CISA Loses Another Senior Exec

Bridget Bean, the executive director of CISA, has retired after serving as the acting director for five months. Her departure follows Jen Easterly's exit and precedes a Senate-confirmed leader. Madhu Gottumukkala is now the acting director, but CISA still lacks a permanent director. Sean Plankey's nomination is under Senate consideration but faces hurdles. Senator Wyden is blocking Plankey's confirmation pending a security report release. Bean had a 3.5-year tenure at CISA and a 30-year federal career. She previously served as CISA's chief integration officer, streamlining agency operations. Her retirement coincides with a broader talent exodus from CISA and other federal agencies. Numerous operational division heads and regional office leaders have also left CISA. Reportedly, about a third of CISA's staff have departed since Trump assumed office.