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4 Leading DOD Cyber Officials in 2025
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Discover more about these visionary cybersecurity officials serving in DOD in 2025

DOD cyber officials serve on the front lines of safeguarding the U.S. against an increasingly complex and persistent range of cyber threats. As adversaries develop advanced cyber capabilities aimed at compromising military systems, critical infrastructure and national security, these officials serve as the strategic and operational leaders guiding the nation’s defense in cyberspace.

These esteemed public servants oversee the development and execution of cyber strategies, ensuring the resilience of DOD networks and directing efforts to detect, deter and respond to malicious cyber activity. Their leadership is essential to maintaining secure communications, protecting sensitive data and ensuring the operational readiness of U.S. forces.

These leaders were selected for shaping and influencing national cybersecurity strategy and policy, overseeing critical operations and directly defending DOD networks. They were chosen for their consistent accomplishments in cyber and their leadership, innovation and vision.

Discover more about their work, which forms a vital pillar in the broader defense of the nation’s digital and physical security.

Learn about cutting edge cyber defense strategies at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Navy Summit on August 26! Discover the latest cybersecurity requirements at the Consolidating the Digital Frontier: Modernizing Navy IT for a Unified Ecosystem panel. Be the first to hear about new business opportunities during a keynote address by Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, deputy chief of naval operations for information warfare, N2N6, and director of naval intelligence. Sign up today for this can’t-miss GovCon event for cybersecurity professionals! 

4 Leading DOD Cyber Officials in 2025

David McKeown

Department of Defense

McKeown, performing the duties of DOD deputy chief information officer for cyber and chief information security officer, is leading an effort to improve the cybersecurity posture of weapon systems across DOD combatant commands, according to Breaking Defense.

A two-time Wash100 Award winner, McKeown believes these cybersecurity assessment scorecards will provide mission-focused risk ratings highlighting vulnerabilities without overwhelming operators. Rather than broad assessments, the scorecards aim to pinpoint “red” areas of concern, helping warfighters understand how attacks could affect operations. 

“[The combatant commands] need to know the risks that they’re incurring across all of those systems,” McKeown said during the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Cyber Summit in May. “We do an analysis of a weapons system, and we publish it, but I don’t think the combatant commands really understand the impacts of their mission. So we’re going to try to drive in more mission impact analysis.”

The initiative includes wargame scenarios where personnel practice missions without compromised cyber functions. Scorecard development involves collaboration between the CIO office, the Strategic Cybersecurity Program, and acquisition and sustainment divisions. The effort aligns with the broader objective of achieving zero trust systems by 2035.
 

4 Leading DOD Cyber Officials in 2025

Laurie Buckhout

Department of Defense

Buckhout is performing the duties of both the assistant secretary and deputy assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy. She has established herself as a leader in electronic warfare, cyberspace and electromagnetic spectrum through her 30 years of experience in government, defense and industry.

In her written testimony to a House panel on May 16, she stressed that adversaries like China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are increasing their cyber sophistication, posing threats to critical infrastructure, military readiness and global stability. Buckhout emphasized the importance of implementing zero trust architecture, improving real-time cyber situational awareness and strengthening command and control for cyber operations.

Some of her key priorities include enhancing cyber resilience across weapons systems, investing in a skilled cyber workforce, integrating commercial innovation and aligning acquisition with secure-by-design principles. She highlights the need for close collaboration between DOD, Congress and industry to ensure the U.S. maintains a competitive advantage in cyberspace.

Buckhout is a retired U.S. Army colonel with 26 years of global service, including leading a battalion-level task force during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003. Following her military retirement, she founded Corvus Consulting, a strategic firm focused on cyberspace and electronic warfare.

She previously served as president of the Association of Old Crows, the international electronic warfare organization, and worked as a special government employee for the Department of Commerce.

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Navy Summit on August 26 is a unique opportunity to grow your GovCon cybersecurity business. Strike up opportunities for collaboration with other GovCon titans at the Zero Trust and Beyond: Securing the Navy’s Information Environment panel. Learn Navy Chief Information Officer Jane Rathbun’s FY 2026 budget priorities during her keynote address. Check out the latest offerings from leading sponsors such as SAIC, ManTech and Fortress. Secure your seat now for this action-packed GovCon event!

4 Leading DOD Cyber Officials in 2025

Lt. Gen. Paul Stanton

Defense Information Systems Agency

Stanton is leading a transformation of the DOD Information Network, or DODIN. In January, he issued a DODIN command operational framework execution order that empowers commanders and directors across 45 DODIN areas of operations, encompassing some 3.5 million endpoints, to manage defensive cyber operations locally.

Stanton believes this decentralization will enhance risk management, prioritize critical applications and data and move the cyber defense posture from reactive “whack‑a‑mole” tactics to proactive and even offensive campaigning, according to Federal News Network. The initiative leverages data analytics and AI to accelerate threat response and offensive readiness.

