Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency has 10 executives leading key functions including personnel vetting, critical technology protection, financial management, and data analysis.

Driven by a mission to protect Americas trusted workforce and workspaces, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency executes essential security missions, supporting over 100 federal entities and overseeing 10,000 cleared companies annually.

Leadership Roles at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency

  • Chief Financial Officer - Zack Gaddy
  • Director, Chief Financial Officer Act Compliance (FM Policy, FIAR, RMIC) - Scott Molony
  • Chief, Financial Data - Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) - Irfaan Nooruddin
  • Chief of Staff - Chandra Knight
  • Senior Staff Officer. Chief of Staff - Data Collection and Analysis - Stephen Schooley
  • Counterintelligence & Insider Threat Directorate Chief of Staff - Barbara Holston
  • Chief of Staff for Adjudications - Chakeia Ragin
  • Acting Chief Technology Officer - Tom Holmes
  • Chief Enterprise Architect & Chief Technology Officer (Acting) - Prasserth Yang
  • Eeo Risk Management Officer & Affirmative Employment Chief & Acting Chief of Staff - Deirdre Garrett
  • Zack Gaddy - Chief Financial Officer

    Zack Gaddy, the Chief Financial Officer at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, manages the agency's comprehensive financial operations and fiscal strategy. Overseeing all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation, Gaddy ensures robust fiscal integrity supporting critical national security missions. This role involves direct oversight of financial data analysis and compliance with federal regulations, safeguarding the agency's resources. By driving financial accountability, Zack Gaddy enables the effective execution of personnel vetting and critical technology protection services. The Chief Financial Officer's leadership ensures the agency's financial health, supporting its mandate to protect trusted workforces and workspaces across more than 100 federal entities and 10,000 cleared companies.
    Zack Gaddy

    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, spearheads compliance initiatives critical to financial management and reporting. Overseeing policy development and implementation for financial improvement and audit readiness, Molony ensures adherence to federal financial regulations. This leadership position involves rigorous oversight of risk management and internal controls, bolstering the agency's financial transparency and accountability. By driving compliance, Scott Molony supports the agency's mission to protect Americas trusted workforce and workspaces. The Director's focus on robust financial governance enables DCSA to effectively manage resources for its extensive background investigation operations and support of 10,000 cleared companies.

    Irfaan Nooruddin - Chief, Financial Data - Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)

    Irfaan Nooruddin, the Chief, Financial Data - Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, leads the critical analysis and management of financial data. Overseeing the integrity and accessibility of financial information, Nooruddin ensures accurate reporting and informed decision-making within the OCFO. This role is vital for supporting the agency's fiscal strategy and compliance initiatives, underpinning its operational capabilities. By driving data-driven financial insights, Irfaan Nooruddin strengthens DCSA's ability to manage resources effectively for protecting Americas trusted workforce and workspaces. The Chief of Financial Data's expertise ensures robust financial oversight, supporting the agency's extensive operations and its service to over 100 federal entities and 10,000 cleared companies.

    Chandra Knight - Chief of Staff

    Chandra Knight, the Chief of Staff at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across multiple directorates. Overseeing key administrative functions, Knight ensures seamless execution of agency-wide priorities, supporting the protection of Americas trusted workforce and workspaces. This leadership role involves coordinating efforts between vetting, critical technology protection, and counterintelligence functions. By managing cross-functional communication, Chandra Knight drives efficiency and enhances the agency's ability to conduct approximately 2 million background investigations annually. The Chief of Staff's purview extends to optimizing internal processes and fostering a culture of security excellence, directly impacting the agency's service to over 100 federal entities and 10,000 cleared companies.

    Stephen Schooley - Senior Staff Officer. Chief of Staff - Data Collection and Analysis

    Stephen Schooley, the Senior Staff Officer. Chief of Staff - Data Collection and Analysis at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, leads critical functions in data management and analytical insights. Overseeing the collection, processing, and analysis of vast datasets, Schooley enhances the agency's intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness. This role is pivotal in supporting personnel vetting and critical technology protection by providing actionable data-driven intelligence. By refining data collection methodologies, Stephen Schooley ensures the accuracy and timeliness of information crucial for safeguarding Americas trusted workforce and workspaces. The Senior Staff Officer's expertise drives informed decision-making across DCSA's operations, supporting its service to over 100 federal entities and 10,000 cleared companies.

