Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, security training, industrial policy, and field operations.

Driven by a mission to protect Americas trusted workforce and workspaces, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency integrates personnel vetting and critical technology protection, supported by counterintelligence and training functions, to serve over 100 federal entities and oversee 10,000 cleared companies annually.

Leadership Roles at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency

  • Chief Financial Officer - Zack Gaddy
  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Edwin Keene
  • Director, Chief Financial Officer Act Compliance (FM Policy, FIAR, RMIC) - Scott Molony
  • Chief of Staff - Ellen Ardrey
  • Security Training Chief of Staff - Sharon Ward
  • Industrial Policy & Programs Chief of Staff - Rebecca Bernier
  • Chief of Staff & Strategy Office Chief (CSO) - Raymond Campbell
  • Field Operations Mid Atlantic Region Chief of Staff - Helena Brown
  • Industrial Policy & Programs Chief of Staff - William Bernier
  • Chief of Staff, Background Investigations - Kathleen Kendle
  • Zack Gaddy - Chief Financial Officer

    Zack Gaddy, the Chief Financial Officer at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, directs all financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal management. Gaddy oversees the allocation of resources to support the agency's dual missions of personnel vetting and critical technology protection, ensuring financial integrity across operations. This leadership role involves managing the agency's substantial budget, which supports approximately 2 million background investigations annually and services over 100 federal entities. Zack Gaddy's strategic financial oversight is crucial for maintaining operational continuity and enabling the agency's expansion into virtual workspaces. The Chief Financial Officer also collaborates with other agency leaders to identify cost-saving measures and maximize the impact of federal funding, thereby reinforcing the agency's commitment to protecting Americas trusted workforce and trusted workspaces.
    Zack Gaddy

    Edwin Keene - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Edwin Keene, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, supports the Chief Financial Officer in managing the agency's extensive financial operations. Keene assists in the oversight of budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and agency objectives. This role is integral to the financial stability required for conducting approximately 2 million background investigations annually and supporting over 100 federal entities. Edwin Keene's responsibilities include developing financial models, analyzing expenditure trends, and implementing fiscal controls to optimize the use of funds. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in maintaining the agency's capacity to protect Americas trusted workforce and trusted workspaces, both real and virtual, by ensuring robust financial management.

    Scott Molony - Director, Chief Financial Officer Act Compliance (FM Policy, FIAR, RMIC)

    Scott Molony, the Director, Chief Financial Officer Act Compliance (FM Policy, FIAR, RMIC) at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, ensures adherence to federal financial management policies and regulations. Molony oversees the implementation of financial improvement and audit readiness (FIAR) initiatives and risk management internal controls (RMIC), critical for maintaining fiscal accountability. This role is vital for the agency's operations, which include conducting approximately 2 million background investigations annually and managing significant federal budgets. Scott Molony's expertise ensures that the agency's financial practices meet the highest standards of compliance and transparency, supporting the protection of trusted workspaces. The Director's work directly contributes to the agency's ability to effectively manage resources and fulfill its mission.

    Ellen Ardrey - Chief of Staff

    Ellen Ardrey, the Chief of Staff at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, directs internal operations and strategic alignment across various departments. Overseeing the agency's administrative functions, Ardrey ensures efficient execution of directives from senior leadership. This role involves coordinating cross-functional initiatives and optimizing resource allocation to support the agency's core missions of personnel vetting and critical technology protection. Ellen Ardrey's leadership focuses on enhancing operational effectiveness and fostering a cohesive work environment. The Chief of Staff manages key projects and drives process improvements, directly impacting the agency's ability to serve over 100 federal entities and conduct approximately 2 million background investigations annually. This position is critical for maintaining the integrity and responsiveness of the agency's support structures.

    Sharon Ward - Security Training Chief of Staff

    Sharon Ward, the Security Training Chief of Staff at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, spearheads the development and implementation of comprehensive security training programs. Ward ensures that all personnel and cleared companies receive up-to-date education on counterintelligence, vetting processes, and critical technology protection protocols. This role is vital for maintaining the agency's high standards and supporting over 10,000 cleared companies nationwide. Sharon Ward's leadership focuses on enhancing the skills and knowledge base of the federal workforce and industry partners, directly contributing to the protection of trusted workspaces. The Security Training Chief of Staff oversees curriculum design, training delivery, and certification processes, ensuring alignment with evolving security threats and federal mandates. This position is fundamental to the agency's mission of safeguarding national security interests.

