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The Principals Committee
The CIG is a community of cyber professionals led by a group of distinguished experts with decades of experience. CIG Principals meet four times a year to help set the agenda for CIG Virtual Summits. They bring deep expertise and diverse perspective to the challenges of security, education, and collaboration in cyber.
Dmitri Alperovitch
Executive Chairman, Silverado Policy Accelerator
Dmitri Alperovitch is the Executive Chairman at Silverado Policy Accelerator and is a former CTO of CrowdStrike. In 2016, Alperovitch revealed Russian intelligence agencies’ hacking of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), events which unveiled the full scope of cyber influence operations being launched against the 2016 US Election. Alperovitch is currently a Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center’s Defending Digital Democracy Project and a Senior Fellow at Atlantic Council. He formerly served on the RSA Conference Advisory Board.
Dmitri Alperovitch is the Executive Chairman at Silverado Policy Accelerator and is a former CTO of CrowdStrike. In 2016, Alperovitch revealed Russian intelligence agencies’ hacking of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), events which unveiled the full scope of cyber influence operations being launched against the 2016 US Election. Alperovitch is currently a Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center’s Defending Digital Democracy Project and a Senior Fellow at Atlantic Council. He formerly served on the RSA Conference Advisory Board.
George C. Barnes
Former Deputy Director, NSA & President, Red Cell Partners
Mr. George C. Barnes is the President of Red Cell Partners’ Cyber Practice and a Partner at the
firm. In this role, he oversees the pursuit of start-up company incubations focused on
cybersecurity opportunities spanning commercial and government sectors. He ensures optimized
market gap responsiveness of new incubations and guides Red Cell’s platform team support as
young cybersecurity companies progress through their early-stage business lifecycles. As a Red
Cell Partner, Mr. Barnes applies his national security and cybersecurity domain expertise to Red
Cell’s National Security and Healthcare Practice incubation activities and oversees the company’s
overall cyber-related investment strategy.
Mr. Barnes engages in numerous national security- and cybersecurity-related activities:
- Chairman, Board of Directors, National Cryptologic Foundation
- Senior Fellow, McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Security, Auburn
University
- Member, Aspen Global Cybersecurity Group
Mr. Barnes served as the Deputy Director and senior civilian leader of the U.S. National Security
Agency (NSA) from April 2017 through September 2023. In this role, Mr. Barnes served as NSA’s
chief operating officer, overseeing strategy, policy, and operations. As an agency deputy in the
U.S. national security system, Mr. Barnes supported the U.S. defense and intelligence enterprise
in national security strategy execution and the formulation of supporting policies. He positioned
NSA as an integrated mission partner enabling U.S. decision advantage and security against
foreign threats.
Over his 36-year career at the NSA, Mr. Barnes held numerous technical and organizational
leadership roles spanning intelligence collection operations, intelligence target analysis, foreign
liaison and industrial
Mr. George C. Barnes is the President of Red Cell Partners’ Cyber Practice and a Partner at the
firm. In this role, he oversees the pursuit of start-up company incubations focused on
cybersecurity opportunities spanning commercial and government sectors. He ensures optimized
market gap responsiveness of new incubations and guides Red Cell’s platform team support as
young cybersecurity companies progress through their early-stage business lifecycles. As a Red
Cell Partner, Mr. Barnes applies his national security and cybersecurity domain expertise to Red
Cell’s National Security and Healthcare Practice incubation activities and oversees the company’s
overall cyber-related investment strategy.
Mr. Barnes engages in numerous national security- and cybersecurity-related activities:
- Chairman, Board of Directors, National Cryptologic Foundation
- Senior Fellow, McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Security, Auburn
University
- Member, Aspen Global Cybersecurity Group
Mr. Barnes served as the Deputy Director and senior civilian leader of the U.S. National Security
Agency (NSA) from April 2017 through September 2023. In this role, Mr. Barnes served as NSA’s
chief operating officer, overseeing strategy, policy, and operations. As an agency deputy in the
U.S. national security system, Mr. Barnes supported the U.S. defense and intelligence enterprise
in national security strategy execution and the formulation of supporting policies. He positioned
NSA as an integrated mission partner enabling U.S. decision advantage and security against
foreign threats.
Over his 36-year career at the NSA, Mr. Barnes held numerous technical and organizational
leadership roles spanning intelligence collection operations, intelligence target analysis, foreign
liaison and industrial
Kelly Bissell
Fraud and Abuse Lead, Microsoft
Kelly Bissell joined Microsoft as CVP in 2022.
