Flagg is the new federal deputy CIO
Thomas Flagg, current CIO of the Education Department, has been appointed as the new federal deputy chief information officer (CIO), replacing Drew Myklegard who left for the private sector. Federal CIO Greg Barbaccia highlighted Flagg’s extensive experience in federal technology leadership, including roles at the Department of Labor and Education, to justify the appointment.
The federal government has appointed Thomas Flagg as the new deputy chief information officer (CIO), effective immediately. Greg Barbaccia, the federal CIO, announced the decision to agency CIOs, noting Flagg’s deep experience in technology leadership roles, including his recent tenure as CIO of the Education Department. Barbaccia emphasized Flagg’s operational understanding of agency challenges, gained from his prior service as CIO at the Department of Labor and his current role at Education. Flagg replaces Drew Myklegard, who left the position in September 2024 to join the private sector after over three years in the role. Jay Teitelbaum, who has been serving as acting deputy CIO since Myklegard’s departure, will continue in an unspecified capacity, though Barbaccia acknowledged his contributions. Flagg brings 13 years of federal technology experience, having previously worked as a contractor and later as director of the business systems directorate at the Department of Labor before joining Education in October 2024. The appointment follows a competitive selection process, with Barbaccia citing Flagg’s ability to navigate operational realities and constraints faced by federal agencies. An anonymous federal technology official suggested the choice reflects a growing recognition within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that closer collaboration with agencies is essential for effective implementation of IT priorities. Flagg’s background aligns with the deputy CIO role’s evolving focus, which has historically included cloud, security, data, and digital modernization initiatives. Flagg’s transition raises questions about interim leadership at the Education Department, as the agency does not list a deputy CIO on its website. The Education Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on who would fill the interim role. Barbaccia’s announcement marks the seventh permanent deputy CIO appointment in recent years, underscoring the federal government’s ongoing efforts to modernize its IT infrastructure and improve cross-agency coordination.
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