National Security Agency Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

The National Security Agency has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and information assurance.

Driven by national security imperatives, National Security Agency is dedicated to safeguarding government communications and data against cyber threats and foreign adversaries, upholding its mission through robust signals intelligence and information assurance.

Leadership Roles at National Security Agency

  • Chief Executive Officer - Cyrous Saheb
  • Chief Operating Officer - Lawrence Castro
  • Chief of Staff - John Lyons
  • Chief Information Officer - Lonny Anderson
  • National Security Agency Chief of Staff - Marlisa Smith
  • Office Manager To Chief of Staff - Tawanda Neal
  • Acting Chief, Office of the Deputy Chief Information Officer- Inspection and Policy - Crystal Flowers-MPA
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, National Engagement - Robert Boggs
  • Workforce Support Activities Chief of Staff - Christina McBride
  • T362 and T363 Chief of Staff - Kevin Sterling
  • Cyrous Saheb - Chief Executive Officer

    Cyrous Saheb, the Chief Executive Officer at National Security Agency, directs the overarching strategy and operational framework for the organization. Saheb's leadership ensures alignment with national security objectives, focusing on the agency's core mission of signals intelligence and information assurance. This executive guides the agency's efforts to protect government communications and critical data from evolving cyber threats and foreign adversaries. Saheb's strategic vision shapes the agency's response to complex intelligence challenges, driving innovation in cyber defense and intelligence gathering. The Chief Executive Officer's role involves coordinating efforts across all divisions to maintain a secure information environment for the United States. By setting clear directives, Saheb ensures the agency effectively counters threats and upholds its mandate in a dynamic global landscape. This leadership position is central to the agency's ability to fulfill its critical national security responsibilities.

    Lawrence Castro - Chief Operating Officer

    Lawrence Castro, the Chief Operating Officer at National Security Agency, manages the day-to-day operations and resource allocation across the agency. Castro's responsibilities encompass optimizing internal processes and ensuring the efficient execution of signals intelligence and information assurance initiatives. This executive oversees the operational readiness of the agency, focusing on the effective deployment of personnel and technology to counter cyber threats. Castro's operational oversight is critical for maintaining the integrity and security of government communications and data. The Chief Operating Officer ensures that all operational units function cohesively to meet stringent national security demands. By streamlining workflows and enhancing operational efficiency, Lawrence Castro directly supports the agency's mission to safeguard sensitive information. This role is pivotal in translating strategic objectives into tangible operational outcomes, ensuring the agency's continued effectiveness against sophisticated adversaries.

    John Lyons - Chief of Staff

    John Lyons, the Chief of Staff at National Security Agency, provides direct support to the executive leadership, managing critical administrative functions and strategic initiatives. Lyons facilitates communication and coordination between different departments, ensuring that the agency's objectives for signals intelligence and information assurance are met efficiently. This executive plays a key role in streamlining operational workflows and enhancing the effectiveness of leadership decision-making. The Chief of Staff's duties include overseeing special projects and ensuring that the agency's efforts to protect government communications and data from cyber threats are synchronized. John Lyons's role is essential for maintaining organizational coherence and driving forward the agency's mission. By managing key operational interfaces, Lyons ensures that the agency remains agile and responsive to national security challenges.

    Lonny Anderson - Chief Information Officer

    Lonny Anderson, the Chief Information Officer at National Security Agency, directs the agency's information technology strategy and infrastructure. Anderson is responsible for ensuring the security, integrity, and availability of all information systems, which is paramount for signals intelligence and information assurance. This executive leads the implementation of advanced technologies to protect government communications and data against sophisticated cyber adversaries. The Chief Information Officer's role involves developing and executing policies that safeguard the agency's digital assets and enhance its cyber defense capabilities. Lonny Anderson's leadership ensures that the agency leverages cutting-edge IT solutions to maintain its operational advantage. By overseeing the technological backbone, Anderson is instrumental in the agency's ability to counter threats and uphold national security.
    Lonny Anderson

    Marlisa Smith - National Security Agency Chief of Staff

    Marlisa Smith, the National Security Agency Chief of Staff at National Security Agency, manages strategic operations and inter-agency coordination to advance the agency's mission. Smith's focus is on enhancing the effectiveness of signals intelligence and information assurance efforts by optimizing internal processes and external partnerships. This executive ensures seamless execution of directives aimed at protecting government communications and data from cyber threats and foreign adversaries. The National Security Agency Chief of Staff's role involves driving key initiatives that bolster the agency's operational capabilities and strategic foresight. Marlisa Smith's leadership ensures that the agency's complex operations are managed efficiently and effectively, contributing directly to national security. Smith's oversight is critical for maintaining the agency's readiness and responsiveness in a constantly evolving threat landscape.

