Patrick Ware Appointed Executive Director of U.S. Cyber Command

Patrick Ware has been named the new Executive Director (EXDIR) of United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), taking over the top civilian position within the nation's central cyber defense authority. Ware brings with him over 34 years of experience at the National Security Agency (NSA), where he has been deeply involved in both offensive and defensive cyber operations.

According to Cyber Command, the executive director is responsible for leading initiatives that shape and mature the organization. These efforts span strategic communication, talent management, domestic and foreign partnerships, innovation, and capability development.

Ware replaces Morgan Adamski, who served as executive director for more than a year and had a 17-year tenure at the NSA. His promotion reflects a continuity of leadership rooted in deep intelligence and cybersecurity expertise.

Leadership Vacuum Following Political Shake-Up

This leadership change occurs amid broader uncertainty at Cyber Command. The organization remains without a permanent military commander following the controversial removal of Gen. Timothy Haugh by the Trump administration earlier in 2025. Haugh had served concurrently as the director of the NSA and head of USCYBERCOM since February 2024.

The Department of Defense had reportedly sought to nominate Army Lt. Gen. Richard Angle for the dual role, but the White House rejected the proposal, leaving the position temporarily vacant and raising questions about political influence in national cyber leadership.

CISA Also Appoints New Executive Director

In a related development, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has also welcomed new leadership. Casie Antalis, a longtime government official with over a decade of experience in cybersecurity roles, announced that she has assumed the position of executive director at CISA.

Her appointment is expected to bring renewed energy to the agency’s mission of defending U.S. critical infrastructure and coordinating with state, local, and private-sector partners.

Strategic Implications

The appointment of Patrick Ware and Casie Antalis marks a significant moment in U.S. cybersecurity governance. Both leaders bring proven expertise at a time when the country faces mounting cyber threats from nation-state actors, criminal enterprises, and emerging technologies.

Their leadership will be essential in ensuring the resilience, adaptability, and strategic alignment of America's cyber defense posture for the years ahead.