Chris DeRusha is stepping down from his role as the federal chief information security officer after serving for over three years, confirmed by the Office of Management and Budget. Appointed in January 2021, DeRusha significantly contributed to the Biden administration’s cybersecurity efforts, including the development of the White House’s artificial intelligence executive order and the 2021 executive order on cybersecurity. His efforts have been pivotal in fortifying America’s critical infrastructure and enhancing the federal government’s digital defenses.
As the federal CISO, DeRusha led a 25-member council of his chief information security officer peers, managing the protection of federal networks and the implementation of multifactor authentication across agencies. He also served as the deputy national cyber director, coordinating the nation’s broader cybersecurity efforts. National Cyber Director Harry Coker Jr. praised DeRusha’s leadership and insights, noting his integral role in advancing the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
During his tenure, DeRusha emphasized the importance of coalition-building and cooperation in achieving cybersecurity goals. He highlighted the administration’s commitment to working with international partners to manage cyber risks effectively. His previous roles included serving as the CISO for the Biden presidential campaign and for the state of Michigan. DeRusha’s next steps remain undisclosed, but his contributions to national cybersecurity will have a lasting impact
