In her role, Donathan will oversee all aspects of the institute’s operations, including requirements, priorities, budgets, systems and processes. She will also work closely with industry and government partners to ensure robust and ongoing support for the ICS mission.
Donathan brings extensive experience in cybersecurity from her most recent position as the senior technical advisor at United States Cyber Command’s Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Networks (JFHQ-DODIN), a key partner with Marshall’s ICS. At JFHQ-DODIN, she played a vital role in advising leadership on cybersecurity threats and shaping policies related to cyber threat management and mitigations for Department of Defense (DOD) networks.
In addition to her distinguished service at JFHQ-DODIN, Donathan previously served as a technical architect with Palo Alto Networks, where she led the deployment of cybersecurity capabilities for the DOD. Her work involved designing solutions that balanced business needs with cybersecurity requirements, showcasing her expertise in aligning strategic objectives with cutting-edge security practices.
Donathan’s military background further enhances her role at the ICS. She served in the Massachusetts Air National Guard, rising to the rank of master sergeant before her commissioning as a second lieutenant in December 2023. During her service, she deployed multiple times.
“I am thrilled to join Marshall University and lead the Institute for Cyber Security,” said Donathan. “In today’s rapidly evolving cyber landscape, Marshall’s commitment to education and innovation is essential. I look forward to building on our partnerships, strengthening our security frameworks, and ensuring that ICS remains at the forefront of cybersecurity excellence.”
Marshall’s chief legal officer and the vice president for strategic initiatives and corporate relations, Toney Stroud, expressed confidence in Donathan’s appointment.
“Alex’s extensive background in cybersecurity and her dedication to advancing cyber defense make her the perfect choice to lead the ICS,” he said. “Her leadership will undoubtedly position the ICS as a premier center for cybersecurity education and innovation.”
As executive director, Donathan will drive the ICS’s strategic initiatives and engage with partners to enhance Marshall University’s cybersecurity capabilities, ensuring that the ICS continues to make significant contributions to the cybersecurity field.
Learn more about Marshall’s ICS at www.marshall.edu/ics.