Prior to this, Bissell led Accenture’s Global Security business and oversaw security services including strategic consulting, cyber defense, digital identity, response and remediation services, and managed security services. With more than 25 years of security industry experience, Bissell specializes in breach incident response, identity management, privacy and data protection, secure software development, and cyber risk management. His role at Accenture spanned strategic consulting, proactive risk management and digital identity to cyber defense, response and remediation services, and managed security services—across all industries.
Kelly Bissell joined Microsoft as CVP in 2022.
Prior to this, Bissell led Accenture’s Global Security business and oversaw security services including strategic consulting, cyber defense, digital identity, response and remediation services, and managed security services. With more than 25 years of security industry experience, Bissell specializes in breach incident response, identity management, privacy and data protection, secure software development, and cyber risk management. His role at Accenture spanned strategic consulting, proactive risk management and digital identity to cyber defense, response and remediation services, and managed security services—across all industries.
Andrew Boyd
Former Senior Intelligence Service Officer, Directorate of Operations, CIA
Andy Boyd was a Senior Intelligence Service officer in the Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations (DO). His most recent assignment was Director of the CIA’s Center for Cyber Intelligence (CCI) which is responsible for intelligence collection, analysis, and operations focused on foreign cyber threats to US interests. This position required regular interaction with DCIA, the White House, Congress, and senior officials from DoD, FBI, DHS, and an array of senior foreign partners from across the globe.
Andy has experience leading worldwide intelligence operations and has in-depth knowledge of geopolitics, cyber operations, and security practices and risk mitigation. He is a respected thought leader within the USG cyber and intelligence communities with expertise in cyber threats, intelligence collection, covert action, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cyber operations and strategic analysis.
Andy Boyd was a Senior Intelligence Service officer in the Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations (DO). His most recent assignment was Director of the CIA’s Center for Cyber Intelligence (CCI) which is responsible for intelligence collection, analysis, and operations focused on foreign cyber threats to US interests. This position required regular interaction with DCIA, the White House, Congress, and senior officials from DoD, FBI, DHS, and an array of senior foreign partners from across the globe.
Andy has experience leading worldwide intelligence operations and has in-depth knowledge of geopolitics, cyber operations, and security practices and risk mitigation. He is a respected thought leader within the USG cyber and intelligence communities with expertise in cyber threats, intelligence collection, covert action, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cyber operations and strategic analysis.
John Carlin
Cipher Brief Expert, Partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Former Cipher Brief Expert John P. Carlin currently serves as the U.S. Acting Deputy Attorney General. He formerly chaired Morrison & Foerster’s Global Risk and Crisis Management practice, advising industry-leading organizations in sensitive cyber and other national security matters, white collar investigations, and government enforcement actions. He is author of Dawn of the Code War: America’s Battle Against Russia, China and the Rising Global Cyber Threat.
Mr. Carlin previously served as Assistant Attorney General for National Security, overseeing nearly 400 employees responsible for protecting the nation against terrorism, espionage, and cyber and other national security threats. During his tenure, the National Security Division (NSD): investigated the attack on Sony Entertainment’s computer systems; secured the first federal jury conviction on charges brought under the Economic Espionage Act of 1996; and led DOJ’s participation on the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States.
Prior to assuming his role in the NSD, Mr. Carlin served as Chief of Staff and Senior Counsel to Robert S. Mueller, III, former director of the FBI, where he helped lead the FBI’s evolution to meet growing and changing national security threats, including cyber threats. Mr. Carlin also held positions as National Coordinator of the DOJ’s Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Program and Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, where he prosecuted cyber, fraud, and public corruption matters, among others, trying more than 40 cases to verdict.
Former Cipher Brief Expert John P. Carlin currently serves as the U.S. Acting Deputy Attorney General. He formerly chaired Morrison & Foerster’s Global Risk and Crisis Management practice, advising industry-leading organizations in sensitive cyber and other national security matters, white collar investigations, and government enforcement actions. He is author of Dawn of the Code War: America’s Battle Against Russia, China and the Rising Global Cyber Threat.
Mr. Carlin previously served as Assistant Attorney General for National Security, overseeing nearly 400 employees responsible for protecting the nation against terrorism, espionage, and cyber and other national security threats. During his tenure, the National Security Division (NSD): investigated the attack on Sony Entertainment’s computer systems; secured the first federal jury conviction on charges brought under the Economic Espionage Act of 1996; and led DOJ’s participation on the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States.
Prior to assuming his role in the NSD, Mr. Carlin served as Chief of Staff and Senior Counsel to Robert S. Mueller, III, former director of the FBI, where he helped lead the FBI’s evolution to meet growing and changing national security threats, including cyber threats. Mr. Carlin also held positions as National Coordinator of the DOJ’s Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Program and Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, where he prosecuted cyber, fraud, and public corruption matters, among others, trying more than 40 cases to verdict.
