John Zangardi

John Zangardi has enjoyed a distinguished career in government service spanning more than thirty years, concluding with his role as Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a presidential appointment. At DHS his responsibilities encompassed information technology and associated management and security. His work for DHS garnered recognition by Federal Computer Week for his work in transforming DHS into, “one of the federal government’s top IT performers.” John led multiple initiatives at DHS including implementation of advanced cybersecurity technology, cloud computing and data analytics, identity management and telecommunications.

He transitioned to DHS from the Department of Defense (DoD) where he served as Acting Chief Information Officer, a position he assumed from his role as Principal Deputy Chief Information Officer. He previously served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Information Operations, and Space (DASN C4I, IO, and Space), and as the Acting Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer (DON CIO).

John began his career in government service with the U.S. Navy. He retired as a Naval Flight Officer after serving as a squadron commander and in various staff assignments over the course of his military service.

Upon retirement from the Navy, John was appointed to the Senior Executive Service (SES) as Deputy Director Warfare Integration Programs (N6FB) in the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Communications Network (N6) Directorate. He subsequently served as Director for Program Integration and as Deputy to the Director for Concepts, Strategy, and Integration for the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Information Dominance (N2/N6).

A native of Scranton, Pa., he graduated from the University of Scranton. He earned a Master of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from George Mason University.