National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, information technology, finance, human capital, and workforce development.

Driven by national security imperatives, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency delivers critical geospatial intelligence and analysis, supporting U.S. policymakers, military operations, and emergency responders with timely, relevant, and actionable insights derived from satellite imagery and diverse geospatial sources.

Leadership Roles at National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

  • Chief Executive Officer - Mark Germishuys
  • Chief Financial Officer - Tamara Hughes
  • Chief of Staff - Travis Collins
  • Chief Information Officer - David White
  • Manager, Human Capital & Chief Information Officer, Workforce Development - Gary Backenstoss
  • Chief of Staff To NGA Deputy Director - Shenice Williams
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Dermont Nicholson
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Kandall Lembeck
  • Corporate Operations Chief of Staff - Deidre Cook
  • Group Analytic Operations Chief of Staff - Ryan Kirschner
  • Mark Germishuys - Chief Executive Officer

    Mark Germishuys, the Chief Executive Officer at National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, directs the overarching strategy and operational framework for the agency's critical geospatial intelligence services. Germishuys ensures alignment with national security priorities, guiding the delivery of timely and actionable intelligence derived from satellite imagery and other geospatial sources. This leadership role involves fostering collaboration across the intelligence community and Department of Defense, guaranteeing that NGA's specialized mapping, imagery analysis, and information services effectively support U.S. objectives. By setting the strategic vision, Mark Germishuys drives the agency's vital contribution to national security, ensuring robust support for policymakers, military operations, and emergency responders through advanced geospatial capabilities.

    Tamara Hughes - Chief Financial Officer

    Tamara Hughes, the Chief Financial Officer at National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, directs the financial planning, budgeting, and resource management critical for the agency's operations. Hughes ensures fiscal responsibility and optimizes the allocation of funds to support the delivery of essential geospatial intelligence services and advanced analytical capabilities. This role involves managing financial reporting, procurement processes, and investment strategies to maximize the impact of NGA's resources in fulfilling national security priorities. By maintaining financial integrity and strategic oversight, Tamara Hughes enables the agency to effectively provide timely, relevant, and actionable intelligence from satellite imagery and other geospatial sources to policymakers, military operations, and intelligence professionals.

    Travis Collins - Chief of Staff

    Travis Collins, the Chief of Staff at National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, manages the operational efficiency and strategic execution of the agency's leadership directives. Collins facilitates communication and coordination between various departments, ensuring seamless integration of geospatial intelligence services with national security priorities. This role involves streamlining processes and optimizing resource allocation to support the delivery of critical data and analysis from satellite imagery. By overseeing key initiatives and advising senior leadership, Travis Collins ensures that NGA's mapping, imagery analysis, and geospatial information services consistently meet the demanding requirements of policymakers, military operations, and intelligence professionals, thereby reinforcing the agency's vital role in national security.

    David White - Chief Information Officer

    David White, the Chief Information Officer at National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, architects and oversees the agency's comprehensive information technology infrastructure and digital strategy. White ensures the secure and efficient management of vast geospatial data repositories, including satellite imagery, enabling the rapid dissemination of actionable intelligence. This leadership position involves driving innovation in data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity to support national security objectives. By enhancing technological capabilities, David White empowers NGA to deliver critical geospatial intelligence and analysis to policymakers, military operations, and emergency responders, solidifying the agency's role in fulfilling national security mandates through advanced information systems.

    Gary Backenstoss - Manager, Human Capital & Chief Information Officer, Workforce Development

    Gary Backenstoss, the Manager, Human Capital & Chief Information Officer, Workforce Development at National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, spearheads initiatives focused on talent acquisition, professional development, and the strategic management of the agency's workforce. Backenstoss integrates human capital strategies with information technology advancements to cultivate a highly skilled and adaptable team capable of delivering cutting-edge geospatial intelligence. This dual leadership role ensures that NGA possesses the necessary expertise and technological proficiency to analyze satellite imagery and produce actionable intelligence. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, Gary Backenstoss strengthens the agency's capacity to support national security objectives and provide critical mapping and analysis services.

    Shenice Williams - Chief of Staff To NGA Deputy Director

    Shenice Williams, the Chief of Staff To NGA Deputy Director at National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, provides critical support in managing the Deputy Director's strategic agenda and operational oversight. Williams facilitates the coordination of key initiatives and ensures effective communication across NGA's diverse intelligence and combat support functions. This role involves streamlining workflows and enhancing the efficiency of geospatial intelligence delivery, particularly concerning satellite imagery analysis and data dissemination. By managing priorities and driving action on critical projects, Shenice Williams directly contributes to the agency's ability to provide timely, relevant, and actionable intelligence to support national security objectives and assist policymakers and military operations.

    Dermont Nicholson - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Dermont Nicholson, the Deputy Chief of Staff at National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, assists in the strategic direction and operational execution of the agency's core mission. Nicholson supports the Chief of Staff in coordinating interdepartmental efforts, ensuring the seamless integration of geospatial intelligence services across various national security functions. This role involves enhancing the efficiency of data analysis from satellite imagery and facilitating the timely delivery of critical intelligence products. By managing key projects and driving operational improvements, Dermont Nicholson plays a crucial part in NGA's ability to provide policymakers, military operations, and intelligence professionals with the specialized mapping and analysis services essential for national security.

    Kandall Lembeck - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Kandall Lembeck, the Deputy Chief of Staff at National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, contributes to the strategic management and operational effectiveness of the agency's intelligence and combat support activities. Lembeck supports the Chief of Staff in overseeing critical projects and ensuring the efficient flow of information regarding geospatial intelligence derived from satellite imagery. This position involves facilitating cross-functional collaboration to enhance the agency's analytical capabilities and the dissemination of actionable insights. By driving key operational initiatives and supporting leadership directives, Kandall Lembeck reinforces NGA's vital role in providing essential mapping, imagery analysis, and geospatial information services to support national security objectives.

    Deidre Cook - Corporate Operations Chief of Staff

    Deidre Cook, the Corporate Operations Chief of Staff at National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, manages and optimizes the operational framework supporting the agency's broad mission. Cook ensures the efficient execution of corporate functions, facilitating the seamless delivery of geospatial intelligence services and analytical support. This role involves streamlining internal processes and enhancing coordination across various operational units to maximize the impact of satellite imagery analysis. By driving operational improvements and supporting strategic initiatives, Deidre Cook directly contributes to NGA's capacity to provide timely, relevant, and actionable intelligence to policymakers, military operations, and emergency responders, reinforcing the agency's critical role in national security.

    Ryan Kirschner - Group Analytic Operations Chief of Staff

    Ryan Kirschner, the Group Analytic Operations Chief of Staff at National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, directs and refines the operational processes for the agency's analytical groups. Kirschner ensures that the analysis of satellite imagery and other geospatial data is conducted with maximum efficiency and accuracy, producing actionable intelligence. This leadership position involves optimizing workflows, managing resources, and fostering collaboration among analysts to meet stringent national security requirements. By enhancing the operational capabilities of analytic teams, Ryan Kirschner directly supports NGA's mission to deliver critical geospatial intelligence and analysis to policymakers, military operations, and intelligence professionals, thereby strengthening U.S. national security objectives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency?
    National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is led by Mark Germishuys (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tamara Hughes (Chief Financial Officer) and Travis Collins (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s executive team?
    The executive team of National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency includes leaders such as Mark Germishuys (Chief Executive Officer), Tamara Hughes (Chief Financial Officer), Travis Collins (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency have?
    National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Manager, Human Capital & Chief Information Officer, Workforce Development.