Stanton serves in a dual-hatted role as DOD Cyber Defense Command, or DCDC, chief and Defense Information Systems Agency director. As DCDC chief, he leads coordinated efforts across the DOD to secure, operate and defend the DODIN. He sets DODIN operational priorities, guides threat-informed planning and strategic initiatives and oversees the command and control of daily network operations, cybersecurity measures and defensive cyber activities.

In his role as DISA director, Stanton oversees a global workforce of over 20,000 military personnel, civilians and contractors. This team delivers critical communications support to the president, secretary of defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff and combatant commanders. DISA provides joint, interoperable command and control capabilities serving more than 200,000 warfighters in over 150 countries.

4 Leading DOD Cyber Officials in 2025

Lt. Gen. William Hartman

National Security Agency

Hartman is serving in a dual-hatted role as acting CYBERCOM chief while performing the duties of National Security Agency director and Central Security Service chief.

Hartman is proposing a streamlining of U.S. Cyber Command to have it more resemble U.S. Special Operations Command. In May testimony to a House panel, Hartman said his office evaluated three models—an independent cyber service, siloed service-specific cyber units, and a SOCOM-style structure—and favored the latter for improved interoperability and efficiency, according to Breaking Defense.

Hartman is a big supporter of prioritizing partnerships in effective proactive cyber defense. He believes CYBERCOM gains an asymmetric advantage in protecting the U.S. by synchronizing with other agencies and collaborating with international allies through small deployment teams.

Hartman is a proponent of teaming with allies on cyber, emphasizing that collaboration with smart foreign counterparts demonstrates U.S. commitment to cybersecurity and yields effective defense outcomes. Hartman believes partnerships across government and industry are critical to scaling global cyber operations as demand for such engagements is increasing.

4 Leading DOD Cyber Officials in 2025
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Sean Duffy Named Interim NASA Administrator
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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has been named NASA's interim chief

Reuters reported Wednesday that President Donald Trump appointed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as interim NASA administrator.

“Sean is doing a TREMENDOUS job in handling our Country’s Transportation Affairs … He will be a fantastic leader of the ever more important Space Agency, even if only for a short period of time,” the president said on Truth Social.

In May, Trump withdrew the nomination of billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman for the top post at the space agency. Isaacman is a close ally of SpaceX Founder and CEO Elon Musk.

Who Is Sean Duffy?

In January, Duffy was sworn in as the 20th secretary of the Department of Transportation after the Senate voted 77-22 to confirm his nomination.

Duffy served in Congress for 10 years as the representative for Wisconsin’s 7th District. The Republican served on the House Financial Services Committee and helped address local transportation concerns through his co-chairmanship of the Great Lakes Task Force.

Before serving as a congressman, he spent a decade as the district attorney of Ashland County in Wisconsin.

After leaving Congress, the Wisconsin native hosted the Fox Business show “The Bottom Line with Dagen and Duffy.”

The DOT secretary and NASA’s acting administrator has a marketing degree from St. Mary’s University and a juris doctorate degree from William Mitchell College of Law.

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Senate Confirms Bryan Bedford as FAA Head
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The Senate confirms Bryan Bedford as FAA administrator.

The Senate voted 59-43 to confirm Bryan Bedford, the current CEO of Republic Airways, as the next Federal Aviation Administration head. The vote occurred on Wednesday, with Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., as the only Democrat who voted in favor of Bedford despite objections from her colleagues about his past positions on pilot training hours.

According to a report from Politico, Democrats expressed concerns about Bedford’s previous attempts to secure an exception to the FAA’s rule requiring pilots to have 1,500 hours of training before they can operate commercial jets.

Who Is Bryan Bedford?

Bedford brings decades of experience as an airline executive, including in some of the largest regional airlines in North America. He has led Republic Airways since 1999, during which he played a key role in helping the carrier grow from $85 million in revenue to more than $1.3 billion, Fox Business reported. Before joining Republic Airways, Bedford was the chief executive of Mesaba Airlines and Business Express Airlines.

In 1997 and 2004, he was named Airline Executive of the Year by Regional Airline World.

Bedford, who holds multi-engine and instrument pilot ratings, earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Florida State University.

Following his confirmation as FAA head, he will replace Chris Rocheleau, who has been serving as the agency chief in an acting capacity since Jan. 29, when a U.S. Army helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet collided, resulting in the death of 67 individuals.

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Nand Mulchandani Steps Down as CIA’s First-Ever CTO
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Nand Mulchandani has stepped down as CIA's first chief technology officer

Nand Mulchandani has announced on LinkedIn Wednesday that he has stepped down as chief technology officer of the CIA.

