Sheila Thomas has been named the next executive director of the National Security Agency.
The agency said on Jan. 21 Thomas will work directly with the NSA’s director and deputy director to lead efforts in sustaining the agency’s external agreements with its partners and stakeholders. As the second-highest senior civilian leader, she will continue efforts to build and maintain public trust and confidence to help execute the agency’s vision and strategy.
40-Year Career in Federal Service
Before her appointment, Thomas held a variety of crucial roles within the NSA and Department of Defense. She started her career in 1985 in the field of intelligence analysis, where she provided her expertise to the Department of Commerce, the Pentagon, FBI and the United Kingdom. Thomas also spearheaded the analysis and production at the NSA/CSS Texas, SIGINT Directorate Office of Compliance and Strategy, Performance and Programs for Analysis and Production.
The NSA executive played a crucial role in the analytic modernization of the agency. She was heavily involved in the implementation of the NSA21 campaign and was the chief of information and intelligence analysis within the Directorate of Operations. Thomas was instrumental in the creation of NSA as we know it today.
Thomas most recently served as director of engagement and policy, where she led and integrated NSA functions such as policy and compliance, internal and external communications, international partnerships and delivery of intelligence products and services. She also served as special United States liaison officer, London, or SUSLOL, working on maintaining the cryptologic partnership with the U.K. Thomas was additionally a senior member of the U.S. Embassy, London country team.
Thomas takes over the role vacated by the recently retired Catherine Aucella, who served as executive director from August 2022 until December 2024.
General Timothy Haugh, commander of USCYBERCOM and director of NSA, said, “Sheila brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from a variety of roles across NSA and the Department of Defense.”
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