WASHINGTON -- The Heritage Foundation announced Thursday that Senior Research Fellow Lora Ries will be the new director of the organization's Center for Technology Policy. 

The mission of the center, located within Heritage's esteemed Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy, is to formulate policy addressing the most pressing technology and cybersecurity issues facing the nation today, and to educate policymakers, the media, and the American people about conservative solutions that will make America stronger, safer, and more prosperous. 

Ries has served as a senior research fellow for homeland security since January 2020, working on a number of critical security issues, including immigration and border security, cybersecurity, and the federal response to riots across the country during the past year.   

Before joining Heritage, she served multiple times in the Department of Homeland Security, most recently as acting deputy chief of staff. She also previously worked as counsel for the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims. She started her career at the Department of Justice’s Board of Immigration Appeals, and the Immigration and Naturalization Service.  

Heritage President Kay C. James released the following statement about Ries' promotion to this leadership role: 

“The Heritage Foundation established our Center for Technology Policy to confront some of the biggest issues facing America today. Technology is rapidly changing our lives and Americans are looking for policy solutions on everything from Big Tech censorship to confronting China’s growing use of technology to expand its influence. We are fortunate to have a talented leader like Lora take charge and lead Heritage’s efforts in this area. She brings great experience from government and the private sector. I look forward to working with her as we continue to build a best-in-class team of experts on technology policy.”

Ries replaces former director Klon Kitchen, who is departing Heritage after more than three years working on technology policy. 

James Carafano, vice president of the Davis Institute and E.W. Richardson fellow, said the following of Kitchen's service: 

“Klon joined Heritage at a critical time in our nation’s history, and his research efforts played a vital role in advancing the ball on a number of policy fronts, from censorship, to China and Huawei, to Section 230 reform. Those who care about freedom and securing our country have a lot to thank him for. The Heritage family wishes him all the best in his endeavors, and we know he will continue making an important impact for our country.” 

To arrange an interview with Ries, please email Gloria Taylor, Davis Institute communications manager, [email protected].