Hume Seminar Series: Driving Digital Innovation with the Central Intelligence Agency

About the Event:

In this seminar we will discuss how digital transformation enables mission success within the CIA and throughout the Intelligence Community. Ryon Klotz will provide an overview of how the CIA accelerates the delivery of secure, scalable solutions to maintain digital advantage in a rapidly evolving threat environment. We will discuss the role of his team in advancing innovation, with a particular focus on cloud adoption as a foundational capability while highlighting key successes, lessons learned, and how these efforts are shaping what comes next. We will also hear how modern technologies are applied responsibly and strategically in national security missions, as well as the skills and mindsets needed to contribute to this work.

About the Speaker:

Mr. Ryon Klotz assumed the role of Chief Information Officer (Acting) and Director, Information Technology Enterprise (Acting) at CIA on 5 October 2025.  In this capacity he is responsible for CIA’s information technology programs and resources, ensuring technology supports the agency's mission through strategic planning, investment, security, and efficient operations, focusing on areas like IT modernization, cybersecurity, data management, and IT workforce development.  Prior to this, he served as Deputy CIO for Information Technology Enterprise (ITE) at CIA, where he managed the strategic execution for ITE's program management and acquisition modernization, talent, and component management.  Mr. Klotz is the principal CIA executive overseeing the Agency's transition to the cloud, including acquisition and implementation. Mr. Klotz has over 26 years of federal government experience, including positions in enterprise IT engineering, tactical communications, field IT operations & maintenance, as well as the Intelligence Community's service provider for commercial cloud capabilities.

Mr. Klotz holds a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech, a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Baltimore, and Executive Certificates in Leadership & Management and Strategy & Innovation from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.