Robert Costello, the chief information officer at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, announced Tuesday he is leaving the agency, ending an 18-year career at the Department of Homeland Security.
Costello’s tenure had recently faced turbulence, including conflicting reports over whether former acting CISA director Madhu Gottumukkala tried to push him out. Last week, Costello received transfer orders for possible reassignment. House Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., had said last month it was “good” that an earlier reported attempt to move Costello out of the CIO role had failed.
As CISA’s CIO, Costello helped address internal vulnerabilities, promoted new tools to enhance agency services, and advocated for increased use of artificial intelligence.
The departure comes amid broader leadership changes. Nick Andersen was recently named acting director to replace Gottumukkala, while acting chief human resources officer Kevin Diana also received transfer orders. Nomination of Sean Plankey to lead CISA remains stalled.
