrades. Stewart said there were various times in his career, when he considered pursuing something different - but new opportunities, and the right mentors, always stepped in to guide.That's why mentorship and giving back continue to be a key part of what Stewart does today. He describes his mentorship circle as the Stewart tree - and he has found great reward in seeing young people who once advised, now in some cases moving into the ranks of general officer as he did.And now into today, Stewart still serves and advises many in the national security space. He said for companies today, it's not if, but when the threat occurs. Cyber readiness and proactivity is simply what has to be done. "The threat is real."Knowing the breadth of the threats - and also because of his philosophy on service and country, Stewart said he still sees a lot of opportunity and work to be done on the horizon.Join INSA to celebrate Stewart at the William Oliver Baker Award Dinner June 9.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.