    Tawanda Neal - Office Manager To Chief of Staff

    Tawanda Neal, the Office Manager To Chief of Staff at National Security Agency, provides essential administrative and operational support to the Chief of Staff's office. Neal ensures the smooth functioning of daily operations, facilitating the management of critical initiatives related to signals intelligence and information assurance. This role is vital for maintaining the efficiency of leadership communications and the execution of strategic plans designed to protect government communications and data. The Office Manager To Chief of Staff's responsibilities include coordinating schedules, managing resources, and supporting projects that enhance the agency's defense against cyber threats. Tawanda Neal's diligent support is crucial for the effective operation of the Chief of Staff's office, directly contributing to the agency's overall mission success and security posture.

    Crystal Flowers-MPA - Acting Chief, Office of the Deputy Chief Information Officer- Inspection and Policy

    Crystal Flowers-MPA, the Acting Chief, Office of the Deputy Chief Information Officer- Inspection and Policy at National Security Agency, leads critical functions related to information assurance policy and inspection protocols. Flowers-MPA oversees the development and enforcement of policies designed to safeguard government communications and data, ensuring compliance with national security standards. This executive's work is central to identifying and mitigating cyber threats through rigorous inspection and policy refinement. The Acting Chief's role involves ensuring that the agency's information systems adhere to the highest levels of security and integrity. Crystal Flowers-MPA's leadership drives continuous improvement in the agency's security posture, directly supporting its mission to protect sensitive national intelligence. This position is vital for maintaining robust information assurance practices.

    Robert Boggs - Deputy Chief of Staff, National Engagement

    Robert Boggs, the Deputy Chief of Staff, National Engagement at National Security Agency, spearheads initiatives focused on external partnerships and national outreach. Boggs ensures effective communication and collaboration with key stakeholders, enhancing the agency's ability to conduct signals intelligence and information assurance operations. This executive plays a crucial role in strengthening the agency's engagement with domestic and international partners to counter cyber threats and protect government communications. The Deputy Chief of Staff's responsibilities include fostering strategic alliances that support the agency's national security objectives. Robert Boggs's leadership in national engagement is vital for building trust and facilitating information sharing, thereby bolstering the agency's overall effectiveness. This role is essential for extending the agency's reach and impact in safeguarding critical data.

    Christina McBride - Workforce Support Activities Chief of Staff

    Christina McBride, the Workforce Support Activities Chief of Staff at National Security Agency, directs critical functions supporting the agency's personnel and operational readiness. McBride oversees programs designed to enhance workforce capabilities, ensuring that personnel are equipped to execute signals intelligence and information assurance missions effectively. This executive's focus is on optimizing human resources and support activities to bolster the agency's defense against cyber threats and protect government communications. The Workforce Support Activities Chief of Staff's role is integral to maintaining a highly skilled and motivated workforce capable of meeting complex national security demands. Christina McBride's leadership ensures that the agency's most valuable asset, its people, are supported and developed to their fullest potential, directly contributing to mission success.

    Kevin Sterling - T362 and T363 Chief of Staff

    Kevin Sterling, the T362 and T363 Chief of Staff at National Security Agency, manages specific operational units and strategic projects within the agency's structure. Sterling ensures that the objectives for signals intelligence and information assurance are met within these designated areas, focusing on the protection of government communications and data. This executive's responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of security protocols to counter cyber threats and maintain operational integrity. The T362 and T363 Chief of Staff's role is critical for the focused execution of specialized missions and the efficient management of resources allocated to these units. Kevin Sterling's leadership ensures that these specific operational components contribute effectively to the agency's broader national security mandate.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding National Security Agency Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads National Security Agency?
    National Security Agency is led by Cyrous Saheb (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Lawrence Castro (Chief Operating Officer) and John Lyons (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of National Security Agency’s executive team?
    The executive team of National Security Agency includes leaders such as Cyrous Saheb (Chief Executive Officer), Lawrence Castro (Chief Operating Officer), John Lyons (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does National Security Agency have?
    National Security Agency has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in National Security Agency’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of National Security Agency includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, National Security Agency Chief of Staff.