Paul Cunningham

As the Chief information Security Officer (CISO), Mr. Paul Cunningham leads the Office of Information Security, providing strategic leadership to a team of cybersecurity specialists and leading various cybersecurity programs and risk management activities to ensure secure and reliable operation of VA information systems. OIS oversees the Department’s Cybersecurity Operations, develops enterprise strategies, and manages the Department’s Privacy Office. Mr. Cunningham has over 15 years of experience as a cybersecurity and risk management practitioner within industry and the federal government. He has a unique talent for developing risk management strategies that effectively balance mission objectives with operational requirements.

Mr. Cunningham is a major advocate in treating Cybersecurity as a business initiative. He has served in numerous leadership positions and has overseen the development and implementation of a myriad of cybersecurity efforts within the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). A trusted resource, Mr. Cunningham has provided cybersecurity briefings to Federal Administrators, Cabinet-level Secretaries, White House Senior Advisors, and Congressional staffers. He also serves as a Tri-chair for the sub-committee on National Security Systems. Mr. Cunningham retired from the Navy in 2006 with 20 years of service, serving initially as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (AME) and completing his service as a Naval Officer and Naval Aviator.