    Rebecca Bernier - Industrial Policy & Programs Chief of Staff

    Rebecca Bernier, the Industrial Policy & Programs Chief of Staff at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, directs strategic initiatives related to industrial security policy and program management. Bernier oversees the implementation of critical technology protection measures and ensures that cleared companies adhere to stringent security standards. This leadership position is essential for safeguarding sensitive information and technologies across the defense industrial base, supporting over 10,000 cleared companies. Rebecca Bernier's focus is on developing and refining policies that enhance the security posture of partner organizations, thereby protecting Americas trusted workspaces. The Industrial Policy & Programs Chief of Staff collaborates with federal agencies and industry leaders to foster a secure environment for technological advancement and national security.

    Raymond Campbell - Chief of Staff & Strategy Office Chief (CSO)

    Raymond Campbell, the Chief of Staff & Strategy Office Chief (CSO) at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, orchestrates the agency's strategic planning and execution. Campbell leads the Strategy Office, ensuring that all agency operations align with overarching goals for protecting Americas trusted workforce and trusted workspaces. This dual role involves managing high-level strategic initiatives and ensuring the efficient functioning of the Chief of Staff's office. Raymond Campbell's leadership is critical for driving innovation and adapting to evolving security landscapes, supporting the agency's mission across over 100 federal entities. The CSO's purview includes developing long-term strategic roadmaps and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the agency, directly impacting its effectiveness in personnel vetting and critical technology protection.

    Helena Brown - Field Operations Mid Atlantic Region Chief of Staff

    Helena Brown, the Field Operations Mid Atlantic Region Chief of Staff at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, directs operational activities and strategic implementation within the Mid Atlantic region. Brown ensures that field operations effectively support the agency's core missions of personnel vetting and critical technology protection across this key geographic area. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional teams and federal entities to maintain security standards and operational efficiency. Helena Brown's focus is on optimizing the deployment of resources and personnel to address regional security challenges, safeguarding Americas trusted workforce and trusted workspaces. The Field Operations Chief of Staff plays a crucial part in extending the agency's reach and impact throughout the Mid Atlantic, ensuring consistent service delivery.

    William Bernier - Industrial Policy & Programs Chief of Staff

    William Bernier, the Industrial Policy & Programs Chief of Staff at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, drives the strategic direction and execution of industrial policy initiatives. Bernier focuses on enhancing the security protocols for cleared companies and protecting critical technologies vital to national security. This role is paramount in overseeing the agency's engagement with over 10,000 cleared companies, ensuring robust compliance and security measures. William Bernier's leadership emphasizes the development of advanced programs that fortify the defense industrial base against evolving threats, thereby protecting Americas trusted workspaces. The Industrial Policy & Programs Chief of Staff collaborates with stakeholders to implement best practices and foster a secure ecosystem for sensitive government contracts and technological development.

    Kathleen Kendle - Chief of Staff, Background Investigations

    Kathleen Kendle, the Chief of Staff, Background Investigations at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, oversees the strategic management and operational efficiency of the agency's background investigation processes. Kendle ensures that approximately 2 million investigations conducted annually meet rigorous standards for accuracy and timeliness, supporting the protection of Americas trusted workforce. This leadership position is critical for maintaining the integrity of personnel vetting and safeguarding sensitive government positions. Kathleen Kendle's responsibilities include optimizing workflows, implementing process improvements, and coordinating with various stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of background investigations. The Chief of Staff, Background Investigations drives initiatives that strengthen the agency's capacity to deliver reliable security clearances and maintain trusted workspaces.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency?
    Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency is led by Zack Gaddy (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Edwin Keene (Deputy Chief Financial Officer) and Scott Molony (Director, Chief Financial Officer Act Compliance (FM Policy, FIAR, RMIC)).
    Who is part of Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency’s executive team?
    The executive team of Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency includes leaders such as Zack Gaddy (Chief Financial Officer), Edwin Keene (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), Scott Molony (Director, Chief Financial Officer Act Compliance (FM Policy, FIAR, RMIC)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency have?
    Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Director, Chief Financial Officer Act Compliance (FM Policy, FIAR, RMIC), Chief of Staff, Security Training Chief of Staff.