The United States Department of Homeland Security is undergoing a significant restructuring of its technology leadership, with the departure of two senior cybersecurity officials as part of a broader effort to reorganize IT operations across the department.
Multiple sources familiar with the situation say the leadership changes reflect a larger strategy to consolidate information technology and cybersecurity functions under centralized oversight at DHS headquarters.
Key Cybersecurity Officials Depart
According to officials cited in reports, Chief Information Security Officer Hemant Baidwan and Deputy CISO Amanda Day are leaving their roles.
Day departed the agency at the end of February and has since joined Workday as Vice President of Cybersecurity and Trust, according to publicly available professional records.
Baidwan, who took over as DHS CISO in April 2024, is expected to leave the department later this month.
Both officials spent more than a decade working within DHS in various cybersecurity and information technology roles.
Leadership Changes Across Homeland Security
The shake-up comes amid broader leadership transitions at DHS and its component agencies.
Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem recently announced plans to step down from her position by the end of March. U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Markwayne Mullin to replace her.
Meanwhile, other cybersecurity leadership changes have already taken place at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, where acting director Madhu Gottumukkala was reassigned to a role at DHS headquarters and CIO Bob Costello resigned.
Effort to Centralize IT Leadership
Sources say the restructuring effort is being led by DHS Chief Information Officer Antoine McCord, who oversees cybersecurity, IT modernization, and enterprise systems across the department.
Officials familiar with the situation say McCord has been placing personnel from DHS headquarters into technology leadership positions within key component agencies, potentially paving the way for greater centralized control of those IT operations.
This strategy may ultimately bring multiple agency-level CIO roles under the authority of the DHS CIO office.
Changes Extend to FEMA and Other Agencies
The restructuring effort appears to extend beyond headquarters. At the Federal Emergency Management Agency, leadership changes followed the dismissal of several IT staff members last year, including former CIO Charles Armstrong.
Earlier this year, DHS appointed Zeke Maldonado as FEMA’s acting CIO. Maldonado previously worked within the DHS headquarters IT operations office.
Some insiders say the move may be part of a plan to more closely integrate FEMA’s technology infrastructure with the broader DHS IT system.
Concerns About Workforce Stability
Current and former officials say the rapid series of leadership changes has created uncertainty among employees within DHS technology teams.
Several sources described the environment as tense, citing limited communication from leadership and concerns that experienced cybersecurity personnel could leave the department.
Analysts warn that the loss of experienced IT and cybersecurity professionals could create operational risks, particularly during a period of heightened global tensions and cyber threats.
Timing Raises National Security Concerns
The leadership transition comes as policymakers closely monitor cybersecurity threats tied to ongoing geopolitical conflicts, including tensions involving Iran.
Experts note that maintaining strong cyber defenses is critical for protecting U.S. government systems, infrastructure, and national security operations.
Some former officials say the current changes could create vulnerabilities if not managed carefully, particularly if key cybersecurity talent departs during the restructuring process.
