Justice Department Announces Joseph F. Klimavicz as
New Chief Information Officer

The Department of Justice today announced that Joseph F. Klimavicz will become its new chief information officer (CIO), arriving in late May. Klimavicz will provide leadership and oversight of the department’s information technology programs and services in support of the department’s technology-intensive law enforcement mission.

Klimavicz will replace Luke McCormack, who left the department in November 2013. Kevin Deeley, deputy CIO, has served as acting CIO since McCormack’s departure. Deeley will continue to serve as deputy CIO.

“Joe has the leadership and technical skills needed to oversee the Justice Department’s information management and technology programs,” said Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole. “Joe is well positioned to lead the department’s efforts to continue to enhance our cyber security protections and our law enforcement sharing programs. As acting CIO, Kevin has ensured that the department’s overall information technology efforts have remained on track and that our cyber security programs have remained strong. I want to thank him for his leadership during this time of transition.”

The Office of the CIO provides strategic direction, management services and oversight to cross-component information technology efforts, and provides IT infrastructure services such as telecommunications, desktop and data center services and IT security.

Prior to joining the department, Klimavicz was the CIO of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at the Department of Commerce since January 2007. In that capacity, he was responsible for all aspects of the acquisition, management and use of NOAA’s information technology resources, to include NOAA’s high performance computing and communications infrastructure. During his tenure at NOAA, he strengthened the agency’s cyber security posture, consolidated and expanded high performance computing and modernized a variety of business systems.

Klimavicz served as deputy CIO for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency from December 2003 to January 2007. While there, he managed the design, implementation and operation of the information technology infrastructure. Klimavicz has served in various roles in the Department of Defense, including director of the Enterprise Services Office and Chief, Infrastructure Operations and Support Division for the National Imagery and Mapping Agency.

He received a U.S. Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Executive Service for his outstanding efforts in information technology in 2012. Klimavicz received Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering degrees from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1983 and 1988, respectively.