ALBANY- Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Colin Ahern as New York State’s first-ever Director of Security and Intelligence, creating a new leadership role aimed at strengthening coordination across state and local agencies in response to evolving national and global threats.
Ahern previously served as the state’s Chief Cyber Officer, where he led efforts to protect New York’s digital infrastructure from cyberattacks. In his new position, he will provide strategic direction on national security and intelligence matters and work to unify the state’s security resources.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority, and the threats we face are more complex and interconnected than ever before,” Hochul said in announcing the appointment. She said the new role is designed to ensure the state is “aggressive, innovative and adaptive” in combating emerging threats.
As Director of Security and Intelligence, Ahern will report directly to Director of State Operations Jackie Bray. He will coordinate statewide efforts among state agencies, local governments, federal partners and private-sector organizations to address issues such as foreign malign influence and hybrid warfare.
The position will also focus on strengthening New York’s defense and security industries. According to the governor’s office, Ahern will advocate for investment and partnerships in key sectors including the defense industrial base, drones, quantum technology and other emerging technologies tied to national security.
Ahern said he is honored to take on the new role.
“New York continues to meet today’s challenges, stepping up to strengthen our security, defense, and intelligence efforts,” he said. “I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued leadership and commitment to making sure New York remains a national leader in security and intelligence.”
State officials said the new position reflects a broader effort to better align security operations and ensure a coordinated response to rapidly changing global risks.
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