    Barbara Holston - Counterintelligence & Insider Threat Directorate Chief of Staff

    Barbara Holston, the Counterintelligence & Insider Threat Directorate Chief of Staff at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, directs strategic operations within a vital security division. Overseeing the implementation of counterintelligence measures and insider threat mitigation programs, Holston strengthens the agency's protective posture. This leadership role involves coordinating efforts to safeguard sensitive information and secure critical infrastructure, both physical and virtual. By enhancing threat detection and response capabilities, Barbara Holston directly contributes to protecting Americas trusted workforce and workspaces. The Chief of Staff's focus on proactive security ensures DCSA's effectiveness in identifying and neutralizing threats, supporting its mission across over 100 federal entities and 10,000 cleared companies.

    Chakeia Ragin - Chief of Staff for Adjudications

    Chakeia Ragin, the Chief of Staff for Adjudications at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, leads critical processes within the personnel vetting mission. Overseeing the adjudication functions, Ragin ensures thorough and timely evaluations to maintain the integrity of Americas trusted workforce. This role involves managing complex workflows and ensuring adherence to stringent security standards, directly impacting national security. By optimizing adjudication processes, Chakeia Ragin enhances the agency's capacity to conduct millions of background investigations annually. The Chief of Staff's dedication to rigorous evaluation supports DCSA's mandate to protect trusted workspaces and its service to over 100 federal entities and 10,000 cleared companies.

    Tom Holmes - Acting Chief Technology Officer

    Tom Holmes, the Acting Chief Technology Officer at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, drives the strategic direction of the agency's technological infrastructure and innovation. Overseeing the development and implementation of cutting-edge technology solutions, Holmes ensures DCSA remains at the forefront of digital security and operational efficiency. This role is crucial for enhancing critical technology protection and supporting the agency's vast data analysis capabilities. By advancing technological adoption, Tom Holmes strengthens the agency's ability to protect Americas trusted workforce and workspaces in evolving threat landscapes. The Acting Chief Technology Officer's vision guides DCSA's digital transformation, supporting its mission across over 100 federal entities and 10,000 cleared companies.

    Prasserth Yang - Chief Enterprise Architect & Chief Technology Officer (Acting)

    Prasserth Yang, the Chief Enterprise Architect & Chief Technology Officer (Acting) at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, architects the agency's technological framework and future state. Overseeing the design and integration of enterprise-wide systems, Yang ensures scalability, security, and interoperability across all DCSA operations. This dual role is essential for advancing critical technology protection and optimizing data management for personnel vetting. By establishing robust architectural standards, Prasserth Yang enhances the agency's capacity to protect Americas trusted workforce and workspaces against sophisticated threats. The Chief Enterprise Architect's strategic planning underpins DCSA's technological resilience and its support for over 100 federal entities and 10,000 cleared companies.

    Deirdre Garrett - Eeo Risk Management Officer & Affirmative Employment Chief & Acting Chief of Staff

    Deirdre Garrett, the Eeo Risk Management Officer & Affirmative Employment Chief & Acting Chief of Staff at Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, directs crucial initiatives in equal employment opportunity and risk mitigation. Overseeing affirmative employment programs and managing associated risks, Garrett ensures a fair and secure working environment for all personnel. This multifaceted role involves strategic planning and operational oversight to uphold DCSA's commitment to its workforce. By championing EEO principles and robust risk management, Deirdre Garrett contributes to protecting Americas trusted workforce and workspaces. The Acting Chief of Staff's leadership enhances organizational integrity and operational effectiveness across the agency's diverse functions, supporting its mission to over 100 federal entities and 10,000 cleared companies.

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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 Scott Molony (Director, Chief Financial Officer Act Compliance (FM Policy, FIAR, RMIC)) and Irfaan Nooruddin (Chief, Financial Data - Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)).
    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), Scott Molony (Director, Chief Financial Officer Act Compliance (FM Policy, FIAR, RMIC)), Irfaan Nooruddin (Chief, Financial Data - Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)) 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, Director, Chief Financial Officer Act Compliance (FM Policy, FIAR, RMIC), Chief, Financial Data - Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), Chief of Staff, Senior Staff Officer. Chief of Staff - Data Collection and Analysis.