About the IAPP

A leading voice in national cybersecurity policy with over two decades of government and nonprofit sector experience, Ari Schwartz is Venable's Managing Director of Cybersecurity Services. In his role, Mr. Schwartz directs the establishment of cybersecurity consulting services for Venable, assisting organizations with understanding and development of risk management strategies, including implementation of the Cybersecurity Framework and other planning tools to help minimize risk. 

Prior to joining Venable, Mr. Schwartz was a member of the White House National Security Council, where he served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Cybersecurity. As Director, Mr. Schwartz coordinated all network defense cybersecurity policy, including critical infrastructure protection, federal network protection, supply-chain efforts, cybersecurity standards promotion, and information sharing. He led the White House's legislative and policy outreach to businesses, trade groups, academics, and civil liberties groups on cybersecurity and developed new policies and legislation, including development of the Executive Orders on the Security of Consumer Financial Protection, Cybersecurity Information Sharing, and Sanctions Against Individuals Engaging in Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities. Additionally, Mr. Schwartz led the successful White House rollout of the Cybersecurity Framework and the White House Cybersecurity Summit held at Stanford University. 

Mr. Schwartz also served in the Department of Commerce, where he advised the Secretary on technology policy matters related to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). He led the Department's Internet Policy Task Force and represented the Obama Administrations on major Internet policy issues on privacy and security before Congress, at public events, and before the media. 

Mr. Schwartz began his career in Washington at the Center for Effective Government (formerly OMB Watch). For twelve years, he worked at the Center for Democracy and Technology, including serving as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, developing legislation and policy related to privacy, cybersecurity, and open government