USDA CISO Moves to NASA
Space Agency Taps Valarie Burks as Deputy CIO of IT SecurityChief Information Offices Linda Cureton announced Thursday Burks as deputy CIO of information technology security. Burks had been associate CIO for cyber and privacy policy and oversight at the Department of Agriculture since 2009.
At Agriculture, Burks developed and launched the USDA Certification and Accreditation Center of Excellence, aim at improving and mitigating system risks, reducing costs and improving the quality and standards for systems. She also had developed, managed and maintained IT infrastructure and equipment including network, desktop, video, web-hosting and telecommunications operations. Before joining the USDA, Burks held IT management jobs at Office of Management and Budget, Department of Commerce and Government Accountability Office.
"Valarie has a significant background and experience in IT management," Cureton said in a statement announcing the appointment. "That combined with her in-depth understanding of communications and holistic approach to IT security make her an invaluable asset to our efforts."
She replaces Jerry Davis, who last summer became deputy assistant secretary for information protection and management at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Burks earned a bachelor of science in computer science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a master of science in computer systems management from the University of Maryland, University College.