Mulchandani officially departed the agency on June 21, exactly three years after assuming the role in 2022. He also revealed that he is returning to the private sector after spending the last six years in public service.

Who Is Nand Mulchandani?

The outgoing CIA CTO is a one-time Wash100 Award winner who served as CTO and acting director of the Department of Defense’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center. Before joining the public sector, he served as vice president of strategy and market development at Citrix, where he developed strategies and expanded businesses for the company’s networking business unit.

The self-described “serial entrepreneur” co-founded and served as CEO of ScaleXtreme, a company that specializes in cloud-based systems management and automation, and OpenDNS, which offered recursive DNS infrastructure services. Mulchandani also worked at VMware as part of the security product management and marketing team.

Before that, the seasoned executive co-founded Determina, where he held various leadership roles including CEO and VP of marketing and business development. He co-founded and served as CTO and VP of product management at Oblix. Mulchandani started his private career in 1991 as a compiler architect at Sun Microsystems.

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Air Force, Space Force Request $16B in FY26 Funding Through Unfunded Priorities Lists
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The Air Force and Space Force submitted to Congress their unfunded priorities lists, seeking $16 billion in extra funding

Breaking Defense reported Tuesday that the U.S. Air Force’s Unfunded Priorities List, or UPL, is seeking $10 billion in additional fiscal year 2026 funding, while the U.S. Space Force is requesting $6 billion in funding through its UPL.

Air Force, Space Force Request $16B in FY26 Funding Through Unfunded Priorities Lists

Get the latest information on service branches’ defense priorities, tech advancements and more at the 2025 Air and Space Summit on July 31. Book your seats now!

Air Force’s UPL Includes Funding Requests for Munitions Production, Fleet Readiness Efforts

The Air Force’s UPL includes about $4.15 billion to boost the production of munitions, including advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles; a joint advanced tactical missile; a hypersonic missile called AARW; and the APKWS II, a laser-guided rocket interceptor.

The service branch is also requesting $1.98 billion to improve aircraft readiness; $1.73 billion to fund military construction work; and $1.42 billion for facility sustainment efforts.

Space Force’s UPL Seeks Funding for MILNET Satellite Constellation 

The Space Force seeks $5.95 billion in FY 2026 funding through its UPL. Of the nearly $6 billion request, the service would allocate approximately $3.53 billion for the MILNET satellite constellation project’s “Block II” work and $686.8 million for Block II satellite launches.

In addition to the MILNET project, the service would set aside about $1.61 billion for three classified programs. The Space Force UPL also includes funding for ground station modernization, facility sustainment and efforts to address obsolescence issues with GPS ground antennas.

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Battelle Gifts $3.25M to Columbia Basin College to Build Community STEM Learning Center
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In a statement, Lou Von Thaer, president and CEO of Battelle, discussed his company's latest donation

Lou Von Thaer, president and CEO of Battelle and a 10-time Wash100 Award winner, announced a $3.25 million funding for the establishment of a science, technology, engineering and mathematics, better known as STEM, learning center within the Columbia Basin College, or CBC, campus.

The philanthropic gift is the largest donation Battelle has made in the Tri-Cities area throughout its 60-year history of managing the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the company said Wednesday. 

“This gift aligns closely with Battelle’s mission to leverage science and technology for the betterment of society,” commented Von Thaer. “The partnerships established through this Community STEM Learning Center will build on CBC’s whole-family engagement model to meet the community’s needs and encourage students to pursue the essential STEM careers of tomorrow.”

CBC’s Upcoming Learning Center

The facility, which will be named the Community STEM Learning Center, will be housed at CBC’s campus in Pasco, Washington. It will focus on providing students, educators, families and the broader community with hands-on learning experiences across all fields of STEM. 

CBC will refurbish an existing building for the center, which will offer immersive learning opportunities and programs. 

“At CBC, we believe in educational access to everyone,” stated CBC President Rebekah Woods. “We know that hands-on STEM experiences are vital to students, our community and educators to build the skills and experiences to prepare them to take on future scientific challenges.”

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DOD Seeks Proposals for Kinetic & Submarine-Launched Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
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The DOD seeks proposals for unmanned underwater vehicles, including kinetic and submarine-launched variants.

The Department of Defense has started soliciting proposals for low-cost small and medium unmanned underwater vehicles.

The Defense Innovation Unit said the UUVs are intended to enhance operational capabilities in subsea and seabed warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and expeditionary warfare domains.

Kinetic Unmanned Underwater Vehicles

The DOD aims to develop a kinetic UUV by integrating existing government payloads with industry-provided platforms to achieve the required kinetic effects. The proposed one-way attack UUV will utilize surface or housed subsurface host vehicles with dimensions compatible with current deployment packages, handling, storage and transportation elements. In addition, the likely uncrewed vessel should be capable of deploying from a government-provided platform or pier and delivering a payload with speed and endurance.

