Senate Confirms ODNI Deputy; Obama Appoints New Intel CIO

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has a new No. 2, to report directly to the intel agency’s director, Gen. James Clapper.

The Senate confirmed last week ODNI’s pick, Stephanie O’Sullivan, as principle deputy. She will hold the second-highest position in the Intelligence Community.

In addition to her wealth of intelligence experience — including more than 15 years with the CIA, O’Sullivan “brings a passion and appreciation for the men and women of the Intelligence Community who serve our nation selflessly each and every day,” Clapper said.

O’Sullivan also garnered praise from Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.), the ranking Democrat on the House Select Committee on Intelligence.

“Ms. O’Sullivan has led the community’s most aggressive efforts to date to harness technology to keep Americans safe at home and abroad,” he said in a statement, according to Federal News Radio. “Her efforts have created better systems and capabilities to collect and analyze intelligence worldwide, while at the same time streamlining how the community purchases the equipment necessary to do its job.”

Before being confirmed to her ODNI post, O’Sullivan was an associate deputy director with the CIA, where she worked since 1995. She takes over for David Gompert, who left the post in August.

O’Sullivan is not the only new face to join the agency.

ODNI announced last week President Barack Obama would appoint former CIA Chief Information Officer Al Tarasiuk as CIO of the agency.

Clapper said Tarasiuk is “well known for his leadership in information sharing and intelligence integration, and his experience, distinguished career and dedication to duty will greatly benefit the entire Intelligence Community.”