- David Hong will succeed Clark Minor as HHS CIO in an acting capacity
- Hong will bring more than 20 years of experience in data privacy, compliance and risk management across government and industry
- His background includes leadership roles at DHS, Microsoft, Deutsche Bank, Capital One and ICE
David Hong, principal deputy chief information officer at the Department of Health and Human Services, has been named the agency’s acting CIO following the departure of Clark Minor, FedScoop reported Tuesday. HHS has not publicly announced whether the appointment is temporary or if a permanent CIO will be named.
Hong’s appointment comes as HHS continues to experience turnover within its technology leadership ranks. Earlier this year, six of the eight senior positions within the Office of the Chief Information Officer were held by acting officials, according to department leadership listings. Hong himself was serving as acting deputy CIO at the time.
Who Is David Hong?
Hong brings more than two decades of experience in data protection, privacy and regulatory compliance for large-scale enterprises and federal agencies. He previously served as acting chief data and AI officer at the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis and held senior data and risk leadership roles at Microsoft, Deutsche Bank, Capital One and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, among others.
Throughout his career, Hong has built and led compliance programs covering cyber, data privacy and bank secrecy regulations in more than 50 countries, aligning organizations with global privacy frameworks including those in the U.S., Singapore and the European Union.
Leadership, data strategy and technology modernization remain central to HHS’ evolving priorities. Learn how HHS, DHA, VHA and other federal health agencies are approaching digital transformation, AI and healthcare delivery at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Healthcare Summit on Dec. 3. Register today.
Who Is Clark Minor?
Minor succeeded Jennifer Wendel as CIO in May 2025 and also served as chief AI officer before his reported exit. He will stay on as an adviser through the leadership change. Minor joined HHS as chief technology officer following more than 12 years at Palantir Technologies, where he last led the company’s cloud division.
Minor has largely stayed out of the public eye as CIO. His tenure saw HHS reverse a Biden-era move that had shifted top AI, data and tech functions from the CIO’s office to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. Minor has also been tied to the now-shuttered Department of Government Efficiency.
