The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has appointed Chris Pashley as its Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Pashley, formerly the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), announced his new role through a LinkedIn post.
ARPA-H, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is dedicated to tackling the most challenging problems in health through innovative research programs grounded in urgency, excellence, and honesty. The agency aims to accelerate breakthroughs that enable every American to realize their full health potential, transforming the seemingly impossible into the possible and the actual.
Pashley’s appointment comes at a crucial time for ARPA-H as it seeks to develop and launch an agency-wide initiative to implement strong cybersecurity measures. His extensive experience and proven track record in cybersecurity make him an ideal fit for this pivotal role.
Chris Pashley’s Background and Experience
Before joining ARPA-H, Pashley played a key role at CISA, where he supported efforts to strengthen the agency’s internal cybersecurity program. He worked closely with CISA’s CISO and Chief Information Officer to enhance the agency’s cybersecurity posture, ensuring that its systems and data were well-protected against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Prior to his tenure at CISA, Pashley led the Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) team within the Security Operations Division at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In this capacity, he focused on establishing the foundational elements of the CTI team, including its vision, mission, structure, and performance management. He also improved the team’s integration with and support to CBP’s Security Operations Center (SOC), providing senior leadership with critical updates on cyber threat activity.
Pashley’s move to the government sector in 2017 was preceded by a nearly seven-year stint at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he served as an associate. His work there laid the groundwork for his subsequent roles in government cybersecurity, equipping him with the skills and experience needed to navigate the complex and high-stakes environment of federal cybersecurity operations.
Pashley’s expertise will be instrumental in developing and implementing comprehensive cybersecurity measures across ARPA-H. His approach will likely involve a combination of proactive threat intelligence, rigorous security protocols, and continuous monitoring to protect the agency’s digital assets.
.With his extensive background in cybersecurity and proven leadership, Pashley is well-equipped to guide ARPA-H in protecting its vital research and operations. As the agency continues to push the boundaries of health innovation, robust strong cybersecurity measures will be crucial in ensuring the success and integrity of its groundbreaking work.