Get to Know Michigan Chief Security Officer Rex Menold

Why It Matters

By unifying cyber and physical security under one chief, Michigan aims to cut breach risks and enhance overall state resilience.

Key Takeaways

• Menold brings 13 years of Medicaid cyber compliance experience.
• Thrives on chaos, sees security crises as opportunities.
• Oversees Michigan’s cyber defenses and physical infrastructure protection.
• Manages key cards, cameras, fire systems, and emergency response.
• Integrates cyber training with physical security awareness for state employees.

Summary

Michigan’s newly profiled Chief Security Officer, Rex Menold, outlines his 13‑year journey from Medicaid compliance to overseeing the state’s entire security apparatus.

Menold emphasizes his comfort with rapid change, describing himself as the go‑to leader when systems crumble. He heads the Office of Infrastructure Protection, which controls key‑card issuance, locksmith services, surveillance cameras, fire alarms, emergency response, and statewide training programs.

He notes that cyber and physical security often intersect, citing joint testing of building defenses alongside digital penetration tests. Training sessions now blend phishing awareness with reminders not to let unauthorized individuals tailgate through doors.

The integrated approach signals Michigan’s commitment to a holistic security strategy, potentially reducing breach costs and improving resilience across both digital and physical domains.

Original Description

Rex Menold's title is missing the "I" that most of his counterparts across the country have in their titles. That's due to Michigan's unique take on the role, which spans both cybersecurity and physical infrastructure.

About our guest: Rex Menold is the chief security officer for the state of Michigan.

Government Technology is the award-winning national magazine covering information technology's role in state and local governments. Keep up on government tech trends at https://www.govtech.com.