Government
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Industry Specific
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Next-Generation Technologies & Secure Development
Federal CIO Gregory Barbaccia Addresses Leadership Challenges in Memo

In January 2025, Gregory Barbaccia assumed the role of U.S. federal Chief Information Officer (CIO), becoming the sixth individual to do so in a span of eight years. Just five months into his administration, Barbaccia unveiled a memorandum outlining 16 operational principles aimed at addressing the issue of leadership turnover within federal IT.
The memo, devoid of mandates, budget details, or specific programs, delineates a framework built around three core themes: delivery, management, and culture. Its release coincides with Congress deliberating a budget plan that proposes the reduction of over 100,000 federal roles, compelling agencies to enhance productivity through modern technological solutions.
As stated in the memo, “This document captures the expectations we impose on ourselves and one another in our efforts to modernize the United States’ digital framework.” Barbaccia emphasized the need for a cultural shift, aiming to repair existing inadequacies and advance unfulfilled technological requirements. The principles articulate a clear expectation of trust, beginning with the assertion, “Trust is extended to you on day one and it is yours to lose.”
The principles are fundamentally behavioral rather than procedural, centering predominantly on establishing trust among IT leaders. Barbaccia cautions that a breach of trust represents a failure from which recovery is often elusive. The framework outlines a need for clarity in mission objectives, understanding systems holistically, and embracing cross-functional collaboration. This includes leaders being transparent about challenges, particularly those relating to technical debt and outdated contracts. Notably, Barbaccia frames workforce burnout as a national security issue, pushing for cultural reform that extends beyond traditional IT practices.
Barbaccia’s insights reflect a growing trend of federal leaders with private-sector backgrounds being appointed to rectify systemic issues. His approach diverges from traditional regulatory methods, advocating for a hands-on presence of technologists within sub-agencies and program offices. He believes that genuine change occurs through fostering relationships and demonstrating empathy.
However, Barbaccia faces significant hurdles. A recent report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office highlights that the federal government allocates over $100 billion annually for IT and cybersecurity initiatives, yet a considerable portion is directed towards maintaining legacy systems. For instance, the Social Security Administration oversees approximately 60 million lines of outdated COBOL code, incurring substantial ongoing maintenance costs.
Central to Barbaccia’s vision is a decisive action plan, which includes advising government CIOs to forgo discussions with firms that merely outline problems and instead engage those that offer practical solutions. His directive encourages a focus on actionable strategies, underscoring the necessity for effective implementation over theoretical debates.
The context of Barbaccia’s principles emerges during a period of notable turnover within federal IT leadership. As of mid-2025, several prominent U.S. agencies have appointed new CIOs, including the Departments of Interior, Treasury, and Energy. The recent resignation of Energy CIO Ross Graber, just weeks into his tenure, accentuates the ongoing instability in the sector.
Public reception of Barbaccia’s memorandum has been mixed. While some agency CIOs appreciate the clarity it provides, others perceive it as a symbolic gesture. Without accompanying funding or enforcement mechanisms, the successful adoption of these principles will depend heavily on voluntary compliance and reinforcement from senior officials within agencies.