Frank Cilluffo
Director of Auburn University's McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure
Frank J. Cilluffo serves as Director of Auburn University’s McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure. He has decades of national and homeland security experience derived from working inside and outside government including serving as a Special Assistant for Homeland Security to President Bush in the White House, immediately following the 9/11 attacks on the US. He recently served as a commissioner on the Cyberspace Solarium Commission and chaired a handful of committees for the Homeland Security Advisory Council on economic security, cybersecurity and counterterrorism. He has testified before Congress dozens of times and has published extensively in major media.
Frank J. Cilluffo serves as Director of Auburn University’s McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure. He has decades of national and homeland security experience derived from working inside and outside government including serving as a Special Assistant for Homeland Security to President Bush in the White House, immediately following the 9/11 attacks on the US. He recently served as a commissioner on the Cyberspace Solarium Commission and chaired a handful of committees for the Homeland Security Advisory Council on economic security, cybersecurity and counterterrorism. He has testified before Congress dozens of times and has published extensively in major media.
Gary Corn
Director of the Technology, Law, & Security Program, American University
Michael Daniel
Former Special Assistant to the President for Cybersecurity
Michael leads the CTA team and oversees the organization’s operations. Prior to joining the CTA in February 2017, Michael served as Special Assistant to President Obama and as Cybersecurity Coordinator on the National Security Council Staff. In this role, Michael led the development of national cybersecurity strategy and policy, and ensured that the US government effectively partnered with the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and other nations.
Michael leads the CTA team and oversees the organization’s operations. Prior to joining the CTA in February 2017, Michael served as Special Assistant to President Obama and as Cybersecurity Coordinator on the National Security Council Staff. In this role, Michael led the development of national cybersecurity strategy and policy, and ensured that the US government effectively partnered with the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and other nations.
Jon Darby
Former Director of the Operations Directorate, NSA/CSS
Jennifer Ewbank
Former Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency for Digital Innovation
Jennifer Ewbank, served as Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency for Digital Innovation from October 2019 until January 2024, where she led transformation of one the world’s most sophisticated and secure digital technology ecosystems.
Jennifer Ewbank, served as Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency for Digital Innovation from October 2019 until January 2024, where she led transformation of one the world’s most sophisticated and secure digital technology ecosystems.
Candice Frost COL (R.)
Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University
Colonel Frost retired in 2023 from the United States Army after more than twenty-five years of service in intelligence and cyber operations, including tours of duty in the Balkans and multiple deployments to Afghanistan. She was instrumental in the integration of women into combat arms and served close to half of her career in infantry divisions. Colonel Frost is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University instructing on cybersecurity, strategy, and policy. She is also a small business owner on leadership and mentoring to encourage women in national security.
Colonel Frost retired in 2023 from the United States Army after more than twenty-five years of service in intelligence and cyber operations, including tours of duty in the Balkans and multiple deployments to Afghanistan. She was instrumental in the integration of women into combat arms and served close to half of her career in infantry divisions. Colonel Frost is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University instructing on cybersecurity, strategy, and policy. She is also a small business owner on leadership and mentoring to encourage women in national security.
Laura Galante
Principal, WestExec Advisors
Glenn Gerstell
Former General Counsel, National Security Agency
Glenn S. Gerstell, a Senior Adviser at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, served as the General Counsel of the NSA and Central Security Service from 2015 to 2020. Prior to this, Mr. Gerstell practiced law for almost 40 years at Milbank, LLP, focusing on the global telecommunications industry and serving as the managing partner of four offices. He has written and spoken widely about the intersections of technology, national security, and privacy. He served on the President’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council, which reports to the President and the Secretary of Homeland Security on security threats to the nation’s infrastructure, as well as on the District of Columbia Homeland Security Commission.
Glenn S. Gerstell, a Senior Adviser at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, served as the General Counsel of the NSA and Central Security Service from 2015 to 2020. Prior to this, Mr. Gerstell practiced law for almost 40 years at Milbank, LLP, focusing on the global telecommunications industry and serving as the managing partner of four offices. He has written and spoken widely about the intersections of technology, national security, and privacy. He served on the President’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council, which reports to the President and the Secretary of Homeland Security on security threats to the nation’s infrastructure, as well as on the District of Columbia Homeland Security Commission.
The Hon. Susan Gordon
Partner, Gordon Ventures / Former PDDNI, ODNI
The Honorable Susan M. Gordon is former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI). Prior to ODNI, Gordon served in multiple leadership roles in the IC including as Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and 27 years at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where she held senior executive positions in four of the Agency’s directorates. In 1998, she designed and drove the formation of In-Q-Tel, a private, non-profit company created to deliver innovative technology solutions for the agency and the IC.
