Joseph Francescon has been named the next deputy director and senior civilian leader of the National Security Agency. The NSA said Thursday that in his new role, Francescon will be managing strategy execution, creating policy and overseeing the senior civilian leadership. He will also help shape defense and intelligence policies as well as strengthen the NSA’s role in protecting the U.S. from foreign threats.
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Commenting on his appointment, Francescon said, “I am deeply honored and filled with excitement to return home to the National Security Agency as Deputy Director, where my career began.”
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Trump for his trust in me and bold leadership in prioritizing America’s security, to DNI Tulsi Gabbard for her principled and inspiring guidance rooted in constitutional values, and to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for his transformative vision and combat-tested resolve. Together, I am eager to lead NSA’s exceptional team in safeguarding our nation and countering global threats to protect the American people,” he added.
Who Is Joseph Francescon?
Francescon began his career as an intelligence analyst at the NSA. He then joined the National Security Council as director for counterterrorism, then eventually became an acting senior director for counterterrorism and threat networks. As part of the Department of Defense, he served as the deputy assistant secretary for special operations and combating terrorism, then became the deputy chief. He then took on the role of the chief of Washington operations of High Point Aerotechnologies at Highlander Partners. He is currently the chief external affairs officer of DZYNE Technologies.
DNI Tulsi Gabbard, SecDef Pete Hegseth Share Thoughts
In a joint statement, National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard and Defense Secretary and Wash100 Award winner Pete Hegseth congratulated him on his appointment.
“Joe has served our country with distinction at the highest levels of national security, from the Intelligence Community to the Pentagon and overseas. With his wealth of experience countering foreign threats, Joe is exceptionally qualified to lead the next generation of American cybersecurity experts, spearheading efforts to outmaneuver evolving threats and counter our adversaries,” they said.
“We have confidence and faith that Joe will serve with integrity as a mission-focused leader and faithfully uphold the Constitution and defend the freedom and security of the American people,” they added.
