CISA’s Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity Eric Goldstein to Leave Federal Service

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is undergoing a leadership change as Eric Goldstein, the Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity, is set to leave federal service after more than three years. Goldstein’s last day is scheduled for June, although the exact date has not been disclosed by CISA.

Goldstein, who joined CISA in February 2021 after a successful career in the private sector, has been instrumental in overseeing initiatives to protect federal civilian agencies and critical infrastructure from cyber threats. His departure comes as a surprise to many, as he has been praised for his contributions to advancing CISA’s cybersecurity efforts.

CISA Director Jen Easterly commended Goldstein for his leadership and dedication to building a secure and resilient nation. She highlighted his role in driving a data-driven approach to risk reduction and fostering collaboration within the agency and with external partners.

Goldstein’s decision to leave government service follows the recent announcement by Chris DeRusha, the federal chief information security officer, of his departure. These leadership changes are prompting shifts within CISA, with Mike Duffy stepping in as the acting Federal CISO and other senior cyber leaders also moving on to new opportunities.

During his tenure, Goldstein led the development of the first-ever CISA cyber strategic plan and issued emergency cyber directives to address immediate threats facing federal agencies. His work on initiatives like the Federal Enterprise Improvement Team has been crucial in enhancing cybersecurity defenses and response capabilities.

This marks Goldstein’s second stint in government, having previously served at CISA’s precursor agency in various roles related to cybersecurity and resilience. His departure signifies a significant loss for CISA, but his legacy of driving innovation and collaboration in cybersecurity will continue to shape the agency’s future efforts.

As CISA prepares for this leadership transition, the cybersecurity community will be watching closely to see how the agency adapts to the changes and continues its mission of safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber threats.