Darin Hanson, Critical Infrastructure Program and security manager for the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES), recently was accepted to the master’s degree program in Security Studies at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS). Hanson is one of only four North Dakotans to have ever been selected to complete an academic program with the nation’s homeland security educator in Monterey, California.
During the 18-month online and in-residence program, Hanson, of Mandan, North Dakota, will collaborate with homeland security officials from across the nation on current homeland security policy, strategy and organizational design challenges. He will begin coursework in September.
“Being selected to the Center for Homeland Defense and Security’s master’s program not only is a significant achievement for Darin, but it also will yield positive results for our entire team, as well as our stakeholders within North Dakota,” said Cody Schulz, North Dakota Homeland Security director. “We and other state agencies understand the importance of encouraging employees to seek out professional development so we can build better leaders to serve our communities.”
Hanson has held numerous positions within NDDES with responsibilities for critical infrastructure security and resilience. In his position as security manager, he leads and coordinates state programs and policies on critical infrastructure security while establishing partnerships across government and the private sector for best practices.
Hanson has been employed with NDDES for more than five years. During that time, he has helped initiate a cyber security task force and was instrumental in founding the statewide CyberCon event, which is a cybersecurity and critical information conference held in partnership with Bismarck State College. Hanson also has forged relationships with school safety security partners in North Dakota, including with the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. He also regularly conducts site visits to advise on critical infrastructure security measures.
“I’m looking forward to this opportunity to represent North Dakota in the homeland security enterprise,” Hanson said. “I’m honored to be selected for the master’s program, but I also realize the hard work is just beginning. The academic challenge will be rigorous, but I expect to embrace it and bring knowledge back to assist our agency in serving our citizens.”
A graduate of the University of Mary in Bismarck, Hanson holds a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration. He also served in the Montana Army National Guard for more than 20 years, achieving the rank of sergeant first class. He deployed to Afghanistan from 2012-2013, working at a tactical operations center while also leading an intel section within a military police unit. He also spent more than a year in Alaska working in law enforcement.
Thirty-two applicants were accepted to join this iteration of the CHDS master’s program cohort. They represent a snapshot of the homeland security enterprise, including professionals from the fields of emergency management, education, law enforcement, fire service, homeland security, public health and city/county government.
According to NPS, CHDS, master’s degree students develop critical thinking, leadership and policy skills during a rigorous 18-month program. Each graduate completes a thesis on a current issue facing his/her jurisdiction. These theses often translate into policy and practice. The CHDS is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Preparedness Directorate, within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For information, visit www.chds.us.
ABOUT NPS: The mission of the Naval Postgraduate School is to provide unique advanced education and research programs in order to increase the combat effectiveness of the U.S. and Allied armed forces as well as enhance the security of the United States. For information, visit www.nps.edu.