National Security Agency Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

National Security Agency has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operational oversight, information technology, and workforce management.

Committed to safeguarding national interests, National Security Agency executes complex signals intelligence and information assurance missions to protect government communications against sophisticated global cyber threats.

Leadership Roles at National Security Agency

  • Chief Executive Officer - Cyrous Saheb
  • Chief Operating Officer - Lawrence Castro
  • Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Critical Government Systems - Shelly Kelly
  • Chief of Staff - Stephanie Merrill
  • Chief Information Officer - Lonny Anderson
  • National Security Agency Chief of Staff - Christine Roman
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Veronica Carter
  • Workforce Support Activities Chief of Staff - Christina McBride
  • Acting Chief, Office of the Deputy Chief Information Officer- Inspection and Policy - Crystal Flowers-MPA
  • National Security Agency Chief of Staff - Marlisa Smith
  • Cyrous Saheb - Chief Executive Officer

    Cyrous Saheb, the Chief Executive Officer at National Security Agency, directs the overarching strategic vision for signals intelligence and information assurance. Saheb architects high-level policy frameworks to counter foreign adversaries and mitigate emerging cyber threats. By aligning agency resources with national security priorities, the Chief Executive Officer ensures robust protection of government communications. Saheb maintains constant communication with federal oversight bodies to guarantee mission success across all operational theaters. This leadership role involves managing complex interagency partnerships to bolster domestic defense capabilities. Cyrous Saheb drives the implementation of advanced technological initiatives designed to secure critical data infrastructure. Through rigorous oversight of intelligence gathering protocols, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of national security operations. Saheb fosters a culture of excellence and vigilance, ensuring the agency remains at the forefront of global information security challenges while upholding the highest standards of public service and operational accountability.

    Lawrence Castro - Chief Operating Officer

    Lawrence Castro, the Chief Operating Officer at National Security Agency, manages the execution of large-scale signals intelligence operations and infrastructure maintenance. Castro directs the deployment of technical assets to ensure continuous monitoring of global communications. By optimizing operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the speed and accuracy of threat detection capabilities. Castro oversees the integration of advanced analytical tools into existing intelligence frameworks. This leadership position involves coordinating with regional directors to maintain a consistent security posture across all operational domains. Lawrence Castro drives the development of scalable systems that support the agency's information assurance mission. Castro monitors performance metrics to ensure that all operational activities meet stringent federal standards. Through the management of complex technical environments, the Chief Operating Officer secures the reliability of government data networks. Castro ensures that all tactical efforts remain focused on neutralizing foreign adversaries and protecting critical national infrastructure from sophisticated cyber attacks.

    Shelly Kelly - Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Critical Government Systems

    Shelly Kelly, the Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Critical Government Systems at National Security Agency, focuses on the hardening of infrastructure supporting essential federal services. Kelly directs the implementation of security measures specifically designed to protect critical government systems from external disruption. By managing the operational lifecycle of these vital assets, the Chief Operating Officer ensures the continuity of national communications. Kelly coordinates with technical experts to identify vulnerabilities within the federal data ecosystem. This leadership role involves overseeing the deployment of defensive technologies that mitigate risks to national security. Shelly Kelly drives the strategic planning for system resilience, ensuring that critical infrastructure remains operational under diverse threat conditions. Kelly monitors the performance of security protocols to verify compliance with federal mandates. Through the management of these high-stakes systems, the Chief Operating Officer provides the foundation for secure government operations. Kelly ensures that all defensive strategies effectively counter the sophisticated tactics employed by foreign adversaries.

    Stephanie Merrill - Chief of Staff

    Stephanie Merrill, the Chief of Staff at National Security Agency, coordinates internal operations and streamlines communication across all intelligence divisions. Merrill manages the daily administrative flow to ensure executive decisions translate into actionable security outcomes. By synchronizing departmental efforts, the Chief of Staff optimizes the efficiency of signals intelligence workflows. Merrill facilitates collaboration between technical teams and policy advisors to address evolving cyber threats. This role requires precise management of agency-wide initiatives that support national security objectives. Stephanie Merrill oversees the integration of cross-functional projects, ensuring alignment with the broader mission of protecting government data. Merrill maintains operational continuity by resolving complex logistical challenges within the agency. Through strategic resource allocation, the Chief of Staff supports the long-term goals of the organization. Merrill provides essential guidance to leadership, ensuring that all internal processes remain agile and responsive to the dynamic requirements of the federal intelligence landscape.

