Dawn Zimmer named permanent CIO of the Department of Energy

From acting to permanent: Zimmer’s leadership promises a new era for DOE’s tech strategy. Her vision could reshape how energy innovation meets digital security.

, and Administrator

2025 November 11 . 3:09 PM

1 min read

This picture is clicked inside the room. In this picture, we see a table on which laptop, speaker,... — This picture is clicked inside the room. In this picture, we see a table on which laptop, speaker, monitor, keyboard, ball, mouse, scanner and papers are placed. In the left bottom of the picture, we see a table on which electronic goods are placed. Behind that, we see a wall on which charts and posters are pasted.

Dawn Zimmer named permanent CIO of the Department of Energy

Dawn Zimmer has been officially installed as the Department of Energy's permanent Chief Information Officer (CIO). Her appointment comes after a period without a permanent CIO, following the departures of Ryan Riedel and Ross Graber from the role. Zimmer joined the Department of Energy in 2024 as principal deputy CIO and has been serving as acting CIO since then, demonstrating her commitment and expertise in the field. Her leadership will be crucial in coordinating IT across national laboratories and aligning IT with departmental goals, including the upcoming AI initiative. Prior to her role at DOE, Zimmer was executive director of IT experience and engagement at Virginia Tech. She also held various roles at the Federal Aviation Administration and the Justice Department, including her last role at the FAA directing business partnership services. As the new permanent CIO, Zimmer will oversee the Department's information technology and cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring systems are secure, efficient, and innovative. Her appointment is expected to provide stability and continuity in the CIO role, following the brief tenures of Riedel and Graber.