The National Security Agency (NSA) has announced the appointment of Timothy Kosiba as its 21st Deputy Director, marking a significant leadership development at one of the United States’ most critical national security institutions. The designation was made by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and formally approved by President Donald J. Trump, according to an official statement released on January 9. As NSA Deputy Director, Kosiba becomes the agency’s senior civilian leader, responsible for overseeing strategy execution, establishing agency-wide policy, guiding operational priorities, and managing senior civilian leadership. In this role, he will also support the broader U.S. defense and intelligence enterprise, contributing to the formulation of national security policy and strengthening NSA’s position as an integrated mission partner against evolving foreign threats.

NSA Appoints Timothy Kosiba as Deputy Director

The NSA leadership appointment places Kosiba at the center of U.S. efforts to maintain a decisive national security advantage, particularly in the areas of foreign signals intelligence and cybersecurity operations. His return to the agency comes at a time when cybersecurity, cyber defense, and intelligence integration remain top priorities for U.S. national security planners. Lieutenant General William J. Hartman, Acting Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Performing Duties of Director of the National Security Agency, welcomed Kosiba’s return, emphasizing his leadership credentials and institutional knowledge. “Tim is a people-focused leader with a wealth of experience that makes him ideal for the deputy director role,” Hartman said, citing Kosiba’s 33-year federal career and extensive experience across intelligence and cybersecurity missions. Hartman added that Kosiba’s leadership will be critical as the NSA advances its mission to protect U.S. national security interests in an increasingly complex threat environment.

Deep Experience Across Intelligence and Cybersecurity

With more than 30 years in the U.S. Intelligence Community, Timothy Kosiba brings deep familiarity with the NSA mission, particularly in public sector cybersecurity, cyber policy, and operational execution. Over the course of his career, he has played a key role in implementing the NSA’s Cyber Security Policy and has frequently represented both the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command in cyber-related discussions at the White House and other interagency forums. Kosiba’s experience spans both technical leadership and strategic engagement, positioning him to bridge operational realities with national-level policy objectives. His appointment reinforces the NSA’s focus on aligning intelligence capabilities with broader government cybersecurity and defense strategies.

Career Path Spanning Global and Operational Leadership

Kosiba began his NSA career as technical director for the Joint Functional Component Command for Network Warfare, where he worked on mission-critical cyber operations. He later served as technical director for the Requirements and Targeting Office within the Tailored Access Operations organization, a role focused on advanced cyber capabilities. Selected for the Defense Intelligence Senior Level (DISL) Service, Kosiba was posted overseas as chief of the Special U.S. Liaison Office in Canberra, Australia, strengthening intelligence cooperation with key allies. After returning to the United States, he became deputy director of the NSA/CSS Commercial Solutions Center and was later appointed Chief of Computer Network Operations (CNO). Following three years as CNO, Kosiba was assigned as Deputy Commander of NSA Georgia, the largest NSA field location, where he oversaw large-scale operational and workforce initiatives.

Commitment to the NSA Mission

Commenting on his appointment, Kosiba described the role as a return to familiar ground. “It is an honor to come back home and serve as the National Security Agency’s next deputy director,” he said, emphasizing his long-standing commitment to the agency’s mission and workforce. As NSA Deputy Director, Timothy Kosiba is expected to play a central role in shaping the agency’s approach to cybersecurity, intelligence operations, and national security policy, reinforcing NSA’s position within the U.S. intelligence and defense ecosystem amid persistent and emerging global threats.