Key Takeaways
- Federal CIO Greg Barbaccia appointed Thomas Flagg as the new deputy federal CIO, ending a vacancy that began in September 2025.
- Flagg’s selection was driven by his extensive technology leadership experience at the Department of Labor and the Department of Education.
- The Trump administration is reshaping the CyberCorps Scholarship For Service program into CyberAI SFS, mandating AI proficiency for all new scholars.
- Current scholars express concern that the sudden shift may leave them unprepared for the evolving job market.
- The Daily Scoop Podcast continues to deliver weekday updates, with subscription options across major podcast platforms.
Appointment of Thomas Flagg as Deputy Federal CIO
Federal Chief Information Officer Greg Barbaccia announced that Thomas Flagg will assume the role of deputy federal CIO. Flagg brings more than eleven years of federal IT experience, most recently serving as the chief information officer for the Department of Education, a position he has held since October 2024. Prior to that, he spent over a decade at the Department of Labor, where he held various technology leadership posts. Barbaccia communicated the decision in an email distributed to agency CIOs on Thursday, noting that the selection process attracted “an overwhelming amount of interest” from a highly qualified pool of candidates. The appointment marks the first time the White House has filled the deputy federal CIO position on a permanent basis since September 2025.
Greg Barbaccia’s Rationale for Selection
In his outreach email, Barbaccia emphasized that Flagg stood out due to the “depth and seriousness of his experience across multiple technology leadership roles.” He specifically cited Flagg’s tenure at both the Department of Education and the Department of Labor as evidence of a well‑rounded background capable of addressing the complex IT challenges facing the federal government. Barbaccia also highlighted the strong interest generated by the deputy role, describing the applicant field as “exceptionally strong.” By pointing to Flagg’s proven record in managing large‑scale IT operations and driving modernization efforts, Barbaccia sought to reassure stakeholders that the new deputy would bring both strategic vision and practical expertise to the office.
Historical Context of the Deputy Federal CIO Role
The deputy federal CIO seat had been vacant since September 2025, when former incumbent Drew Myklegard departed public service to become Carahsoft’s executive director of government programs. During the intervening period, the responsibilities of the role were covered on an acting basis by Jay Teitelbaum, whose résumé includes stints at the Office of Management and Budget, the U.S. Digital Service, and the Department of Homeland Security. The acting arrangement underscored the difficulty of filling a senior cyber‑ and IT‑focused position amid competing priorities and a competitive talent market. Flagg’s permanent appointment therefore resolves a notable leadership gap and restores continuity to the federal CIO hierarchy.
Thomas Flagg’s Professional Background
Flagg’s career trajectory reflects a blend of policy‑oriented IT management and hands‑on technical leadership. At the Department of Labor, he oversaw cybersecurity initiatives, enterprise architecture projects, and the implementation of cloud‑based solutions aimed at improving service delivery for workforce programs. His subsequent move to the Department of Education saw him spearhead the modernization of the department’s IT infrastructure, enhance data governance practices, and lead efforts to secure educational technology platforms against evolving threats. This combination of experience positions Flagg to bridge the operational needs of large federal agencies with the strategic imperatives of the White House’s IT agenda.
Shift in CyberCorps Scholarship For Service Program
The Trump administration has redirected the longstanding CyberCorps Scholarship For Service (SFS) program toward artificial intelligence, rebranding it as CyberAI SFS. In an email obtained by CyberScoop, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) informed participating school program coordinators that the new focus reflects a judgment that SFS graduates will lack employability in two to three years without substantial AI expertise. Consequently, any student admitted to the program must demonstrate proficiency in applying AI to cybersecurity challenges or in providing security and resilience for AI‑driven systems. The communication also stipulates that new scholars will not be admitted to the legacy CyberCorps(C) track unless they submit a clear plan outlining how they will develop competencies at the intersection of cybersecurity and AI.
Rationale Behind AI Integration in Cybersecurity Scholarship
OPM and NSF justified the shift by emphasizing the rapid evolution of the threat landscape and the growing reliance on AI across both defensive and offensive cyber operations. The email asserted that “the SFS students we enroll today will not be employable when they graduate in 2‑3 years without significant AI background,” thereby framing AI knowledge as a prerequisite rather than an optional add‑on. It further explained that future federal cybersecurity roles will require practitioners who can not only defend traditional IT environments but also secure machine‑learning models, protect data pipelines used for AI training, and leverage AI tools for threat detection and response. By mandating AI proficiency, the administration aims to align the scholarship pipeline with the anticipated skill set of the federal cybersecurity workforce.
Implications for Current and Future Scholars
The announcement has elicited dismay and bewilderment among current SFS scholars, many of whom entered the program expecting a traditional cybersecurity focus centered on network defense, incident response, and risk management. The sudden requirement to acquire AI expertise may necessitate additional coursework, self‑directed learning, or early‑career internships that were not part of their original academic plans. For prospective applicants, the new criteria create a higher barrier to entry, as they must now articulate a concrete plan for developing hybrid cybersecurity‑AI competencies. While the shift may ultimately enhance graduates’ marketability in a AI‑centric federal workforce, it also raises concerns about equitable access and the potential marginalization of students whose strengths lie purely in conventional cybersecurity domains.
The Daily Scoop Podcast Promotion
Beyond personnel and policy updates, the reminder about The Daily Scoop Podcast underscores the administration’s effort to keep stakeholders informed through accessible media channels. The podcast releases new episodes each Monday‑Friday afternoon, offering a concise roundup of the latest developments from Washington, D.C. Listeners can subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify, or YouTube, ensuring they can stay current regardless of their preferred platform. The regular cadence and multi‑platform availability aim to broaden reach and foster engagement with federal IT professionals, policymakers, and the interested public.