Near the end of a successful cybersecurity for critical infrastructure training event in Corpus Christi, Texas, last week, the Cybersecurity Manufacturing and Innovation Institute (CyManII) welcomed Vice Admiral Timothy James “TJ” White USN (Ret.), Chief of the Texas Cyber Command (TXCC), to speak to attendees about the need for a collective defense in cyberspace.
“Having Chief White join CyManII was incredibly meaningful,” said Dr. Howard Grimes, CyManII CEO. “He understands the value of collaboration and brings a perspective that perfectly complements our work. His presence reinforces that safeguarding our infrastructure depends on coordination, trust, and a shared commitment across all sectors.”
White delivered a message that resonated deeply with CyManII’s mission of fostering community-wide cybersecurity engagement and collaboration under its “Secure Together” initiative as cyber threats to critical infrastructure rise nationwide.
“If you don’t have infrastructure [or] cyberspace, there’d be no hot water, no fuel at the pump, no H-E-B … no barbecue,” White said. “I’m trying to make it hit home [with] those things that are … real Texas.”
A retired Navy veteran with 37 years of service, White shared his background and drew parallels between his family’s history in refineries and pipelines and Corpus Christi’s deep ties to the petrochemical and energy sectors.