David Bottom leaves SEC to become CISO at Consulting Services Group

David Bottom, who served as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has recently announced his departure from the agency to take on a new role as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Consulting Services Group (CSG). In a post on LinkedIn, Bottom expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with colleagues committed to safeguarding investors, ensuring market integrity, and promoting capital formation.

At CSG, Bottom will focus on enhancing the company’s cybersecurity strategy and capabilities, leveraging his extensive experience from his time at the SEC, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the White House, and the Intelligence Community. By collaborating on innovative initiatives, Bottom aims to bolster cybersecurity measures for both public and private sector clients.

Before his tenure at the SEC, where he served as CIO from January 2020 to September 2025, Bottom played a crucial role in federal cloud and artificial intelligence deployment efforts while on special assignment to the CIO at the Office of Management and Budget. His impressive government career includes serving as both CIO and Chief Data Officer at the DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis, as well as holding leadership positions at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and IBM’s federal intelligence practice.

A graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a master’s degree in Information Systems Management from George Washington University, Bottom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role at CSG. His background in IT, intelligence analysis, and logistics support services will be invaluable in driving cybersecurity innovation and resilience in the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

In other recent executive moves, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has appointed Martin Kulldorff as the Chief Science Officer for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE). Kulldorff, a biostatistician and epidemiologist, joins HHS with a focus on developing evidence-based policies to improve public health outcomes.

Additionally, the Department of War is set to implement a 5 percent cap on fees charged by value-added resellers for specific IT products, aiming to streamline procurement processes and reduce costs. This change will impact IT products under special item number 3341 sold through the General Services Administration’s schedule contract, covering electronic equipment such as desktops, laptops, storage devices, and networking equipment.

Furthermore, researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory recently conducted a test using weapons-grade plutonium samples to assess the survivability of U.S. nuclear warheads against enemy missile defense systems. The experiment, conducted at the National Ignition Facility, simulated the extreme conditions a warhead might encounter during an attack, providing valuable insights for enhancing the resilience of the nation’s nuclear deterrent capabilities.

These noteworthy developments underscore the ongoing efforts across government agencies to strengthen security, advance scientific research, and enhance operational efficiency in response to emerging challenges. As talented leaders like David Bottom and Martin Kulldorff take on critical roles in shaping policy and technology landscapes, the public sector continues to drive innovation and resilience in an ever-changing world.