Tom Ridge Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000
Travels From:
ERI
Primary Topic Category:
Cybersecurity / Cryptocurrency / Blockchain
Secondary Topic Category:
Leadership and Management
Tom Ridge Speaker Profile: At A Glance
Tom Ridge is the Founder and Chairman of Ridge Global and served as the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. A decorated Vietnam War veteran and former Governor of Pennsylvania, Ridge has extensive experience in crisis management and cybersecurity. His leadership roles have spanned from the battlefield to the statehouse to the national stage, making him a respected authority on national security and strategic resilience. Today, he continues to provide insights on mitigating cyber threats and enhancing global security.
Tom Ridge is a distinguished American politician and security expert, known for his significant contributions to national security and public service. Born in Munhall, Pennsylvania, and raised in Erie, he graduated from Harvard University before serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for valor. After completing his Juris Doctor degree at Dickinson School of Law, Ridge began his public service career as an assistant district attorney in Erie.
Ridge’s political career took off when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982, where he served six terms representing Pennsylvania's 21st district. In 1994, he was elected Governor of Pennsylvania, a position he held for two terms. As governor, Ridge was instrumental in advancing economic development, education, and healthcare reforms. He also championed environmental protection and was a proponent of technology integration in public services.
Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush appointed Ridge as the first Director of the Office of Homeland Security. He played a crucial role in shaping the nation's response to terrorism and was later named the first Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. In this capacity, Ridge implemented comprehensive security measures to protect the United States from further terrorist threats, overseeing the integration of 180,000 employees from 22 agencies.
After his tenure in public office, Ridge transitioned to the private sector, founding Ridge Global, a security consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. He continues to be a prominent figure in cybersecurity, providing strategic insights to businesses and governments on mitigating cyber threats and enhancing national security. Ridge’s extensive experience and leadership in crisis management and cybersecurity make him a sought-after keynote speaker and advisor on global security issues.
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