The American Bankers Association (ABA) named Paul Benda as its new senior vice president of risk management policy.
In this position, Benda leads ABA’s policy initiatives in cybersecurity, physical security, and risk management practices.
Benda joins the association from Global Security and Innovative Strategies (GSIS), where he served as partner and chief technology officer. At GSIS, Benda used risk-based strategies to help clients integrate new security technologies.
Benda has also worked in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where he held several posts, including chief of staff, senior counselor to the undersecretary, acting deputy undersecretary in the department’s Science and Technology Directorate, and director of the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency. In the latter role at DHS, Benda helped establish the cybersecurity division, which included the development of technologies to protect and defend the .gov and .com domains.
Further, he worked to enhance security capabilities at prominent public venues, including sports stadiums, airports, ports, commercial facilities, and urban transportation centers.
“Paul brings an impressive depth of knowledge and experience in both physical and cyber security — areas that are of critical importance to the banking industry and top priorities for ABA,” ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols said. “We are delighted to welcome a professional of his caliber to our team.”
Benda has also worked for the U.S. Department of Defense and Booz Allen Hamilton.
“The banking industry has devoted a tremendous amount of time, effort, and resources to keep customers, their money and their information safe,” Benda said. “I look forward to working with my ABA colleagues and bankers across the country to build on that success.”
Benda served in the U.S. Air Force and holds both a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University.