The Honorable Susan M. Gordon is former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDNI). Prior to ODNI, Gordon served in multiple leadership roles in the IC including as Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and 27 years at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where she held senior executive positions in four of the Agency’s directorates. In 1998, she designed and drove the formation of In-Q-Tel, a private, non-profit company created to deliver innovative technology solutions for the agency and the IC.
Lieutenant General Michael Groen (US Marine Corps, Ret.)
Former Director, Joint Artificial Intelligence Center
Lieutenant General Michael Groen (US Marine Corps, Ret.) served over 36 years in the U.S. military, culminating his career as the senior executive for AI in the Department. Groen also served in the National Security Agency overseeing Computer Network Operations, and as the Director of Joint Staff Intelligence, working closely with the Chairman and Senior Leaders across the Department. He is an experienced Marine commander and multi-tour combat veteran. Groen earned Masters Degrees in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School
Lieutenant General Michael Groen (US Marine Corps, Ret.) served over 36 years in the U.S. military, culminating his career as the senior executive for AI in the Department. Groen also served in the National Security Agency overseeing Computer Network Operations, and as the Director of Joint Staff Intelligence, working closely with the Chairman and Senior Leaders across the Department. He is an experienced Marine commander and multi-tour combat veteran. Groen earned Masters Degrees in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School
Robert Hannigan
Chairman, BlueVoyant / Former GCHQ Director
Robert Hannigan serves as Chairman of BlueVoyant. He previously served as Director of GCHQ, the UK’s largest intelligence agency (and NSA equivalent) from 2014-17. Hannigan established the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre in 2016 and was responsible for the UK’s active cyber defence and offensive cyber programs. He spent twenty years in national security roles, including serving as the Prime Minister’s Security Adviser from 2007-2010. Hannigan is a long-standing member of the UK’s Joint Intelligence Committee.
Robert Hannigan serves as Chairman of BlueVoyant. He previously served as Director of GCHQ, the UK’s largest intelligence agency (and NSA equivalent) from 2014-17. Hannigan established the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre in 2016 and was responsible for the UK’s active cyber defence and offensive cyber programs. He spent twenty years in national security roles, including serving as the Prime Minister’s Security Adviser from 2007-2010. Hannigan is a long-standing member of the UK’s Joint Intelligence Committee.
Matt Hayden
Former A/S for Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk and Resilience Policy, DHS
Matt Hayden served as the Assistant Secretary for Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk and Resilience Policy at DHS where he was responsible for leading policy development in support of department-wide efforts to reduce national risks with a focus on critical infrastructure cybersecurity, federal network security, countering cyber-crime, and improving the security and resilience of the global cyber ecosystem, as well as national resilience initiatives that enhance Federal, State, and local government and community preparedness and response capabilities. Additionally, he served as an expert advisor on Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk and Resilience matters to the Under Secretary, Secretary, and other high-level officials.
Matt Hayden served as the Assistant Secretary for Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk and Resilience Policy at DHS where he was responsible for leading policy development in support of department-wide efforts to reduce national risks with a focus on critical infrastructure cybersecurity, federal network security, countering cyber-crime, and improving the security and resilience of the global cyber ecosystem, as well as national resilience initiatives that enhance Federal, State, and local government and community preparedness and response capabilities. Additionally, he served as an expert advisor on Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk and Resilience matters to the Under Secretary, Secretary, and other high-level officials.
General Michael Hayden (Ret.)
Former CIA Director / Former NSA Director
General Michael Hayden is a retired four-star general who served as director of both the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. General Hayden also served as the country’s first principal deputy director of national intelligence and the highest-ranking military intelligence officer in the country. Hayden previously served as commander of the Air Intelligence Agency and Director of the Joint Command and Control Warfare Center and served in senior staff positions at the Pentagon, U.S. European Command, and the National Security Council.
General Michael Hayden is a retired four-star general who served as director of both the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. General Hayden also served as the country’s first principal deputy director of national intelligence and the highest-ranking military intelligence officer in the country. Hayden previously served as commander of the Air Intelligence Agency and Director of the Joint Command and Control Warfare Center and served in senior staff positions at the Pentagon, U.S. European Command, and the National Security Council.
