Trellix, the cybersecurity company delivering the future of extended detection and response (XDR), announced the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) NICE program has appointed Michael Alicea, Trellix Chief Human Resources Officer, as its new NICE Community Coordinating Council Industry Co-Chair.

Michael Alicea brings a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to upending systemic barriers in cybersecurity education, exemplified by his work with Trellix’s Soulful Work movement. Serving a two-year term as Industry Co-Chair, Michael will drive positive change, advocate for solutions to address talent shortages, and foster stronger collaboration between public and private sectors. This partnership is led by officials representing government, academia, and the private sector, all of whom are committed to advancing cybersecurity education, training, and workforce development. Among the leadership’s executive roster is Government Co-Chair Rodney Petersen, Director of NICE at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

“As the Chief HR Officer for Trellix, I see first-hand how the cybersecurity skills shortage hurts our customers and business partners,” said Michael Alicea. “To cultivate and nurture a new workforce, we must think and act differently. We must remove barriers to entry and actively work to recruit people with diverse backgrounds and talents. Working collaboratively across boundaries is the only way we will succeed.