The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has appointed Brian Mazanec as acting executive assistant director for its Infrastructure Security Division, where he will oversee efforts to strengthen critical infrastructure protection, manage risks and improve resilience through collaboration with public- and private-sector partners. CISA Acting Director Nick Andersen administered the oath of office. Mazanec brings more than two decades of experience in risk assessment, all-hazards preparedness, critical infrastructure protection and public-private coordination across the national security and homeland security sectors.
Mazanec most recently served as deputy assistant secretary and director of the Center for Preparedness within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, overseeing healthcare and public health readiness, situational awareness, operational coordination, continuity and security.
He directed incident responses to major cyberattacks affecting the Healthcare and Public Health Sector, including the 2024 Change Healthcare attack, as well as domestic infectious disease emergencies, including the 2026 hantavirus and Bundibugyo Ebola responses. He also worked with CISA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on joint cybersecurity advisories and engaged critical infrastructure partners.
Earlier, Mazanec led the Strategic Warfare, Security and Intelligence portfolio at the U.S. Government Accountability Office and held positions focused on weapons of mass destruction issues at the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Matters and the Joint Staff. He holds a doctorate in biodefense from George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government, a master’s degree in defense and strategic studies from Missouri State University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Richmond. He also teaches graduate-level courses and has authored or co-authored academic books on cyber issues.
