US President Joe Biden has appointed two Indian-American executives - Manu Asthana and Madhu Beriwal - to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council

Manu Asthana and Madhu Beriwal, two Indian-American executives, were appointed to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council by US president Joe Biden. The executives in the council provide advice to the White House on ways to lower physical and cyber risks and enhance the security and resilience of the country's most vital infrastructure sectors.

The National Infrastructure Advisory Council(NIAC) has announced 26 top senior executives with extensive experience in a wide range of industries, including banking, finance, transportation, energy, water, dams, defence, communications, information technology, healthcare, agriculture, public buildings, emergency services, and higher education.

Manu Asthana is in charge of managing both the largest power grid in North America and the electrical market in the entire world as the CEO and president of PJM. The White House stated that PJM, under his leadership, has established a clear path for outlining the grid operator's responsibility in defining the transition to a cleaner, more efficient grid while providing consistent electric delivery.

Madhu Beriwal is the founder of Innovative Emergency Management (IEM), which delivers cybersecurity, public health, and disaster preparedness services to government agencies. She runs the country's largest emergency management and homeland security company. Beriwal has committed more than 37 years to the use of technology to improve preparedness and response, foster resilience in local communities, and protect key infrastructure. The White House announced that in 2012, she received an honorary membership in the International Women in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Hall of Fame.

The 2001-established National Infrastructure Advisory Council will now include Asthana and Beriwal as members.