The director of the cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency is a high level civilian official in the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The director, as head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency at DHS, is the principal staff assistant and adviser to both the secretary of homeland security and the deputy secretary of homeland security for all DHS programs designed to reduce the nation's risk to terrorism and natural disasters. The director is appointed from civilian life by the president with the consent of the Senate to serve at the pleasure of the president.
The position was created in November 2018, replacing the position of under secretary of homeland security for national protection and programs.
As of May 2026, a permanent director has yet to be confirmed, although recent reporting has suggested that cybersecurity industry veteran, Tom Parker has been shortlisted to lead the agency. This follows the earlier withdrawal of Sean Plankey, who failed to be confirmed by the Senate after more than a year.
Overview The director of the cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency is responsible for directing all of the Department of Homeland Security's integrated efforts to reduce the risk of terrorism and natural disasters to the nation's physical, cyber and communications infrastructure.
The director is a Level III position within the Executive Schedule. As of January 2022, the annual rate of pay for Level III is $187,300.
Directors + #ImageNameTook officeLeft officePresidentUnder Secretary of Homeland Security for National Protection and Programs1Suzanne SpauldingOctober 2011January 20, 2017Barack ObamaDavid HessJanuary 20, 2017June 2017Donald TrumpJeanette ManfraJune 2017August 28, 20172Chris KrebsAugust 28, 2017November 15, 2018Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency1Chris KrebsNovember 16, 2018November 17, 2020Donald Trump-Brandon WalesNovember 18, 2020July 13, 2021Donald TrumpJoe Biden2Jen EasterlyJuly 13, 2021January 20, 2025 -Bridget BeanJanuary 20, 2025May 19, 2025Donald Trump -Madhu GottumukkalaMay 19, 2025February 26, 2026Donald Trump -Nick AndersenFebruary 26, 2026PresentDonald Trump
Reporting officials Officials reporting to the Director of the CISA include: Deputy Director of CISA - Nick Andersen Chief Operating Officer - Dr. Ryan Donaghy Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity (CSD) - Chris Butera (Acting) Executive Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security (ISD) - Steve Casapulla Executive Assistant Director for Emergency Communications (ECD) - Billy Bob Brown, Jr. Assistant Director for National Risk Management Center (NRMC) - Steve Casapulla (Interim) Assistant Director for Integrated Operations Division (IOD) - James H. Harrell Assistant Director for Stakeholder Engagement Division (SED) - Dr. Ryan Donaghy (Acting)
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