Paul Hoyt Nelson, Organizer

Paul Hoyt Nelson currently leads the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission’s cybersecurity efforts as the senior cybersecurity advisor. This is a multifaceted architect and management role that includes leading the research and development of aviation cybersecurity capabilities as well as ensuring that all R&D work results in secure and securable technologies for NASA’s diverse stakeholders. He also serves as NASA’s principal aviation cybersecurity liaison to U.S. government agencies and industry stakeholders. In addition, Paul works as an integration program manager in the Airspace Operations and Safety Program where he addresses the difficulties in cross-cutting integration of security and communications across the airspace ecosystem. He has previously been a NASA chief information security officer (CISO), director of research and development for the NASA Office of Inspector General Computer Crimes Division (CCD) (federal law enforcement), a CCD investigator and has been lead systems and security architect, as well as personnel manager, for many NASA and industry initiatives. With over 35 years of experience in systems, network and security architecture, as well development and operations, he has consistently designed his roles to include staff mentoring and development and program management. This has provided a strong basis for success in these fast-changing technology areas as well as helping to ensure the continued development of scarce talent. Paul earned a dual degree from Bowling Green State University in computer science and chemistry. He holds a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification from (ISC)2 and a Seized Computer Evidence Recovery Specialist (SCERS) certification from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). He has publications with IEEE, SANS, and other security industry conference proceedings.