The US Department of Energy (DOE) has appointed Ross Graber as its new Chief Information Officer, marking the second leadership change this year. His appointment follows the departure of Ryan Riedel, a former SpaceX engineer, who held the position for less than two months.

Graber previously held senior roles at Procore Technologies, Google, and Twitter. His hire comes at a time when the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has implemented significant layoffs across the agency.

The quick turnover raises questions about the department’s strategic direction and operational stability.

Why It Matters: When an organization experiences leadership turnover in such a short time, it often signals deeper structural or cultural issues. Frequent changes at the top can disrupt strategic continuity, confuse staff, and weaken long-term planning. It may also reflect misaligned goals, poor onboarding processes, or political and internal pressures. This instability can lead to reduced employee morale, slower decision-making, and difficulty attracting and retaining top talent, ultimately affecting the organization’s ability to execute its mission effectively.

• New CIO Appointment: Ross Graber has been appointed as the DOE’s new CIO following the abrupt departure of Ryan Riedel. Graber’s appointment comes amid broader leadership changes at the agency. His background includes extensive experience in IT security and infrastructure management, making him well-positioned to address the DOE’s evolving technological needs.

• Rapid Turnover: Ryan Riedel’s exit after less than two months reflects a pattern of instability in the department’s top leadership. No official reason was given for his departure, fueling speculation about internal challenges and political pressures within the agency.

• Layoffs at DOE: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) executed significant layoffs in February 2025, cutting approximately 2,000 jobs across various DOE divisions. The layoffs affected critical areas like the National Nuclear Security Administration, raising concerns about the department’s ability to maintain operational capacity.

• Challenges with Political Appointments: Ann Dunkin, a former DOE CIO, has previously expressed concern that political appointees in senior IT roles create instability. She warned that such appointments might discourage talented leaders from joining the government sector due to unpredictable tenures and unclear strategic direction.

Go Deeper -> Energy Department taps Twitter, Google alum as CIO – FedScoop

Energy Dept. Taps Ross Graber as Next CIO – MeriTalk

US DOE gets a new CIO, again – DCD