CISA replaces acting director after year of turmoil
Feb 27th 2026
CISA replaced acting director Madhu Gottumukkala with Nick Andersen after a year of staff cuts, security incidents and internal disputes, the agency said, while a permanent director nomination remains pending in the Senate.
- Nick Andersen will replace Madhu Gottumukkala as CISA acting director, the agency said.
- Gottumukkala has been moved to a DHS role as director of strategic implementation, according to CISA.
- Reports say Gottumukkala uploaded sensitive government documents to ChatGPT and failed a counterintelligence polygraph.
- CISA staffing was cut by about one third last year amid layoffs and furloughs under the current administration.
- The White House re-nominated Sean Plankey as permanent CISA director but the Senate has not scheduled a confirmation hearing.
- CISA chief information officer Bob Costello has left the agency and reports say Gottumukkala tried to transfer him but was blocked