Auto-ISAC Names Faye Francy as new Executive Director

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Auto-ISAC) has named Faye Francy as the organization's first Executive Director. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director of the Aviation-ISAC and previously led the Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) Cyber ONE engineering team. Ms. Francy brings over 30 years of experience in government and industry, specializing in cyber security and complex systems.

Ms. Francy will oversee the organization's day-to-day operations, including its information sharing processes, threat intelligence capabilities, and the continued development of vehicle cybersecurity best practices, which were announced in July.

"In less than a year, Auto-ISAC has made great strides to improve the auto industry's collective cyber security posture," said Auto-ISAC Chairman Tom Stricker of Toyota. "With Faye's leadership, past ISAC experience, and extensive cyber security knowledge, we will continue driving the industry forward to keep pace with the evolving cyber landscape."

Ms. Francy takes over for Jon Allen, a Principal/Director at Booz Allen Hamilton - a leading strategy and technology management consulting firm based in Washington D.C., who had previously been serving as Auto-ISAC's Acting Executive Director. "I would like to thank Jon and the Booz Allen Hamilton team for their visionary leadership and expertise during the creation and initial operation of the Auto-ISAC. Jon played a significant role in driving the collective team to where we are today, and I look forward to continuing to mature the Auto-ISAC with Faye at the helm," said Jeff Massimilla, Auto-ISAC Vice Chairman and General Motors Chief Product Cybersecurity Officer.

Prior to joining Auto-ISAC, Ms. Francy was responsible for establishing, implementing, and overseeing the mission, goals, and policies of the Aviation-ISAC. As lead of the BCA Cyber ONE team at Boeing, she led an enterprise-wide group focused on leveraging the best of Boeing in the cyber domain. Before joining Boeing in 2001, Ms. Francy was the Director of FAA Programs at ARINC Incorporated and also owned and operated two private companies – Intersec and AvSec.

Ms. Francy said of her new role with Auto-ISAC, "Automotive manufacturers and suppliers have taken many proactive steps to further enhance vehicle cybersecurity – none more important than the creation of the Auto-ISAC.  I am thrilled to join the Auto-ISAC as they continue to thrive as the hub of cybersecurity collaboration and coordination across the automotive industry."

Ms. Francy has a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry and Mathematics from Towson State University and a Master's Degree in Forensic Chemistry from University of Pittsburgh.  She is also an AIAA Associate Fellow.

SOURCE Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Auto-ISAC)