Ranking Member, House Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems (CITI)

Elise Stefanik, R-New York

Responsibilities

As ranking member of CITI, Stefanik is the top Republican on this new legislative panel with broad jurisdiction over DoD policy and programs falling under the purview of:

Cyber Security, Operations, and Forces
Information Technology, Systems, and Operations
Science and Technology Programs and Policy
Defense-Wide Research and Development (except Missile Defense and Space)
Artificial Intelligence Policy and Programs
Electromagnetic Spectrum Policy
Electronic Warfare Policy
Computer Software Acquisition Policy

Legislative Committees & Caucuses

Member of the House Intelligence Committee and the Committee on Education and the Workforce
Involved in nearly 40 caucuses, including: Congressional Army Caucus, Caucus on Unmanned Systems, Cyber Security Caucus, Military Families Caucus, and also the House General Aviation Caucus.
As a freshman congresswoman, Stefanik led the New York delegation that helped stave off any large sequestration effects on Fort Drum Army Base (2015). Located in Jefferson, NY, the military installation is 30 miles from Canada and employs more than 17,000 personnel.
Co-sponsored the Cyber Ready Workforce Act in 2018, aimed at creating educational grant programs in cybersecurity within the Department of Labor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 31% increase in related jobs through 2029.
Term ends in 2023.

Political/Professional Career

Represents New York’s 21st Congressional District (2015-present).
Sales and marketing manger for Premium Plywood Products, a family-owned, wholesale plywood distributor based in Guilderland Center, NY.
Aide to Rep. Paul Ryan, and director of debate preparation (2012) during the Mitt Romney bid for presidency.
Deputy policy director for Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s presidential campaign (2012).
Communications director of the Foreign Policy Initiative—a Washington, D.C.-based thinktank that operated from 2009 to 2017.
White House domestic policy aide (2006-2009) during the Bush Administration.

Background

Education

Harvard University – B.A. in government, with honors (2006).
Albany Academy for Girls (2002).

Personal

Elise Marie Stefanik was born July 2, 1984, in Albany, NY. Parents are Ken and Melanie Stefanik, owners and operators of Premium Plywood Products.
In 2017 she married Matthew Manda whom she met while he was communications director for Kevin Yoder, a freshman Kansas congressman. He works in communications, marketing, and media at Strategic Communications.
She enjoys the theater and playing on the congressional softball team. The couple split their time between D.C. and Schuylerville, NY.