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Saying cyber security is “at the forefront of everything that we do,” and crucial to the country’s national security strategy, U.S. Defense Assistant Secretary for Networks and Information Integration and Department of Defense (DOD) Chief Information Officer Teri M. Takai pledged “to continue to secure our network, our data and our infrastructure,” and also to continue strengthening the entire infrastructure.

“This is our commitment to the nation,” she stressed.

“I see IT to be a part of that efficiency, not just in delivering cyber security, but also from the standpoint of the way we deliver it,” she told over 300 Information Technology presidents and CEOs, as well as other industry leaders, at a recent reception in her honor.

She also underscored the need “for a very strong partnership and a tight link between the Office of the CIO and CyberCom” at the Pentagon, citing a policy priority of U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates. “We are the Cyber Team,” she said, adding it was an honor to work with the Pentagon’s CyberCom.

She also said during the question and answer period, “It is an honor and a privilege…to take this role of public service.” She added she felt very lucky “to have the opportunity to be able to come and take on this big challenge.”

Defense Assistant Secretary Takai is the first Japanese American and the first Asian American to be appointed to the position. She made the statements at the reception, hosted by Tech America with support from major IT sponsors, on January 19. Venue was the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

Tech America President & CEO Phil Bond introduced her, noting her “successful stints in California and Michigan” and her award in 2005 as “Official of the Year.” Assistant Secreary Takai was most recently the Chief Information Officer (CIO) in California.

She joined the audience in applauding the men and women in uniform for their service. At the beginning and end of the program, Bond had urged those present to salute those in uniform, praising them for “the responsibility” that comes with their service.

Defense Assistant Secretary Takai told the IT industry leaders, “You are all important to the success of the DOD,” adding it would be difficult “without your partnership and strong support.”

She said Defense Secretary Gates “feels very strongly that technology is very important” going into the future. “We are reminded every day how heavily dependent we are on technology,” she pointed out. During the Q & A, she said technological innovations come from companies both large and small.

She acknowledged “the challenges that we face going forward” from a budget perspective. “We really look forward to the opportunities, the challenges and assets that we have to deliver the services in a cost-effective way.”

Officials from Accenture, one of the event sponsors that have dealt with her in California, expressed confidence in her ability to deliver despite budget constraints. Remarked Accenture Executive Director David M. Chen: “She’s well-respected and well-liked. The fact that she held a similar job in California, with its enormous budget challenges, makes her an excellent choice for this position.”

Access

Defense Assistant Secretary Takai exuded confidence. She was very open and accessible, even opening the floor for questions. She displayed a sense of humor when asked by a radio reporter, “How important are you?” She joined the audience in the laughter, and quipped, “I don’t know yet.” Turning serious, she replied, “Access is important.” She has access to the top Pentagon officials, all the way to Defense Secretary Gates.

Savvy in Washington bureaucratic ways and lingo, she is determined to get the Pentagon terminology straight, admitting to being at sea during a conference call. “I couldn’t understand a thing, but I didn’t want to interrupt anyone to ask about what the acronyms were,” she said.

She began her remarks by acknowledging her predecessor “for giving me a clear view of the challenges and about the organization,” and pledged to build on his work. She also warmly greeted former co-workers and other individuals in the audience, praising them for their work and dedication.

During the Q & A, Asian Fortune asked her reaction to her appointment, noting community pride in her achievement and “how great this country is, appointing a woman and a minority to a position which has an impact on such an important issue as national security.”

She replied, “I take this very seriously, in being able to be a role model for others like me. I never thought I’d be standing here.” She added her career path has been more about serendipity and good luck. “It’s an honor and a privilege to take this role of public service,” she stressed.

She impressed those present with her substance and style. She spoke extemporaneously, without notes.

Some noted she had no aide standing by her side. A company official waiting in line with Cisco Systems, Inc. Defense Headquarters Operation Client Director Michael McDonald, said, “That’s the way she is. I heard she preferred it this way, she didn’t want an aide close by.”

IT president and CEOs and others patiently waited at a long, informal receiving line to personally welcome her to the nation’s capital. Defense Assistant Secretary Takai took time talking with everyone an hour before the program started at 6:30 p.m., and again after her remarks.