SAINT PAUL – Secretary of State Steve Simon today announced two appointments, Election Security Cyber Navigator Bill Ekblad, and Press Secretary Risikat Adesaogun to round out his administration team.
“We are thrilled that Bill and Risikat have joined our office,” said Secretary of State Steve Simon. “They each bring an outstanding set of skills and experiences in service to the people of Minnesota.”
Ekblad, who served nearly 27 years as a U.S. Navy Cryptologic Officer, was drawn by the challenge of continuing public service in his home state while enhancing election security as Minnesota’s first Cyber Navigator.
“I’m excited to be on board and working with such dedicated and tireless professionals; it’s clear that Secretary Simon and this entire team are firmly committed to ensuring the cyber security and overall integrity of Minnesota’s elections,” said Ekblad. “I look forward to building critical, information-sharing relationships across federal, state, county, and local IT and elections officials. Together, we’ll form the strong, interconnected state-wide team required to respond to whatever unpredictable cyber challenges may arise in the busy election year ahead.”
Adesaogun, also a Minnesota native, most recently worked with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency communicating about high profile environmental issues. Ms. Adesaogun will join Secretary Simon’s team as Press Secretary and Deputy Communications Director.
“This is a great time to be joining such a talented team,” said Adesaogun. “2020 is going to be an exciting year and I look forward to communicating about our work and serving Minnesotans throughout the state.”