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Michael A. Echols
Author · Cybersecurity Executive · Enterprise Architect · Founder, Max AI Holdings Inc.
“How do we know?” — the question behind a career.
Michael A. Echols has spent more than three decades helping organizations understand and manage technology risk.
At the U.S. Department of Homeland Security he directed the Cyber Joint Program, led White House national cybersecurity engagements, and was the point person for rolling out Executive Order 13691 on cybersecurity information sharing. He chaired the Communications Sector Government Coordinating Council and the Network Security Information Exchange, and served as the U.S. representative to the NATO CCPC in Brussels.
After leaving DHS in 2016 he founded Max Cybersecurity LLC, an SBA 8(a) firm whose clients have included the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DHS and TSA, and co-founded Sphere Defense Systems, a joint venture holding the GSA 8(a) STARS III contract. He has led the International Association of Certified ISAOs as CEO and served as APTA’s facilitator for its cybersecurity working group — bringing national-level practice to transportation and critical infrastructure.
Today, as founder of Max AI Holdings Inc. and creator of The Control Layer for AI™, he works on one question: as artificial intelligence increasingly makes decisions, how do we know those decisions can be trusted?
A path through national security, industry and AI.
Director, Cyber Joint Program
Critical infrastructure protection, White House cybersecurity engagements and the rollout of EO 13691.
Information-sharing leadership
Chaired the Network Security Information Exchange and the Communications Sector GCC; U.S. representative to the NATO CCPC.
Founder, Max Cybersecurity LLC
An SBA 8(a) firm delivering cybersecurity, OT risk and critical-infrastructure programs for government and industry.
Secure Cyber Life · Sphere Defense Systems
His first book — and a joint venture that went on to hold the GSA 8(a) STARS III contract.
The Shield
A practical guide to protecting older adults from hackers and scams.
AI CHAOS
How AI in operational technology turns cyber risk into physical risk.
Max AI Holdings · The Control Layer for AI™
An enterprise architecture for governing intelligence — and the book that sets it out.
Trusted by government, industry and the profession.
CISSP
Certified Information Systems Security Professional
MBA
Business leadership for technology risk
UMGC Distinguished Alumnus
University of Maryland Global Campus, 2018
Harvard NPLI
National Preparedness Leadership Initiative
Hispanic Heritage Foundation
Board of Directors since 2021
APTA
Facilitator, CCSWG
CSO50 honors
Led two organizations to CSO50 Award recognition
PBS “Roadtrip Nation”
Featured leader
Control lived with people. That world is gone.
— Michael A. Echols
On stage and in the room.
APTA panel
Discussing cyber resilience with transit leaders
On stage
Keynote on national resilience
Future of Information Sharing
Moderating for the International Association of Certified ISAOs
Cybersecurity in 60 Seconds
Mike’s weekly video series
Gala evening
Community and national-security leaders
Partnerships
Building public–private trust