RJ Niesen serves as the Washington Cybersecurity State Coordinator (CSC) for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). As the CSC, he assists state, local, and tribal government stakeholders in enhancing the security and resiliency of critical infrastructure facilities across Washington. Before joining CISA in November 2024, RJ served for twenty years in the US Army, holding leadership roles across several career management fields, including threat intelligence, protective security, information technology, and cybersecurity. In his previous role with the US Army, he directed Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity for the Army’s first Multi-Domain Task Force (1st MDTF) upon its establishment in 2020. RJ led a team of twelve IT and four cybersecurity professionals, advising on all matters pertaining to both disciplines as the 1st MDTF expanded from 40 to 2,200 employees within three years. RJ deployed four times during the Global War on Terrorism: Iraq in 2004 and 2009, and Afghanistan in 2007 and 2012. During his service, he earned the Bronze Star and is a Purple Heart recipient. RJ holds CISSP and PMP certifications and earned an MA in Information Technology Management from Webster University. He enjoys giving back to his community by volunteering as a youth sports coach and serving as an Outreach Coordinator with Reboot Recovery, a non-profit organization that empowers combat veterans to manage trauma and embrace a brighter future. RJ is passionate about his wife of nineteen years, Marisa, their three sons, supporting his local veteran community, and serving the American people!