2026 Chief Officer Awards

Until his retirement on 30 September 2021, John Edwards served as CIA’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer (D/COO) responsible for strategic management of the Agency’s “Director’s area” corporate offices, and in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), managing all aspects of CIA’s day-to-day operations, corporate governance, and continuous improvements in how the Agency leverages its personnel, multibillion dollar budget, and other resources to advance national security priorities. This included playing a central role in overseeing and integrating the work of CIA’s Directorates and Mission Centers, including directly supervising the Directorates of Digital Innovation, Science and Technology, and Support. He brings a wide range of enterprise-level government/industry leadership experience and expertise, including his previous role as the Agency’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the Director of CIA’s Information Technology Enterprise. Known for his leadership, corporate vision, and bias for action, John has held a variety of other senior leadership positions at CIA, where he played an integral role in implementing the DCI’s strategic and operational priorities. In 2003, John left the Agency for the private sector. In 2016, after 12 years of P&L experience with two successful start-up companies, John returned to CIA to serve as CIO. His awards include three Director’s Medals, one Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, one Intelligence Medal of Merit, and one Intelligence Commendation Medal.