The real estate industry has been contributing to the group since its inception shortly after Sept. 11, Reid tells GlobeSt.com. One of the subcommittees that make up the group is chaired by Real Estate Roundtable's Roger Platt, he explains. "Roger has done a fantastic job of conveying the issues relevant to the commercial facilities sector." But having a representative from the industry on the Board, he explains, means participation at the oversight level. "Now we have a direct interface with the White House and Homeland Security Department. We will be able to bring a greater focus to our specific issues, which have a net gain for the commercial real estate industry."

Established in October 2001, the NIAC advises the president, through the secretary of Homeland Security, on the security of critical infrastructure. It works to improve partnerships between the private and public sectors and provides counsel on a variety of issues. The NIAC is composed of up to 30 appointees, typically senior-level executives representing major sectors of the economy, including energy, banking and finance, transportation, information technology and manufacturing. Academia, state and local government, and law enforcement are also on the council, which meets publicly four times a year, taking on four to six major studies. The president meets with the council at least once a year and regularly gives directives regarding "issues of interest."

One of the first tasks Reid would like to tackle is a refocus in the private sector on security. "We are nearly seven years beyond 9-11. When this council was first formed security and protection of infrastructure was a pre-eminent concern." Now, he says, while a priority is still placed on infrastructure protection, it is not an immediate focus anymore by senior executives and officials. "Whether that makes us more vulnerable or not, I don't know, but I would like to see this issue be at the top of executives' minds again."