Washington State Appointed New Cybersecurity Chief
Gwen Gann has been named the new chief information security officer for Washington, overseeing state network strategy.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Cybersecurity
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Washington state has officially appointed Gwen Gann as its new chief information security officer. She succeeds Ralph Johnson, who retired from the role in the summer of 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment places a new leader at the helm of the Office of Cybersecurity as it continues to manage incident-response support and state network protection. This leadership transition follows a three-and-a-half-year tenure by the outgoing official.
Gann brings two decades of experience in technology leadership to the Office of Cybersecurity. Her career includes six years as chief information officer at Public Partnerships LLC and a previous role as technology director at HealthFirst.
The players
Gwen Gann
The newly appointed chief information security officer for Washington state with 20 years of experience in technology leadership.
Ralph Johnson
The former cyber lead at Washington Technology Solutions who served as CISO for three-and-a-half years until his retirement.
The details
The Office of Cybersecurity manages the state's overarching cybersecurity strategy and core network protection efforts. Its responsibilities include providing active monitoring services for state networks, technical support for incident response, and general assistance to agencies. The incoming chief will oversee these functions, which serve to maintain the integrity of public digital infrastructure across Washington state.
Timeline
Ralph Johnson retired from the government position in the summer of 2026.
Gwen Gann was officially announced as the new chief information security officer on September 21, 2026.
The Tech Race
The leadership change occurs within the established framework of the Washington Technology Solutions cybersecurity strategy. It maintains continuity in the state's approach to network protection and incident response protocols.
The transition in the Office of Cybersecurity directly affects how state agencies manage network assistance and incident-response support. Residents and businesses should expect continuity in existing security monitoring services as the new administration takes over operations.
The takeaway
The appointment signals a shift in leadership at the state agency level, maintaining a focus on core digital infrastructure protection. Watch for upcoming announcements regarding the new CISO's specific policy priorities and any adjustments to the current state incident-response protocols.
Further reading
For broader trends in state-level digital defense, review our Cybersecurity section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by StateScoop.
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