    Lonny Anderson - Chief Information Officer

    Lonny Anderson, the Chief Information Officer at National Security Agency, architects the digital infrastructure required for secure signals intelligence and data processing. Anderson manages the implementation of cutting-edge cybersecurity protocols to defend government networks against foreign intrusion. By overseeing the modernization of information systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures the agency maintains a technological advantage in the digital domain. Anderson directs the development of robust data protection strategies that safeguard sensitive communications. This role involves collaborating with technical teams to integrate emerging technologies into the agency's intelligence gathering platforms. Lonny Anderson drives the adoption of secure cloud solutions and advanced encryption standards. Anderson monitors the health of critical IT assets to prevent service disruptions and security breaches. Through the management of complex information architectures, the Chief Information Officer supports the agency's mission to provide actionable intelligence. Anderson ensures that all digital operations remain resilient against the persistent threat of global cyber adversaries.
    Lonny Anderson

    Christine Roman - National Security Agency Chief of Staff

    Christine Roman, the National Security Agency Chief of Staff at National Security Agency, manages the strategic alignment of agency-wide intelligence initiatives. Roman oversees the coordination of high-level briefings and policy implementation to ensure mission success. By facilitating communication between executive leadership and operational units, the Chief of Staff maintains a unified approach to national security challenges. Roman directs the administrative processes that support the agency's signals intelligence and information assurance goals. This role involves managing complex projects that require cross-departmental collaboration. Christine Roman drives the development of internal policies that enhance the efficiency of intelligence gathering operations. Roman monitors the progress of key strategic objectives to ensure timely delivery of critical security insights. Through the management of organizational workflows, the Chief of Staff supports the agency's ability to respond to emerging threats. Roman ensures that all internal activities remain focused on the core mission of protecting government communications and data from foreign adversaries.

    Veronica Carter - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Veronica Carter, the Deputy Chief of Staff at National Security Agency, assists in the management of daily operations and the execution of strategic directives. Carter oversees the implementation of administrative policies that support the agency's intelligence and information assurance missions. By coordinating with various departments, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that resources are effectively allocated to meet national security requirements. Carter facilitates the flow of information between leadership and staff to maintain operational transparency. This role involves managing the logistics of complex intelligence projects and ensuring adherence to federal regulations. Veronica Carter drives the optimization of internal processes to improve the overall responsiveness of the agency. Carter monitors the execution of key initiatives to ensure alignment with the broader organizational goals. Through the management of administrative functions, the Deputy Chief of Staff supports the agency's ability to counter cyber threats. Carter ensures that all operational activities remain focused on the protection of critical government data.

    Christina McBride - Workforce Support Activities Chief of Staff

    Christina McBride, the Workforce Support Activities Chief of Staff at National Security Agency, directs the programs and services essential for maintaining a highly skilled intelligence workforce. McBride oversees the development of training and support initiatives that ensure personnel remain prepared for complex security missions. By managing the human capital strategy, the Chief of Staff enhances the agency's ability to attract and retain top-tier talent. McBride coordinates with leadership to align workforce capabilities with the evolving needs of signals intelligence and information assurance. This role involves managing the administrative infrastructure that supports employee performance and operational readiness. Christina McBride drives the implementation of programs designed to foster a culture of security and excellence. McBride monitors the effectiveness of workforce support activities to ensure they contribute to the agency's overall mission. Through the management of these critical human resources, the Chief of Staff supports the agency's long-term success in protecting government communications and data from sophisticated global threats.

    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, manages the oversight of information technology policies and compliance standards. Flowers-MPA directs the inspection processes that ensure all digital systems adhere to rigorous federal security requirements. By evaluating the effectiveness of existing policies, the Acting Chief identifies areas for improvement in the agency's information assurance framework. Flowers-MPA coordinates with technical teams to implement corrective actions that mitigate security risks. This role involves maintaining the integrity of the agency's data protection protocols through continuous monitoring and assessment. Crystal Flowers-MPA drives the development of policy guidelines that govern the secure use of information technology. Flowers-MPA monitors compliance across all departments to ensure that digital operations remain resilient against cyber threats. Through the management of inspection and policy functions, the Acting Chief supports the agency's mission to safeguard government communications. Flowers-MPA ensures that all IT practices align with the highest standards of national security.

    Marlisa Smith - National Security Agency Chief of Staff

    Marlisa Smith, the National Security Agency Chief of Staff at National Security Agency, manages the integration of strategic intelligence operations across the organization. Smith oversees the execution of high-level directives that support the agency's signals intelligence and information assurance missions. By coordinating the efforts of various divisions, the Chief of Staff ensures that all activities remain aligned with national security priorities. Smith directs the administrative and operational processes that facilitate the agency's response to emerging cyber threats. This role involves managing complex interdepartmental projects that require precise execution and oversight. Marlisa Smith drives the development of internal strategies that enhance the agency's operational efficiency. Smith monitors the progress of key initiatives to ensure they meet the rigorous demands of the federal intelligence community. Through the management of organizational workflows, the Chief of Staff supports the agency's ability to protect government communications. Smith ensures that all internal efforts remain focused on the core mission of countering foreign adversaries.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Federal

    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 Shelly Kelly (Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Critical Government Systems).
    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), Shelly Kelly (Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Critical Government Systems) 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 Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Critical Government Systems, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer.