Thomas Gonzalez serves as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency’s (CISA) Acting Regional Director for Region 9, where he leads the effort to protect and advance the resilience of the nation’s physical and cyber infrastructure in the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, the territories of American Samoa and Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Prior to his appointment as (A) Regional Director, Mr. Gonzalez served as Region 9’s Regional Operations Chief, responsible for all aspects of the CISA mission implemented across the region’s area of responsibility.
Before coming to CISA, Mr. Gonzalez served as the Assistant Deputy Federal Security Director for the DHS Pacific Threat Assessment Branch, which included the Behavioral Detection Program; Pacific Explosive Detection K9 program, and the Pacific Technical Security Specialist – Explosives Program throughout the State of Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. Mr. Gonzalez also served as the DHS Pacific Senior Counter Threat Officer for Improvised, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), Counter Unmanned Arial System’s (CUAS), and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) threats and vulnerability assessments.
Mr. Gonzalez served in the U.S. Army for 27 years, retiring on Oct. 1, 2010. He achieved the rank of Command Sergeant Major. During his time of service, Mr. Gonzalez received numerous accolades, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with “V” device and Oakleaf cluster; Purple Heart; Defense Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters; Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters; Joint Service Commendation Medal with two Oakleaf Clusters; Army Commendation Medal with one Silver Leaf Cluster.
Mr. Gonzalez was a founder and corporate officer for the U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Association and served as a subject matter expert for the Congressional EOD Caucus. Additionally, he currently serves as an ambassador for the EOD Warrior Foundation, raising awareness and support for EOD warriors and their families that have been wounded or paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.
Mr. Gonzalez holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Regis University; a master’s degree in business administration, concentrating in Finance and Strategic management from the University of Wisconsin; a master’s degree in diplomacy from Norwich University; and a master’s degree in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University, National War College.
Mr. Gonzalez is married to the former Eva Morales of Anthony, New Mexico.