Dick Schaeffer is the Information Assurance Director at the National Security Agency (NSA). The Information Assurance Directorate (IAD) is responsible for the availability of products, services, technology and standards for protecting and defending our nation's critical information systems from adversaries in cyber space. IAD is a key contributor to the Information Assurance Strategy to protect the Department of Defense's (DoD) Global Information Grid (GIG) and other National Security Systems of the U.S. government. It supports ongoing military operations by delivering solutions that enable the secure and dynamic sharing of information between and across security domains at multiple classification and sensitivity levels. Collaboration and partnerships with the DoD, intelligence community, allies, academia, and industry is key to IAD's success. Additionally, IAD's partnership with colleges, universities and Service academies, through its Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) program, continues to produce a growing number of Information Assurance professionals for the government and industry workforce. Prior to leading the IA Mission at NSA, Dick was Chief of the National Security Operations Center (NSOC). NSOC manages the U.S. Cryptologic System around the clock, serving as the command-and-control center for time-sensitive operations and crisis response. Other major assignments have included IA Deputy Director; Acting Associate Director of Research; NSA Deputy Chief of Staff; and Director, Infrastructure and Information Assurance, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence). He has held positions as Chief, IA Research Office; Chief, Network Security Infrastructure Office; Deputy Chief, Office of Developmental Systems Security Evaluations; Deputy Chief, Tactical Systems Security Office; Deputy Chief, Weapons Systems Office; Chief, Special Projects Division as well as various engineering and management positions. Richard served in the United States Marine Corps, including two tours in Vietnam. Dick serves on the Board of Directors, Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), Central Maryland Chapter and the Board of Directors, Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA). Dick has received numerous awards including the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) Meritorious Service Award (2008); the Presidential Rank Award (2005 and 1999); Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service (2001); Office of the Secretary of Defense Award for Excellence (2000); Secretary of Defense Productivity Excellence Award (1987); and NSA Meritorious Civilian Service Award (1984).
