The Two Security Experts to Provide Strategic and Advisory Consulting to C-Suite Executives and Government Leaders. Tom Ridge, the first U.S. secretary of Homeland Security, and Howard A. Schmidt, former Cybersecurity Advisor to President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush, has announced that they are forming Ridge Schmidt Cyber LLC, a consultancy that provides strategic and advisory services that help leaders in business and government navigate the increasing demands of cybersecurity.