Chief Information Officer (Department of Energy)

Ann Dunkin is the current Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). She is set to leave at the end of the Biden administration.

Dawn Zimmer has been appointed as the Principal Deputy Chief Information Officer (CIO) after serving at the Federal Aviation Administration. She will assume the role of acting CIO once Ann Dunkin leaves her position.

The mission of the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) includes:
- Advancing DOE's missions through IT policy, standards, and services.
- Balancing risk and innovation to meet mission requirements.
- Setting clear performance goals and expectations for the IT ecosystem.

The OCIO is part of DOE's leadership framework, directly supporting the Secretary of Energy and other high-level officials. The CIO's office manages various aspects of IT, including cybersecurity, data management, and IT acquisition.

IT Modernization:
- The DOE has outlined strategies like the "Transform, Protect, and Advance" initiative to modernize its IT infrastructure, including enabling hybrid cloud computing, establishing cybersecurity policies, and deploying enterprise architecture.
Cybersecurity:
- The OCIO manages programs like the Integrated Joint Cybersecurity Coordination Center (iJC3) for cyber threat intelligence and incident response.
Privacy and Compliance:
- The OCIO oversees the DOE Privacy Program to ensure compliance with privacy laws like the Privacy Act of 1974.

Emery Csulak was named Chief Data Officer (CDO) in 2022, moving from his previous role as Principal Deputy CIO. His responsibilities include fostering an innovative approach to data while protecting sensitive information.

The DOE's IT management has been shaped by various legislative acts and executive orders over the years, with the CIO role being pivotal in aligning IT strategies with the Department's broad missions.