Two Six Technologies, a high-growth technology company dedicated to providing products and expertise to national security customers, announced that Daniel J. \u201cRags\u201d Ragsdale, Ph.D. has accepted a position in the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) as Deputy Assistant Director for Workforce and Education. Ragsdale will assume the new position on August 14, 2023, where he will focus on cyber workforce and education, as part of the national initiative announced by The White House on July 31, 2023. He will also be called upon to lead interagency coordination efforts and to serve in a mentorship capacity.<\/p>\n
Ragsdale brought to Two Six Technologies a 40-year record of service in the U.S. Army, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), and DARPA, amassing unparalleled expertise in cybersecurity and cyber operations. During his two years at Two Six, he made significant contributions, initially serving as Vice President for Research and Development, and later as Vice President for DoD Strategy. In both positions, his collaborative efforts contributed directly to the notable growth Two Six Technologies experienced in both sponsored research and sponsored transition during his tenure.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2018Rags\u2019 \u2013 as he\u2019s affectionately known \u2013 joined Two Six at a critical juncture, just six months after it was formed, and his contributions to and effect on his team and the company were immediate,\u201d said Joe Logue, CEO of Two Six Technologies. \u201cUnder his direction, the teams he led made a substantial impact on our organic growth and strategic expansion. We\u2019re not at all surprised Rags was recruited for this crucial role, where he\u2019ll apply his dedication, passion, and leadership skills to the benefit of our country\u2019s national security.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chris Inglis, who served as ONCD\u2019s inaugural Director, added: “Dan is a national treasure whose innumerable contributions to the cybersecurity profession over the course of three decades have inspired my work and thousands of others fortunate to have been mentored by him. His skills, experience, and leadership abilities will be an invaluable resource for the ONCD mission, in particular for the Technology and Ecosystem Line of Effort.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prior to Two Six Technologies, Ragsdale served as the DOD\u2019s Acting Director of Defense Research and Engineering for Modernization, where he was responsible for driving DOD-wide innovation by facilitating development and facilitation of advanced technologies for the Joint force. Before that, he was Principal Director for Cyber, responsible for coordinating cyber modernization efforts across the DOD.<\/p>\n
Earlier positions include founding director of the Texas A&M Cybersecurity Center; DARPA Program Manager, overseeing a $175M portfolio cybersecurity, cyber operations, and behavioral science R&D programs; 30 years in the U.S. Army in a variety of operational, R&D, and educational roles; and nearly 15 years on the faculty at the United States Military Academy, West Point, culminating as Vice Dean for Education.<\/p>\n
Ragsdale is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy. He earned a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Texas A&M University.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the past four decades I have had the good fortune to serve in a wide variety of leadership roles as a career Army officer, a DOD civilian, and in the private sector at Two Six Technologies,\u201d said Ragsdale. \u201cI absolutely resonate with Two Six\u2019s \u2018people first, mission-focused\u2019 mantra, and I\u2019m proud to have been part of the company\u2019s rapid growth over the past two years. I leave Two Six with a deep sense of accomplishment, and the utmost respect for its truly exceptional leadership team and consistently excellent personnel.\u201d<\/p>\n