We are proud to share that Anne Dames, IBM Z Systems Distinguished Engineer, has been appointed to join the prestigious Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board (ISPAB), a key advisory group to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). 

Anne Dames is an IBM Z Distinguished Engineer in the Infrastructure Performance and Firmware Development organization, focusing on the quantum-safe roadmap and emerging cryptographic technologies.  With over 30 years of experience, she has played a key role in the development of IBM’s Hardware Security Module product line and its Common Cryptographic Architecture, which encompasses general purpose and financial cryptographic services. In her present work, she determines and specifies the cryptography deployment strategy across the IBM Z system platform. She is the leader of the core teams that execute the quantum-safe adoption strategy for IBM Z systems as well as the IBM infrastructure organization, which includes collaborating with key security leaders in servers, storage, associated software, and hybrid cloud.  Notably, Anne led IBM’s effort to leverage quantum-safe cryptography on IBM Z and LinuxONE Enterprise Server platforms, including the introduction of the industry's first quantum-safe systems, the IBM Z16 and LinuxONE 4. 

The ISPAB was established in 1987 to advise NIST on information security and privacy issues. Its responsibilities were expanded in 2002 to include advising the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget on matters pertaining to federal government information systems. The Board's objectives include identifying emerging managerial, technical, administrative, and physical safeguard issues related to information security and privacy, as well as reviewing NIST’s proposed standards and guidelines developed. 

Beyond her technical achievements, Anne is an active contributor to the cybersecurity community. She has spoken at several prominent industry events such as the RSA Conference, the International Cryptographic Module Conference, Women Who Code, a number of recognized industry security conferences and the National Cryptologic Foundation’s Convening to Act Quantum Resistant Cryptography (QRC) series. Anne is a member of the InterNational Committee for Information Technology Standards (INCITS)/Inclusive Terminology Technical Committee and the NIST National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography Working Group. She also serves on the advisory board of HOPE Worldwide Charlotte. Anne earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Johnson C. Smith University and her master’s degree in computer science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

Anne's appointment reflects NIST's commitment to engaging leading industry experts in its mission to enhance the security and privacy of federal information systems. Her extensive experience and forward-thinking vision are expected to make impactful contributions to the Board's efforts in shaping the future of cybersecurity.