People

Inside the federal CIO’s culture-first approach

Gregory Barbaccia told Nextgov/FCW that his priorities for the coming year are aimed at making change at scale in government IT.

Digital Government

Federal CIO says he’s zeroed in on government service delivery

That effort has new accountability levers and top-down support that can be helpful in driving change, CX leaders from the Office of Management and Budget said Friday.

People

Trump nominee to lead NSA commits to backing controversial spying law

Lt. Gen. Josh Rudd also promised to prioritize NSA efforts to protect U.S. elections.

Cybersecurity

CISA to cease participation at RSAC conference after Biden-era cyber leader named CEO

The decision, which has been in motion over the last week, highlights the Trump administration’s push to strictly control how current officials participate in industry events linked to former senior leaders now under White House scrutiny.

Cybersecurity

Democrats press CISA’s acting chief over major staffing cuts

Madhu Gottumukkala also faced questions about a reported failed polygraph exam and attempts to reassign the agency’s chief information officer.

People

Michael Lynch becomes GSA deputy administrator again

Lynch previously held the deputy administrator’s responsibilities from March to July 2025 under then-GSA acting administrator Stephen Ehikian.

People

Katie Arrington departs DOD to rejoin private sector

CMMC's standard bearer is joining quantum computing company IonQ as its chief information officer.

People

Rudd defends qualifications to lead NSA, Cyber Command at confirmation hearing

“For decades I have had the opportunity to be a leader, consumer, enabler, generator and integrator of the intelligence and operational capabilities of the NSA and Cyber Command,” INDOPACOM Deputy Commander Josh Rudd said.

People

Trump renominates Plankey to lead CISA

The cyberdefense agency has been without a permanent director for the past year.

People

NSA alum returns to agency to serve as deputy director

Tim Kosiba became the number two leader in the National Security Agency after a prior deputy pick was jettisoned following criticism from far-right activist Laura Loomer.

People

GSA’s procurement chief is attending negotiations for Ukraine and Gaza

Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum most recently attended a “coalition of the willing” in Paris to discuss Ukrainian security.

People

White House creates new assistant attorney general focused on fraud

The vice president told reporters the new position will also be involved in addressing “the people who are defrauding the United States by inciting violence against our law enforcement officers” after an ICE agent shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

People

Kirsten Davies sworn in as Pentagon CIO

In a September letter to the Senate Armed Services Committee, more than 100 cyber professionals voiced support for Davies’ confirmation and said “she has built a reputation as a world-class cybersecurity executive.”

People

Senate confirms Ethan Klein to be fifth US CTO

In a sweeping nominee package, Klein was confirmed alongside Kirsten Davies to be DOD CIO and Pedro Allende to be DHS Undersecretary for Science and Technology.

People

Trump formally taps Joshua Rudd to lead NSA, Cyber Command

The nomination marks a turning point for the electronic surveillance and hacking teams that have been without a permanent leader for eight months.

People

Exit interview: GAO’s Gene Dodaro talks impoundments, tenure and retirement priorities

The outgoing comptroller general reflects on leading the agency through national crises, building a skilled workforce and guiding federal oversight before his term ends Dec. 29.

Defense

Hegseth broke rules, DODIG concludes, even though he said Yemen strike details were ‘safe to declassify’

Inspector general’s Signalgate report arrives two months after SecDef alleged the office had been “weaponized.”

People

DHS, cyber industry mobilize to get CISA director nominee confirmed

“It’s a national security risk to not have him,” said a current U.S. official.

Digital Government

Login.gov director departs for the private sector

Whoever officially leads the government’s identity proofing service next could impact how millions of Americans interact with the government online.