Trusted CI Advisory Committee

Trusted CI, the NSF Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, has relied on expertise from its staff, multiple internationally recognized institutions, and its collaboration with numerous NSF-funded research organizations to address the ongoing cybersecurity challenges for higher education and high-performance computing scientific research. Trusted CI also relies on input from the highly credentialed and experienced members of its Advisory Committee. 

Eric Cross - Head of IT at National Solar Observatory

With more than two decades of experience, Cross brings a wealth of expertise to the industry. Throughout his career, he demonstrated leadership skills in managing diverse teams and spearheading successful IT projects. He is proficient in the integration and design of multi-platform infrastructure, coupled with a strong background in cybersecurity. Cross is dedicated to fostering strong team dynamics, creating lasting relationships, and earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and customers. Cross earned a Master of Science in computer information systems from Boston University and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Arizona. 

Jarret Cummings - Senior Advisor, Policy and Government at EDUCAUSE

Jarret Cummings serves EDUCAUSE as senior advisor for Policy and Government Relations. In this capacity, he oversees association efforts to address federal policy issues with significant implications for higher education IT, particularly regarding information security and data privacy, IT accessibility, and networking and telecommunications. Cummings has been with EDUCAUSE since 2004, having previously worked as a federal policy specialist, special assistant to the president, and program administrator for the EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI). He holds a master’s in public administration from Syracuse University and a bachelor’s in philosophy from Southwestern University.

Jennifer Schopf, PhD - Director of Network Partnerships at TACC

Jennifer Schopf oversees the NSF Engagement and Performance Operations Center, a joint effort with the Department of Energy (DoE) Energy Science Network. She is also the PI for the University of Texas at Austin’s Open Source Program Office. She works closely with the University of Texas system institutions to support the use of the Texas research and educational networks as well as supporting various NSF, DOE, and National Institute of Health projects. Prior to joining the Texas Advanced Computing Center, Schoft was director of International Networks at Indiana University. Schopf earned doctoral and master degrees in computer science and engineering from the University of California San Diego. 

Randy Trudeau - Information Security Officer at CalTech  LIGO

Randy Trudeau is the information security officer at CalTech LIGO.  The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) is a large-scale physics experiment and observatory designed to detect cosmic gravitational waves and to develop gravitational-wave observations as an astronomical tool. Previously, he held other IT security and networking positions at Southern California Edison, The Walt Disney Company, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.  Trudeau is SANS GIAC GSEC certified and received a Bachelor of Science in computer information systems from Azusa Pacific University.

Cheryl Washington - Chief Information Security Officer at UC Davis

Cheryl Washington is the chief information security officer for the University of California at Davis. Washington has more than 20 years of experience developing and managing IT and information security programs in higher education. Currently, Washington leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive information security program that supports the academic, research, and public service mission of the University of California at Davis. She works closely with faculty, staff, management, and UC’s information security professionals to implement strategies to protect personal and institutional information assets.