The Hon. Leslie Ireland
Board Member, Citi Group / Former Asst. Secretary of the Treasury for Intelligence and Analysis
The Honorable Leslie Ireland joined Treasury in 2010, after serving 25 years at CIA where she specialized in Iran, the Middle East and WMD. From 2008-2010, Ireland served as daily intelligence briefer to President. As the first DNI Iran Mission Manager from 2005-2008, she served as the principal advisor to the DNI on Iran and was responsible for overseeing the intelligence process on Iran for the entire US government. Ireland sits on the Board of Directors at Citigroup, Inc. and The Stimson Center.
The Honorable Leslie Ireland joined Treasury in 2010, after serving 25 years at CIA where she specialized in Iran, the Middle East and WMD. From 2008-2010, Ireland served as daily intelligence briefer to President. As the first DNI Iran Mission Manager from 2005-2008, she served as the principal advisor to the DNI on Iran and was responsible for overseeing the intelligence process on Iran for the entire US government. Ireland sits on the Board of Directors at Citigroup, Inc. and The Stimson Center.
Rob Joyce
Former Director of Cybersecurity, National Security Agency
Rob served 34 years at the NSA, where he spent his final years as the head of the Agency’s cybersecurity directorate. He also served on the White House National Security Council as a Special Assistant to the President and Cybersecurity Coordinator, as well as Acting Homeland Security Advisor. Throughout his career, he led operations pursuing the most sophisticated hackers and innovated technologies to protect vital national assets — including the the US classified networks and nuclear authorization codes. He remains dedicated to upholding our national security in the cyber realm.
Rob served 34 years at the NSA, where he spent his final years as the head of the Agency’s cybersecurity directorate. He also served on the White House National Security Council as a Special Assistant to the President and Cybersecurity Coordinator, as well as Acting Homeland Security Advisor. Throughout his career, he led operations pursuing the most sophisticated hackers and innovated technologies to protect vital national assets — including the the US classified networks and nuclear authorization codes. He remains dedicated to upholding our national security in the cyber realm.
Christopher Krebs
Partner, Krebs-Stamos Group
Rick Ledgett
Former Deputy Director of NSA
Kevin Mandia
CEO of Mandiant
Kevin Mandia is the Chief Executive Officer of Mandiant and previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of FireEye, a position he held from June 2016 through September 2021. Mandia was appointed to the company’s Board of Directors in February 2016. As CEO of Mandiant, Mandia grew the company to more than $100 million in revenue and has spent more than 20 years in information security. He is a former United States Air Force Officer and former special agent in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Kevin Mandia is the Chief Executive Officer of Mandiant and previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of FireEye, a position he held from June 2016 through September 2021. Mandia was appointed to the company’s Board of Directors in February 2016. As CEO of Mandiant, Mandia grew the company to more than $100 million in revenue and has spent more than 20 years in information security. He is a former United States Air Force Officer and former special agent in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Jeanette Manfra
Director of Risk & Compliance at Google Cloud; Former A/S for Cybersecurity and Communications, DHS
Jeanette Manfra is Director of Risk & Compliance at Google Cloud and is the former Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Communications at the Department of Homeland Security. She previously served as Counselor to the Secretary and served as Director for Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity as part of the National Security Council staff from 2014-2015. Prior to that she served as Deputy Director of both Enterprise Performance Management and the Office of Emergency Communications at the Department of Homeland Security.
Jeanette Manfra is Director of Risk & Compliance at Google Cloud and is the former Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Communications at the Department of Homeland Security. She previously served as Counselor to the Secretary and served as Director for Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity as part of the National Security Council staff from 2014-2015. Prior to that she served as Deputy Director of both Enterprise Performance Management and the Office of Emergency Communications at the Department of Homeland Security.
Lt. Gen. Kevin McLaughlin
Former Deputy Director, U.S. Cyber Command
Lt. Gen. James K. “Kevin” McLaughlin served as the Deputy Commander, U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) in Fort Meade, Maryland.
General McLaughlin entered the Air Force in 1983 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has commanded at the squadron, group, wing and numbered air force levels and has served on the staffs at major command headquarters, combatant command headquarters, the National Reconnaissance Office, Air Force headquarters, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Prior to assuming his current position, General McLaughlin was the Commander, 24th Air Force and Commander, Air Forces Cyber, Joint Base San Antonio – Lackland, Texas.
Lt. Gen. James K. “Kevin” McLaughlin served as the Deputy Commander, U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) in Fort Meade, Maryland.
General McLaughlin entered the Air Force in 1983 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has commanded at the squadron, group, wing and numbered air force levels and has served on the staffs at major command headquarters, combatant command headquarters, the National Reconnaissance Office, Air Force headquarters, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Prior to assuming his current position, General McLaughlin was the Commander, 24th Air Force and Commander, Air Forces Cyber, Joint Base San Antonio – Lackland, Texas.
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