Prior to joining Civitas, David Howe served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Homeland Security Council at the White House. While there, he coordinated policy on issues ranging from WMD defense and counterterrorism to disaster response and preparedness. He also served as the Chief of Staff to the President's Critical Infrastructure Protection Board where he helped draft the National Strategy for Cyber Security. Previously, he served as CEO of IPAL, Inc., a California-based software company, and as Managing Director of EHS Partners, a highly successful consulting firm started by former McKinsey & Company consultants focused on turn-around projects for Fortune 500 clients. He worked for four years at McKinsey & Company, leading engagements in energy, healthcare and other commercial sectors.