The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is undergoing a significant leadership transition with the announcement of Executive Director Brandon Wales’ departure next month. After more than three years of steering CISA through major cybersecurity challenges, Wales will be succeeded by Bridget Bean, currently the Assistant Director of Integrated Operations. Director Jen Easterly lauded Wales’ tenure, emphasizing his pivotal role in navigating critical threats and shaping CISA’s strategic direction.

During his tenure, Wales emphasized partnerships and collaboration, making CISA a key player in cybersecurity. After Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, he led the federal domestic response, strengthening CISA’s partnerships. He also assisted in guiding responses to major events like the SolarWinds breach and Colonial Pipeline attack, protecting critical infrastructure. Under his leadership, CISA developed its 2023-2025 strategic plan, focusing on federal cyber defenses, infrastructure resilience, and agency unification, setting a clear direction for the future.

Bridget Bean, who brings over three decades of federal service experience, will assume the role of Executive Director in August. Director Easterly expressed confidence in Bean’s leadership, highlighting her capacity to foster a unified team within CISA. This transition is part of a broader series of leadership changes within the agency, aimed at maintaining continuity and operational excellence in addressing evolving cybersecurity challenges.

Why it matters: CISA’s leadership changes come at a crucial time as the agency continues to safeguard national cybersecurity amid rising threats. The new appointments signal a strategic effort to ensure resilience, continuity, and enhanced collaboration across sectors vital to national security.

• Bridget Bean’s Appointment: Bean, with over 30 years of federal experience, will bring her expertise to the role of Executive Director, focusing on operationalizing a cohesive and unified team to advance CISA’s mission

• Recent Leadership Changes: The transition follows other key appointments, including Jeff Greene as Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity and Trent Frazier as Assistant Director for Stakeholder Engagement, both bringing extensive experience in cybersecurity and policy.

• Impact on National Cybersecurity: These leadership changes underscore CISA’s commitment to enhancing national cybersecurity and resilience, ensuring the agency remains agile and prepared to address emerging cyber threats through strategic collaboration and innovation.

Go Deeper -> Brandon Wales Set to Depart CISA After Nearly Two Decades of Service – HS Today

CISA Leadership Change: Bridget Bean As New Executive Director – thecyberexpress.com
CISA executive director to depart after three years- federalnewsnetwork.com