Submarine-Launched UUVs

The DOD also intends to develop UUVs that can be launched from submarine torpedo tubes and recovered without divers. These uncrewed vehicles will be designed to operate for at least two days or 120 nautical miles with a payload. The UUV should support various communication pathways and long-range navigation, while compliance with unmanned maritime autonomy architecture is also expected.

Interested contractors have until July 24 to submit their responses.

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NSCW PCD Holds Ground-breaking Ceremony for Facility for Unmanned Autonomous Systems
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The NSWC PCD marked the start of building an autonomous unmanned systems facility.

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, or NSWC PCD, has held a ground-breaking ceremony for its new 25,000-square-foot facility focused on autonomous unmanned systems. 

NSCW PCD Holds Ground-breaking Ceremony for Facility for Unmanned Autonomous Systems

 Join the Potomac Officers Club 2025 Navy Summit on August 26 for more insights about the service branch’s challenges and opportunities and updates on its  advancements in technology, policy and strategy.

What Is the Subsea and Seabed Warfare Facility?

The Subsea and Seabed Warfare, or SSW, facility will be a center for developing, testing and evaluating autonomous systems, NSCW PCD said Wednesday. The building will be located near the Gulf of America, which allows the Navy to directly test and launch the unmanned underwater systems. 

The SSW facility will bring together NSCW PCD’s experts, tools and technology to help develop more advanced unmanned autonomous systems to support the Navy during littoral and coastal missions. 

NSCW PCD’s Peter Adair Shares Thoughts

According to NSCW PCD Technical Director Peter Adair, the facility is a “game-changer”.

“It’s more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a catalyst that will bring together the brightest minds in our organization and our partners across the acquisition community,” Adair said.

“Here, we’ll tackle the most pressing challenges facing our Navy, developing adaptive sensors, advanced unmanned systems, and secure communication networks using machine learning and artificial intelligence,” he added. 

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SDA Appoints GP Sandhoo as Deputy Director
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SDA tapped former IARPA executive GP Sandhoo as deputy director

The Space Development Agency has appointed Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo, a U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, as deputy director.

SDA said Tuesday Sandhoo succeeds Ryan Frigm, who helped establish SDA as an independent agency within the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering in 2019.

In this capacity, Sandhoo will help the SDA director manage the agency and execute the development, deployment and operation of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, or PWSA.

“We are pleased to have GP seamlessly move into the deputy director position where he will leverage his impeccable space acquisition credentials and experience during this crucial period as we prepare to launch the PWSA’s Tranche 1, the initial operational capability, later this summer,” said Derek Tournear, director of SDA and a Wash100 awardee.

Who Is GP Sandhoo?

Sandhoo previously served as vice president and chief architect at Quantum Space and as director for emerging technologies at Northrop Grumman.

His government career included time as deputy director at the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Agency; head of the Spacecraft Engineering Division at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory; acting director of the Naval Center of Space Technology; National Reconnaissance Office liaison to the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine; and a senior scientist at the Defense Innovation Unit.

He previously served as a flight controller at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and a research and development engineer at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory.

The University of Maryland mechanical engineering graduate holds a doctorate in aeronautics, astronautics and propulsion from George Washington University.

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Navy’s Unfunded Priorities List Seeks $1.4B for Next-Gen Fighter Aircraft
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The Navy is requesting funding for the F/A-XX fighter jet program through the Unfunded Priorities List

Breaking Defense reported Tuesday that the U.S. Navy’s fiscal year 2026 Unfunded Priorities List, or UPL, includes a $1.4 billion funding request for a sixth-generation fighter aircraft program called F/A-XX.

“This additional funding will enable Navy to award the 6th Generation Strike Fighter contract to industry,” the service branch wrote in its letter to lawmakers. “Navy’s 6th Generation Strike Fighter aircraft is a critical component of both the future Carrier Strike Group (CSG)” and the “air wing of the future.”

The F/A-XX program is expected to replace the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets.

Navy's Unfunded Priorities List Seeks $1.4B for Next-Gen Fighter Aircraft

Join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Navy Summit on Aug. 26, and listen to experts as they discuss the service’s priorities, tech advancements, latest trends and more. Save your spot now!

Navy Unfunded Priorities List Includes Funding Requests for Munitions Programs

The Navy’s UPL also includes $2.2 billion in funding to strengthen the munitions industrial base and replenish specific weapon inventories that have been expended to support the branch’s Red Sea operations.

According to documents obtained by Breaking Defense, the $1.4 billion funding request would help the Navy address “bottlenecks in lower-tier munitions components … by establishing and qualifying second source vendors and expanding existing suppliers.”

Meanwhile, the targeted $841 million funding request would resupply key weapon stockpiles, including Standard Missile-6, Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, Maritime Strike Tomahawk and Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles.

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