The Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) held its fourth in-person meeting last week, focusing on vital matters, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), workforce adaptation and the Homeland Security Grant Program, according to a press release. The meeting saw the launch of the Customer Experience Directorate and AI initiatives, reflecting the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) commitment to modernization and protecting the American homeland.
The HSAC, reconstituted and re-envisioned in 2022 by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, comprises a diverse group of former Cabinet Secretaries, industry CEOs, law enforcement, fire service leaders and nonprofit organization heads. They collaborate with subject matter experts to provide independent advice and recommendations to the secretary in addressing the evolving domestic and international security challenges.
Mayorkas highlighted the evolving threat landscape facing the nation since the establishment of the DHS two decades ago.
"The safety and security of the American homeland depends on our department's continued ability to evolve and grow alongside it," Mayorkas said. He expressed immense gratitude for the HSAC's bipartisan efforts in offering their expertise to safeguard the nation.
One significant development during the meeting, according to the release, was the swearing-in of Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin M. Crowley to the Council. This move underlined the increasing threat of fires to homeland security, making Crowley the second fire chief to join the HSAC.
The press release also informed that the AI Mission Focused Subcommittee urged the creation of a central AI policy office, expanded AI use across DHS and the development of AI-friendly federated data systems, highlighting the necessity of human involvement in AI decision-making processes. The Workforce Subcommittee recommended modernizing training modules, facilitating remote and hybrid work environments and emphasizing diversity in recruitment for DHS to better meet stakeholder needs. The Homeland Security Grant Program Subcommittee proposed refined threat risk assessment methods and increased authority for the Homeland Security secretary to improve funding distribution in the HSGP.
