The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has named Madhu Gottumukkala as its new deputy director, reinforcing its leadership team during a time of transition and tightening budgets.
Gottumukkala brings significant public-sector IT experience to CISA. He most recently served as chief information officer (CIO) and commissioner of South Dakota’s Bureau of Information and Technology, where he led statewide technology modernization and cybersecurity strategy. Before that, he was the state’s chief technology officer (CTO) and held senior roles in enterprise IT and systems transformation.
As CISA deputy director, Madhu Gottumukkala will report to acting executive director Bridget Bean, who is currently leading the agency following the departure of Jen Easterly on Inauguration Day, January 20. The director position at CISA remains vacant, echoing a past leadership gap filled by Easterly herself in 2021, after the dismissal of Chris Krebs by the Trump administration.
Leadership Stability at a Critical Time for CISA
Gottumukkala’s appointment comes at a critical moment. CISA has recently faced budget constraints and staffing cuts, even as it plays a central role in defending U.S. digital infrastructure. His state-level experience is expected to help bridge federal and local cybersecurity priorities, enhancing cooperation across agencies and private-sector partners.
“I am honored to be appointed… to serve as deputy director of CISA,” Gottumukkala said in a public statement. “As a former state and local leader, I’ve seen firsthand the exceptional work CISA does in advancing cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience. I look forward to building on that foundation by fostering collaboration and strengthening resilience across all levels of government and the private sector.”
CISA deputy director Madhu Gottumukkala emphasized the importance of trusted partnerships, transparency, and shared responsibility, calling them essential for managing systemic risks and protecting the functions critical to the nation’s security and prosperity.
With Gottumukkala now sworn in, the cybersecurity community is watching closely to see who will step into the top CISA role — a position increasingly vital amid growing threats to national infrastructure and election security.
