February 16, 2010 (Cryastal City Hyatt): Many organizations have undergone major transformations in recent years with respect to how they address the protection of our nation’s critical infrastructure. More than eight years after 9/11, organizations continue to adapt and settle into their new roles. Starting with an initial rapid thrust to reorganize, and in some cases, reinvent themselves, many organizations face the challenge of developing strategies and tactics against adversaries that are difficult to defeat and even define.

What are the new roles and responsibilities of organizations with respect to critical infrastructure protection? How have organizations responded and continue to respond to the challenges they face? Are we adequately addressing our greatest threats and vulnerabilities?

To explore these questions, ASCE-NCS has convened an expert panel consisting of representatives from key segments of our nation’s critical infrastructure. The panelists are each leaders responsible for security and emergency preparedness and working within different sectors of infrastructure—transportation, water, and energy. Each of these sectors are recognized for their vital importance to our nation’s economy, safety, and well being. If compromised, each of these sectors can have a potentially devastating impact on our nation.

Panelists will each present and discuss their respective areas of focus and their organization’s activities around critical infrastructure protection. The panel will be moderated by Mr. Christian Manalo, P.E., DEE. Mr. Manalo is an Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton experienced in security and preparedness for government installations, public utilities and transportation systems, including chemical, biological, and radiological preparedness and planning. He holds both M.S. and B.S. degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Maryland and Rutgers University, respectively.

“…it is more likely than not that a weapon of mass destruction will be used in a terrorist attack somewhere in the world by the end of 2013…America’s margin of safety is shrinking, not growing.”

Bi-Partisan Commission on the Prevention of WMD Proliferation and Terrorism, Dec. 2008.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in 2001, soon after the attacks of September 11. Although most recognized for airport passenger screening, TSA is also the lead federal agency responsible for transportation infrastructure security, for modes of transportation that include highways, railroads, buses, mass transit and pipelines, as well as airports. Within TSA, the Office of Transportation Sector Network Management (TSNM) is actively executing a far-reaching strategy that includes risk assessments, security standards development, operator assessments, and security enhancements. TSNM’s Highway & Motor Carrier (HMC) Division focuses on the nation’s roadways, charged with leading the nation’s efforts to maintain the capability of free movement, facilitate commerce in all conditions, and setting standards of excellence in highway security.

Mr. Ernesto Acosta joined the HMC Division in 2007 where he currently serves as Transportation Security Specialist, focusing on surface transportation security, including the security of bridges and tunnels. Mr. Acosta received a Master of Regional Planning Degree from the University at Albany-SUNY, and a B.S. degree in Urban and Regional Studies from Cornell University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and the American Planning Association.

Founded in 1881, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) has grown to over 60,000 members from throughout the drinking water industry, including public utilities, engineers and scientists, environmentalists, manufacturers, academics, regulators, and others. In more recent years, AWWA has focused considerable attention and resources toward improving water security and preparedness. The days following Hurricane Katrina reminded the nation that few resources are as basic as drinking water, and the ability of the water sector to overcome major threats, both natural and man-made, is of paramount importance.

Mr. Kevin Morley is the Security & Preparedness Program Manager for AWWA. In this role he works closely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Water Sector Coordinating Council. He is a frequent author and contributor to many publications on the topic of contaminant monitoring systems, mutual aid, and other issues surrounding water security. Mr. Morley received an M.S. degree from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and a B.A. degree from Syracuse University, and is currently a doctoral candidate at George Mason University focusing on security issues in the water sector. Mr. Morley received the 2006 Partners in Preparedness Award from the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) and the 2007 Private Industry Award for Distinguished Leadership in Critical Infrastructure Resilience from The Infrastructure Security Partnership (TISP).

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) was created in 1974 to regulate the civilian use of nuclear materials to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety, promote common defense and security, and protect the environment. The NRC’s core mission covers three areas: reactors, including electric power generation and research and test reactors; materials, including use in medicine, industry and academia; and wastes, including transportation, storage, and disposal, and decommissioning of nuclear facilities. Within NRC, the Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response (NSIR) develops overall agency policy and provides management direction for evaluation and assessment of technical issues involving security and emergency preparedness at nuclear facilities. NSIR is the agency’s interface with DHS, the intelligence and law enforcement communities, the Department of Energy, and other agencies. The Office provides technical expertise regarding emergency preparedness issues and conducts and directs NRC’s program for responding to incidents.

Mr. Scott Morris joined NRC in 1993 after serving seven years active duty in the U.S. Navy nuclear submarine program. He currently serves as Deputy Director within NSIR, and previously served in the Office of the Executive Director for Operations and as Senior Resident Inspector at the Hope Creek and Salem Nuclear Generating Stations. Mr. Morris received a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from Pennsylvania State University.