Chris Pashley has been appointed as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), a pivotal role aimed at fortifying cybersecurity measures across the agency’s health-focused research endeavors. His announcement, made via LinkedIn, follows his tenure as Deputy CISO at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), where he played a significant role in enhancing internal cybersecurity protocols. ARPA-H, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, focuses on addressing complex health challenges through innovative research initiatives.
Pashley’s background includes leadership roles in federal cybersecurity, notably at CISA and previously at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). At CISA, he collaborated closely with senior leadership to bolster the agency’s cybersecurity posture, emphasizing proactive threat management and operational resilience. His experience also extends to shaping cyber threat intelligence strategies and integrating them with security operations at CBP, highlighting his strategic approach to safeguarding critical digital assets.
Before his tenure in federal agencies, Pashley accumulated foundational experience in cybersecurity during his time at Booz Allen Hamilton. This background prepared him for navigating the intricacies of federal cybersecurity operations, where rigorous security protocols and continuous monitoring are essential. His transition to ARPA-H signifies a focused effort to implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures that align with the agency’s mission of advancing health innovations.
In his new role, Pashley is expected to leverage his expertise to spearhead initiatives that protect ARPA-H’s research integrity and operational resilience. His proactive approach will likely include deploying advanced threat intelligence capabilities and strengthening security frameworks to mitigate evolving cyber threats. With cybersecurity increasingly pivotal in safeguarding sensitive health data and research, Pashley’s leadership at ARPA-H is poised to enhance the agency’s cybersecurity posture significantly, ensuring the continuity and security of its groundbreaking health research efforts.
